Homeschooling in American Samoa: How To Homeschool While Following State Laws

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 What was once seen as old-fashioned and outdated is now a modern way to educate the next generation.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 American Samoa. Know the American Samoa homeschool state laws and regulations in your state so you can homeschool properly.

Quick Facts:

• There is one way to homeschool

• Children between 5-18 of age must be in school 

• You MUST notify your local school district of your intentions

• There ARE teacher qualifications

• There ARE state mandated subjects 

• There are NO required assessments or testing

• There are NO immunization requirements

How to homeschool in American Samoa

• Understand that in American Samoa, homeschools operate under the private school statute and are recognized as private schools

• Submit a form to the Department of Education every year that includes the following:
  • Statement of the aims and purposes of your homeschool
  • Names and addresses of sponsors and supporters of the school
  • Ages, grades, and sexes of the child or children enrolled
  • Amount of tuition to be charged
  • Curriculum

• Verify that the instructors meet the requirements to teach by holding a certificate of qualification granted by the Department of Education

• Submit a monthly enrollment report to the Department of Education

• Submit an annual report to the Department of Education including the following:
  • Calendar for the school year
  • List of the teachers’ names, ages, experience and professional qualities
  • Curriculum
  • Schedule of classes

• Ensure that your school calendar follows the public school calendars
• Include citizenship in the subjects taught
• Keep permanent report cards for each student

Helpful links:

https://www.doe.as/

https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/non-public-education/regulation-map/americansamoa.html

Contact Information–State and Federal Departments of Education

• American Samoa
  Department of Education
  Pago Pago, AS 96799
  Phone: (684) 633-5237
  Fax: (684) 633-4240
  Website: http://www.asdoe.net/

• U.S. Department of Education, American Samoa

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.