The Arkansas Homeschool Testing Office announced Friday that testing packets have been mailed out. Homeschool students in grades three through nine are required to take standardized tests in April of every year.

This year four test sites convenient to Little Rock and North Little Rock are available for homeschoolers. Online registration will begin next week after all parents have received their packets.

Parents can elect to take the state provided standardized test at any one of the locations listed on the testing office's website. There is no charge for the test. Once registered for a test site, parents cannot change their minds.

Another testing option for parents is to have students take an alternate test. Parents must purchase one of the approved tests from a list of providers. Testing sites and test proctors must be provided by the parents at the parents' expense.

Some students are exempt from mandatory testing. Students with special needs may be exempt, contact the testing office if this situation pertains to you. Students who sign up to homeschool after March 8, 2010 are exempt from 2010 mandatory testing.

Little Rock homeschoolers can choose from one of these three locations:

Site #24: Friday 4/9/2010, am testing all grades, no pm testing
Little Rock 1
Fellowship Bible Church
1401 Kirk Road
Little Rock, Arkansas 72223

Site #25: Friday 4/16/2010, am testing all grades, no pm testing
Little Rock 2
Fellowship Bible Church
1401 Kirk Road
Little Rock, Arkansas 72223

Site #29: Monday 4/12/2010, am testing all grades, no pm testing
North Little Rock
Central Baptist Church
5200 Fairway Avenue
North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116

Site #33: Tuesday 4/13/2010, am testing all grades, no pm testing
Pulaski County North/South
Summit Church
6600 Crystal Hill Road
North Little Rock, Arkansas 72118
 

Stay informed! Check out the Arkansas Homeschools Blog for up to date information about Arkansas homeschooling.