0

Homeschooling in Alabama offers families the flexibility to tailor education according to their children’s learning needs and family values. Whether you’re researching how to start homeschooling in Alabama, curious about AL homeschool laws, or looking into low-cost resources, this guide walks you through the process clearly and confidently.

How Do I Start Homeschooling in Alabama?

Alabama law provides three legal pathways:

1. Church School – Enroll in an accredited church school. File a church school enrollment certificate with your local superintendent, keep attendance logs, and comply with any church-specific policies.
2. Home‑Based Private School – Establish your own private school at home. File an initial enrollment report to your county or city superintendent within five days after the start of the public school year, then submit a weekly attendance report.
3. Private Tutor – Hire a tutor who holds an Alabama teaching certificate. The tutor must teach all public‑school subjects for at least three hours per day, 140 days per year, and must register both attendance and hours to the superintendent.

No state‑level registration is required beyond these notices, but you must keep thorough records (see Recordkeeping).

Alabama Homeschool Laws

Compulsory Education Ages

Children ages 6 through 17 must be enrolled in school; homeschooling under any of the three options satisfies this requirement. (hslda.org)

Notification Requirements

• Church Schools: File a one‑time church school enrollment form with your local superintendent; no annual filing.
• Private Schools (Home‑Based): Report all enrolled students to the superintendent within five days after public school begins, and then submit attendance reports weekly.
• Private Tutors: Submit a statement to the superintendent listing students, subjects, and schedule before instruction begins; keep a daily register of hours and attendance.

Attendance and Instruction Requirements

• Church School: First, enroll your child in a church school that offers home-based instruction. After enrolling, file a Church School Enrollment Form with your local superintendent. This form is only required once and does not need to be renewed annually.
• Home-Based Private School: At the end of the fifth day from the opening of public school, the teacher (parent) of a private school must report on forms provided by the Alabama State Department of Education the names and addresses of all children of compulsory attendance age enrolled in the private school. Weekly, the teacher should report attendance for all enrolled students and any new students who have joined. This is in addition to maintaining a daily attendance register.
• Private Tutor: Submit a signed statement before instruction begins, listing students, subjects, and the instructional schedule.

Required Subjects

The state does not prescribe specific subjects for private or church schools beyond public‑school equivalence, but the statute requires that private schools include a program of physical education and verify immunization (or valid exemption).

Most families teach reading, spelling, language arts, math, science, social studies, plus art/music, and PE to ensure a well‑rounded education.

Recordkeeping

Maintain (and retain) at least:

• Daily attendance register
• Immunization records or exemptions
• Course outlines or lesson summaries (recommended)

These documents are not submitted annually but must be available for review by local authorities.

In addition, new enrollments and weekly attendance reports need to be sent to the county or city superintendent.

Standardized Testing

Alabama does not require standardized testing for any homeschool option. However, families may choose optional assessments (e.g., Iowa Assessments) to monitor progress.

How Much Does Homeschooling Cost in Alabama?

Costs range from nearly free to several hundred dollars per year based on curriculum and materials. You can combine free resources (Khan Academy, Easy Peasy Homeschool, public libraries, local co‑ops) with mastery‑based, multisensory programs such as All About Reading, All About Spelling, and All About Math for a balanced approach.

Alabama does not currently provide direct financial assistance or stipends to families who homeschool independently through church schools, home-based private schools, or private tutors. However, beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, eligible families may apply for Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) under Alabama’s CHOOSE Act. Initially, these ESAs are available to qualifying families with incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level or with children who have special needs. Funds can be used for approved educational expenses, but are not available to all homeschoolers until 2027, when universal eligibility may be phased in.

Public virtual academies like Alabama Connections Academy and Alabama Virtual Academy are publicly funded and free to families, but enrollment in these programs classifies the student as a public school student, not an independent homeschooler under Alabama law. For more details, visit https://classwallet.com/alchoose/.

How Do I Enroll My Child in Homeschooling in Alabama?

1. Withdraw from any existing public school by written notice.
2. Choose your homeschool pathway (church school, home‑based private school, or private tutor).
3. File required notices with your local superintendent (see Notification Requirements).
4. Begin instruction immediately; no waiting period.

What Do I Need to Homeschool in Alabama?

Curriculum and Learning Materials

Homeschoolers choose curricula freely. We recommend multisensory, mastery‑based programs like All About Reading, All About Spelling, and All About Math, which work with any method and support students who thrive on step‑by‑step instruction. There is also the option to supplement with free or low‑cost digital and community‑based resources.

Required Subjects (K–12)

Though not strictly mandated, students should study:

• Reading and Spelling
• Language Arts (grammar, writing, literature studies)
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• Physical Education
• Fine Arts

Tips for a Successful Homeschooling Experience

Successful homeschooling begins with a blend of structure, support, and flexibility. One of the first steps is to create a designated learning space; this doesn’t have to be a formal classroom. It can be as simple as the dining room table, a quiet corner with a small desk, or a cozy spot with a lap desk and bookshelf. The key is consistency: having a place where your child knows it’s time to focus helps reduce distractions and builds a learning mindset.

Setting daily or weekly learning goals is another great way to provide structure while allowing for flexibility. A daily goal might be, “Work on math for 20 minutes and read one chapter of a science book.” A weekly goal could be, “Write a short story, learn five new spelling words, and complete a nature journal entry after visiting the park.” These goals help track progress without being overwhelming and can be adjusted based on your child’s pace and needs.

Support is just as important. Alabama homeschoolers benefit from connecting with local co-ops, park days, and community events. Consider visiting Alabama museums, nature centers, or state parks to supplement lessons. Many organizations offer homeschool-specific days or workshops. These offer not only social time for kids but also support and encouragement for parents.

Finally, be open to refining your methods as you discover how your child learns best. When you combine routine, a dedicated space, achievable goals, and community connection, you set the stage for a rich and rewarding homeschool experience.

If you’re new to homeschooling or want tips from veteran homeschoolers, check out these free resources:

• How to Start Homeschooling
• Free Resources for Teaching at Home
• 7 Tips for Staying Organized
• 6 Inexpensive Ways to Build Your Home Library
• I’m Thinking About Homeschooling, but…
• What I Wish I Knew Before Homeschooling

FAQ About Homeschooling in Alabama

Does Alabama have education savings accounts?

Alabama’s CHOOSE Act, effective for the 2025–2026 school year, establishes an Education Savings Account (ESA) program that allows eligible homeschool families to receive up to $2,000 per student (and up to $4,000 for multiple students). Initially, ESA awards are reserved for students with special needs and families with incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level; universal eligibility for all income levels begins in 2027 (https://classwallet.com/alchoose/).

Do parents need qualifications to homeschool?

No credentials required except when using the private tutor option (tutor must be state‑certified).

Can I homeschool someone else’s child?

Yes, as long as proper notices are filed under your private school or tutor status.

What are the best curriculum options?

Many families choose All About Reading, All About Spelling, and All About Math. Other options include unit studies, Charlotte Mason, classical, and literature‑based programs—select the curriculum that best fits your student, rather than trying to have your student fit the curriculum.

Disclaimer:

All information is current as of May 2025. This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) for official guidance.

Resources

_________________________

Alabama Department of Education: https://www.alabamaachieves.org/

HSLDA – Alabama: https://hslda.org/legal/alabama

Homeschool Alabama: https://www.homeschoolalabama.org/

All About Learning Press: https://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/free-resources/