Below is a summary of Alaska 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.
Alaska has four options available for non-public education with varying requirements.
Homeschool
Alaska has minimal requirements for operating a traditional homeschool.
Can I Teach?
There is no state requirement for you to meet in order to teach.
Do I Have to Notify the State?
No. There is no formal requirement to notify the state of your intent to homeschool.
However, I would strongly recommend sending a written notice to your local school district informing them of your intent to homeschool your children and keep a copy for your records.
How Many Days a Year do I Have to Teach?
There is no requirement for the number of school days or hours. Alaska’s public school year is 180 days, so it would be a good idea to stay close to that number for your homeschool and keep attendance.
Private Tutor
The private tutor option has additional requirements for the competence of your hired tutor.
Can I Teach?
Your tutor must be a certified teacher as required by state law.
Do I Have to Notify the State?
No. There is no formal requirement to notify the state of your intent to homeschool.
However, I would strongly recommend sending a written notice to your local school district informing them of your intent to homeschool your children and keep a copy for your records.
How Many Days a Year do I Have to Teach?
There is no requirement for the number of school days or hours. Alaska’s public school year is 180 days, so it would be a good idea to stay close to that number for your homeschool and keep attendance.
Correspondence School
Your child may be enrolled in a correspondence school supported by your local school district or another district in the state. Alaska provides a virtual school that meets this requirement.
Can I Teach?
You don’t have to! Yay! Teaching will be handled by the teachers of the correspondence school.
But don’t think that gets you off the hook. You better be helping your kids at home! I’m watching you!
Do I Have to Notify the State?
No. There is no formal requirement to notify the state of your intent to homeschool.
However, I would strongly recommend sending a written notice to your local school district informing them of your intent to homeschool your children and keep a copy for your records.
How Many Days a Year do I Have to Teach?
There is no requirement for the number of school days or hours. Alaska’s public school year is 180 days, so it would be a good idea to stay close to that number for your homeschool and keep attendance.
Religious or Private School
While this isn’t really a “homeschool” option, per se, I wanted to include it anyway for your reference.
My husband went to Catholic School, and I can’t say I’m disappointed in how he turned out.
Can I Teach?
Teaching will be handled by the teachers of the religious or private school.
You’re still not off the hook with helping at home. Always be involved in your child’s education.
Do I Have to Notify the State?
Yes. You must do the following:
- File an annual notice of enrollment with your local superintendent.
- Submit monthly attendance records for each student.
- Administer standardized tests for all students in grades four, six, and eight.
- Maintain records of immunizations, physical examinations, standardized testing,
academic achievement, courses taken at the school, and level of eligibility for an
Alaska performance scholarship.
How Many Days a Year do I Have to Teach?
The religious or private school must have 180 days of school.
Compulsory Attendance Age
The compulsory attendance age is the age range in which your child must be attending school of some type.
In Alaska, this range is 7 years to 16 years.
If a child is already enrolled in first grade and is 6 years old, their compulsory education window begins at 6. The exception to this is if the child is withdrawn within 60 days.
Public School Sports
The Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA) allows homeschool students to enroll and participate in sports at a school in their area.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully this summary of Alaska 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!
