Best Homeschooling Programs in Arkansas

With increasing concerns about educational quality and the potential risks of traditional school environments, many parents are exploring homeschooling as an alternative. Homeschooling offers a way to address these concerns head-on, and Arkansas is one of the best states for a home-based education.                                                                             

Arkansas has some of the most flexible homeschooling requirements in the country. While families must file a Notice of Intent to homeschool, the state offers a lot of freedom when it comes to what you teach and how to structure your home learning. Parents can choose the curriculum and the format that best fits their child and family.

Just because you can choose from a wide range of homeschool programs in Arkansas, it doesn’t mean that all options are equal. With Bridgeway Academy’s homeschool programs, you get expert-developed lesson plans, one-to-one academic advisors, and resources for both your child and you. Other programs may not be nearly as robust or offer your child the quality of education you’re looking for.

Even so, choosing the best homeschooling programs in Arkansas isn’t necessarily easy. To help you understand your options and make the right choice for your child and family, we’ve outlined some of the most important factors to consider.

Why Accreditation Matters

Many Arkansas parents choose homeschooling because of concerns over the quality of traditional education options. Homeschool programs offer a wide range of educational opportunities, whether you’re planning to teach your child yourself or prefer to use online classes for your child’s instruction. However, not every program delivers the level of education you may be looking for. One way to evaluate a homeschool program’s quality is by checking for accreditation.

Accredited homeschool programs have been reviewed and approved by independent agencies such as Cognia. These programs must meet—or exceed—strict academic standards to earn accreditation.

Accreditation is not just about academic rigor and your child’s homeschool experience. It also helps to ensure that your child’s education is recognized by colleges, universities, trade programs, and potential future employers. As you explore homeschool options, keep an eye out for the Cognia seal and any additional certifications or honors that speak to the program’s credibility and quality.

Proven Track Record and Real-World Results

When COVID-19 swept the globe, it forced many families to rethink education and homeschooling rose significantly. Current homeschooling rates in Arkansas, while lower than their COVID peak, still show a significant and steady increase over the last 25 years . More and more families have seen the value of homeschooling and are choosing to keep their children’s education at home.

Because of this growth in the state and across the country, there are more homeschooling resources available than ever before. But while homeschool programs have multiplied rapidly in the last five years, all promising a rich education for homeschooled children, not all have the expertise necessary to back up their claims. The best homeschool programs in Arkansas have the history, reputation, and knowledge necessary to deliver.

There is a clear difference between a newly-created homeschool program and one with decades of experience supporting homeschool families. As you explore your options, approach programs launched in the last five years with caution. Seek out reviews from other parents: What was their experience like? How did their children perform, and where are they now? Be sure to also take a close look at the foundation of each program: Who developed it? What expertise informs it? And what outcomes can you realistically expect for your child?

Dedicated Academic Support from Real Advisors

Academic support is a crucial component of most homeschool programs, but how that support is delivered can vary widely. Many homeschool providers rely on a call center model for academic advising, where a rotating team handles questions and concerns as they come in. As a result, you and your child may speak with someone different each time you call.

While call centers guarantee someone will always pick up the phone, the advantages often end there. The guidance you receive may be broad, coming from someone who isn’t familiar with your child’s educational journey. While they may have good intentions, these advisors don’t know your child’s goals, interests, or what motivates them to learn.

The best homeschool programs in Arkansas offer personalized, one-to-one academic advising. Your child is matched with an academic advisor who becomes a consistent partner in their education. Over time, a dedicated advisor can build a relationship with your child, offering tailored guidance that reflects their needs, ambitions, and learning style. This helps to ensure more meaningful, effective support every step of the way.

Homeschool Communities and Groups

As homeschooling grows in Arkansas—and, as modern technology makes it easier than ever to connect—there’s no reason for you or your child to feel isolated in your homeschooling journey.  A great homeschooling program actively facilitates meaningful connections with other homeschooling families.

Today’s homeschooling experience often includes virtual meet-ups, online and in-person field trips, and even live graduation ceremonies. Your homeschool program should offer opportunities to connect with other students around the corner and around the world. Homeschool communities and groups allow them to engage with other students through shared academics, athletics, or common interests.

These connections are just as important for parents. Parent-focused homeschool communities and groups provide you with a space to connect with other parents, allowing you to share resources and advice, and supporting each other through your child’s educational journey.

Tailored Learning That Fits Your Child

One of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is the ability to craft a truly personalized educational experience tailored to your child’s interests, learning style, and needs. Every child is different, and a traditional, one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for most.

Homeschooling allows you to customize everything about how your child learns, including the subjects they study, the way they study them, and the basic structure of their school day. By aligning with your child’s natural strengths and preferences, you can give them the best chance to thrive academically.

The best homeschooling programs in Arkansas understand this. They learn about your child’s unique learning style and needs, make individual recommendations, and help you build a custom curriculum and approach to help your child succeed. The leading programs are built on educational expertise that comes from years of both advanced education and hands-on experience.

Eligible for Arkansas Homeschool Grants

While there are many ways to homeschool in Arkansas and many homeschool programs to choose from, some of those programs are eligible for funding through state resources.

The Arkansas Education Freedom Account program is an educational savings account intended to support school choice in the state. Families who choose to teach their children outside of a public school are eligible to receive funding to support those educational efforts.

EFA funding can be used for a wide range of expenses, from private school tuition and uniforms to music lessons and homeschool curriculum. The program works on a reimbursement basis, which means that parents must first pay for these resources up front. To ensure that their expenses are funded, choosing a well-established, respected homeschool program is key. 

Choosing the Best Homeschool Programs in Arkansas

If you’re looking for the best homeschool program in Arkansas, consider Bridgeway Academy. As an approved service provider under the Education Freedom Account in Arkansas, Bridgeway Academy offers resources and support to help Arkansas families provide their children with a high-quality education that meets their unique needs.

With more than 35 years of support for homeschool families, one-on-one academic advising, a 96% success rate in matching students to the right curriculum and learning plan, and robust virtual and in-person communities (including Parent Connections), Bridgeway Academy’s accredited homeschool programs meet all the criteria, including being accredited by Cognia, to help you provide a high-quality education that meets the unique needs of your child and family.

Bridgeway Academy’s comprehensive homeschool program options allow you to select the products and services you need for a customized education package. With everything from community groups to online classes with live teachers, we tailor our offerings to meet your child’s needs based on their learning style, personality, educational level, and future goals.

Contact us for more information by calling toll-free at (800) 863-1474 or register to attend our next virtual open house!