This study aims to investigate the dynamic behaviour of a parabolic arch with initial deflection by using the elasto-plastic finite element model where the von-Mises yield criteria have been adopted. The initial deflection of arch was assumed by the high order polynomial of ${omega}_i$ = ${omega}_o$${(1-{(2x/L)}^m)}^n$) and the sinusoidal profile of ${omega}_i$ = ${omega}_o$$sin$(n$pi$x/L). Several numerical examples were tested considering symmetric initial deflection modes when the maximum initial deflection of an arch is fixed as L/500, L/1000, L/2000 or L/5000. The effects of polynomials order on the dynamic behavior of arch were not conspicuous. The most unfavorite dynamic response occurs when the maximum initial deflection varies from L/1000 to L/4000 if the initial deflection mode is represented by high order polynomials.