by Rita Onyx
This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.
Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular. Just in the last years alone, homeschooling rose up by 700%. What was once seen as old-fashioned and outdated is now a modern way to educate the next generation.
There are many benefits to homeschooling; it gives parents freedom in choosing the curriculums and subjects their children learn. Remote learning also ensures their children are kept safe, away from potential dangers like bullying or viruses in public schools. It’s a win-win situation.
Thinking of homeschooling your children too? Then follow this quick guide on how to homeschool your children if you live in Alabama. Know the Alabama homeschool state laws and regulations in your state so you can homeschool properly.
Quick Facts:
There are 3 ways to homeschool:
- Church School
- Private School
- Private Tutor
Requirements:
- Children between 6-17 of age must be in school (church school students may withdraw at 16)
- You must notify your local school district of your intentions to homeschool
- There are NO teacher qualifications BUT if you have a private tutor they must be certified
- There are NO state mandated subjects
- There are NO required assessments or testing
- There are no immunization requirements, EXCEPT for private school enrollment
How to homeschool with a church school
- Enroll your child in a church school that enrolls homeschool students
- Notify the superintendent of your local public school by filing a church school enrollment certificate (the church school you choose will have the form)
- Keep a record of attendance
- Follow the church school policies regarding specifics like qualifications, instructions, mandated subjects etc.
How to homeschool with a private school
- Decide whether you want to establish your own home-based private school or enroll in an existing private school (parents can establish their own home-based private school)
- Enroll your child in either your home-based private school or a school that accepts homeschooled students
- Notify the superintendent of your local public school
- Keep a record of attendance
- Show proof of immunizations or medical or religious exemption from immunizations (required for private schools)
- Include physical education in your program (required for private schools)
How to homeschool with a private tutor
- Private tutor must be an Alabama-certified teacher and speak English (Alabama requires a tutor’s instruction be taught in English)
- Must have at least 3 hours a day and 140 days a year of instruction
- Hours of instruction must be between 8:00am-4:00pm
- Subjects must be the same subjects taught in public schools
- Tutor must submit a list of the students, subjects taught, and schedule to the county or city superintendent
- Tutor must keep a record of their hours, attendance, and subjects taught per day
Helpful links:
https://www.homeschoolalabama.org/alabama-law
https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/non-public-education/regulation-map/alabama.html
Contact Information–State and Federal Departments of Education
- Alabama State Department of Education
5227 Gordon Persons Building
50 North Ripley Street
P.O. Box 302101
Montgomery, AL 36104-3833
Phone: (334) 242-9700
Fax: (334) 242-9708
Private School Registration: (334) 242-9960
Homeschooling: (334) 242-8165
Website: http://www.alsde.edu
- U.S. Department of Education, Alabama