Family Life Pathways™
Homeschool Journey
Homeschooling in Arkansas is legal, welcoming, and growing. Whether you're asking 'Is this right for us?' or preparing your senior for graduation, NWA's homeschool community has walked this path before you.
Stage 1 of 5
Thinking About Homeschooling
You've been wondering if homeschooling is right for your family. It's a big decision — and a rewarding one. Start here.
HSLDA — Arkansas Homeschool Law
Legal ResourceArkansas has straightforward homeschool laws. Annual notification to your school district is all that's required. HSLDA provides detailed state-specific legal guidance.
MamaBear Village Homeschool Hub
Local ResourceOur comprehensive guide to homeschooling in NWA — co-ops, curriculum, library programs, and more.
NWA Homeschool Facebook Community
CommunityActive local Facebook groups where NWA homeschool families share ideas, co-op information, and answer each other's questions.
APACHE Homeschool Co-op
Co-opVisit an APACHE co-op day as a prospective family to see NWA homeschooling in action.
📍 NW Arkansas
💡 Helpful Tips
- •Talk to 3-5 homeschool families in your area before deciding — their real experiences are the best research.
- •There is no single 'right way' to homeschool. Explore styles: classical, Charlotte Mason, unschooling, eclectic.
- •You don't need a teaching degree or a perfect curriculum to start. Most homeschool parents learned as they went.
➡️ Next Steps
Submit your Letter of Intent to your local school district. This is all Arkansas legally requires to begin homeschooling.
Stage 2 of 5
Getting Started
You've decided to homeschool! Now it's time to set up your rhythm, connect with community, and find your first curriculum.
APACHE Homeschool Co-op
Co-opOne of Arkansas's largest Christian homeschool co-ops. Community days, enrichment classes, and events for all ages.
📍 NW Arkansas
Fayetteville Public Library — Homeschool Programs
LibraryFree library card for AR residents, homeschool enrichment programs, STEM workshops, and meeting rooms.
📍 Fayetteville, AR
Khan Academy
Free ResourceFree, world-class education supplement for every grade and subject. Create a free account today.
Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool
Free CurriculumCompletely free, structured K-12 curriculum. Many families use it as their complete daily curriculum.
💡 Helpful Tips
- •Start with a loose schedule and adjust. Your first year is about learning what works for your family.
- •Join a local co-op early — the community support makes a huge difference.
- •Don't overbuy curriculum right away. Many families try 2-3 options before finding the right fit.
➡️ Next Steps
Set up a dedicated learning space, create a simple daily rhythm, and attend one co-op or homeschool event this month.
Stage 3 of 5
Curriculum Selection
Finding the right curriculum is personal. NWA families use a wide range — from boxed curricula to free online programs. Here are the most popular options.
Classical Conversations NWA
Classical CurriculumStructured classical curriculum with weekly community days. Memory-based learning covering history, science, math, grammar, and Latin.
📍 Bentonville / Rogers
Abeka
Traditional CurriculumTraditional Christian curriculum, strong in phonics and math. Structured and comprehensive K-12.
Sonlight
Literature-BasedLiterature-rich curriculum using real books. Excellent for history and language arts. All-in-one packages.
Teaching Textbooks
Math CurriculumSelf-paced, self-grading math for grades 3-12. A favorite among NWA homeschool families.
💡 Helpful Tips
- •Curriculum fairs and Facebook Marketplace are great places to buy used curriculum at a fraction of the cost.
- •Your curriculum style should match your child's learning style, not just the most popular option.
- •It's OK to mix and match — many families use different approaches for different subjects.
➡️ Next Steps
Attend a local curriculum fair or connect with other NWA homeschool families to see curricula in person before buying.
Stage 4 of 5
Finding Co-ops
Co-ops provide structure, community, friendships, and enrichment you can't replicate at home. NWA has several excellent options.
APACHE Co-op
Co-opOne of Arkansas's oldest and largest Christian homeschool co-ops. Weekly community days with academic and enrichment classes.
📍 NW Arkansas
Classical Conversations NWA
Co-opWeekly community program using the classical model. Academic and community learning together.
📍 NW Arkansas
Heritage Homeschool Co-op
Co-opFaith-based co-op with structured classes and active parent participation.
📍 Rogers, AR
Living Waters Christian Co-op
Co-opCommunity-focused co-op with weekly enrichment and family fellowship.
📍 Springdale, AR
💡 Helpful Tips
- •Most co-ops require parent participation — budget time for this when considering options.
- •Try a co-op for a full semester before deciding if it's a good fit.
- •Kids who struggle socially often thrive in co-op settings — the community is welcoming.
➡️ Next Steps
Visit two or three local co-ops as a guest family. Most welcome visitors.
Stage 5 of 5
High School Planning
Homeschooling through high school is fully legal and increasingly recognized by colleges and employers. With good planning, your homeschooler can graduate with confidence.
NWA Community College — Dual Enrollment
Dual EnrollmentHomeschool students ages 16+ can earn college credit while finishing high school. Affordable and widely accepted.
📍 Bentonville, AR
Arkansas Virtual School
Online SchoolState-accredited online courses for homeschool students. AP courses, specialized subjects, and dual credit options.
HSLDA — High School Guide
Legal/PlanningComprehensive guide to homeschool transcripts, diplomas, college admissions, and graduation requirements.
Khan Academy SAT Prep
Test PrepFree, official SAT prep in partnership with College Board. Excellent for homeschool seniors preparing for college.
💡 Helpful Tips
- •Start keeping a formal transcript in 9th grade. Include course descriptions, textbooks, grades, and hours.
- •Many universities actively recruit homeschool graduates — don't assume you'll face obstacles.
- •Dual enrollment at NWACC is one of the best opportunities for NWA homeschool seniors — take advantage of it.
➡️ Next Steps
Download a free homeschool transcript template from HSLDA and start documenting your student's high school coursework today.
Connect with Others on This Journey
NWA has one of the most vibrant homeschool communities in Arkansas. Connect, ask questions, and find your people here.