Below is a summary of Alabama Homeschool Laws to help you ensure your homeschool is compliant.
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Note: The information below is not to be considered legal advice. I’m a homeschool mom with an interest in helping you, not a lawyer. I strongly recommend that you contact your state education department if you have questions specific to your circumstances.
Alabama has three options available for non-public education with varying requirements.
Church School
You can teach your child at home after registering through a Church School. Church Schools are operated by local churches, and you can find a directory of these schools at Homeschoolalabama.org.
Can I Teach?
There is no state requirement for you to meet in order to teach. However, it’s possible that the Church School you join may have some requirements of their own, so make sure to check with them before you sign up.
Do I Have to Notify the State?
Yes. You must report your child’s enrollment in the church school on a form provided by your local school district.
Enrollment must only be reported once (unless leaving the church school and then re-enrolling in one later).
You must keep an attendance register for your child.
How Many Days a Year do I Have to Teach?
There is no requirement for the number of school days or hours. Alabama’s public school year is 180 days, so it would be a good idea to stay close to that number for your homeschool.
Private School
Private Schools can be established in your home or you can join an existing Private School that allows home instruction.
Can I Teach?
There is no state requirement for you to meet in order to teach. However, it’s possible that the Private School you join may have some requirements of their own, so make sure to check with them before you sign up.
Do I Have to Notify the State?
Yes. At the end of the fifth day from the opening of public school, you or your private school administrator must report to the state and local school district the names and addresses of all enrolled students.
You must keep an attendance register for your child.
How Many Days a Year do I Have to Teach?
There is no requirement for the number of school days or hours. Alabama’s public school year is 180 days, so it would be a good idea to stay close to that number for your homeschool.
Private Tutoring
Private tutoring doesn’t require registration with an organization, but there are more recordkeeping requirements than the other two options.
Can I Teach?
You or your hired tutor must be a certified teacher in the State of Alabama.
Do I Have to Notify the State?
Yes. You must report your child’s enrollment with a private tutor on a form provided by your local school district. The tutor must report the name(s) of the student(s) being instructed, the subjects taught, and period of instruction.
Additionally, the tutor must keep a log of daily instruction hours and attendance.
How Many Days a Year do I Have to Teach?
Private tutors must offer instruction for at least three hours per day, between the hours of 8 AM and 4 PM. This must occur 140 days a year.
Compulsory Attendance Age
The compulsory attendance age is the age range in which your child must be attending school of some type.
In Alabama, this range is 6 years to 17 years.
A parent may submit a written notice to the local school board to delay enrollment of their child until the age of 7. Children attending Church School may withdraw from school at the age of 16.
Public School Sports
The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) allows homeschool students to enroll and participate in sports in their school zone.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully this summary of Alabama Homeschool Laws gets you started on your homeschool journey with your family!
If you’re just getting started, you’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed.
The Home Learning Kit can help!
It’s a package of handy learning tools to make your homeschool more fun and engaging, curated by yours truly. Check it out!
