Alabama Homeschool Laws
Homeschooling in Alabama
How do I start homeschooling?
Choose which method you will use.
- Enroll in an Alabama Church School
- Set up your homeschool as a private, non-public school
- Hire (or become) a certified state tutor
Withdraw from any school you are currently enrolled in (if applicable).
Choose your curriculum or learning style.
Download the Modify™ app for tracking and record keeping.
Enjoying learning together!
Homeschool Laws
Alabama does not have a specific law regarding homeschooling, please refer to the written law on the Alabama State Department of Education (link can be found under the reference guide). Here you will find all education laws on record for the state of Alabama.
Compulsory school attendance age is 6-17, with some exemptions and can found under AL code, (AL Code § 16-28-3 (2020)).
You are required to provide written notification to the local school board.
Note: “no public two-year or four-year institution of higher education in the state may deny admission to or otherwise discriminate against an otherwise qualified student based on the consideration, whether in whole or in part, that the student attended, graduated from, or is enrolled in a nonpublic school, including private, church, parochial, and religious schools, or was home schooled”
(AL Code § 16-1-11.4 (2020)).
Like many states Alabama relies on the interpretation of the State Superintendent of Education. You can find out more information on how the Alabama State Superintendent views AL homeschool laws on the Alabama State Department of Eduction website. (link in reference guide).
Homeschool Requirements
Alabama is a low-requirement homeschooling state. The requirements however, are dependent on the Superintendent and may change more frequently than the laws themselves.
Even though Alabama does not highly regulate homeschooling there are some things we recommend for your homeschooling journey.
- record attendance (required by state)
- Keep current immunization records.
- Track text and workbooks used.
- Keep student work samples.
- Keep records of correspondence with school officials.
- Keep portfolios and test results.
Modify™ has made keeping these records convenient and easy.
Graduation requirements
Alabama Diploma Requirements
Parents determine when their student has fulfilled graduation requirements and can issue their own homeschool diploma; students of private/online schools may receive diplomas from those institutions.
Alabama high school testing requirements.
Homeschool students are not subject to testing requirements for graduation.
Alabama high school transcripts.
Homeschool parents may create their own student transcripts, and may include any information they deem pertinent to colleges, military, and/or future workplace organizations. Download the Modify™app to create official transcripts.
Alabama high school course credits.
Parents determine when their student has fulfilled graduation requirements; for the purpose of creating transcripts, some homeschool parents do assign credits to individual courses.
GED eligibility.
The same requirements for eligibility apply to homeschoolers as to public school students.
Note: the requirements listed here are for homeschoolers and may vary from public and private school graduation requirements.
REFERENCE GUIDE:
Homeschool laws can change often, so please check for updates at theAlabama State Department of Education website.
Alabama Education Law
Report of Enrollment
Important Codes:
(AL Code § 16-28-3 (2020)
(AL Code § 16-1-11.4 (2020)
Note: All information on this site is provided with no guarantee of accuracy. Modify™ is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.
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