Welcome to High School of America, Alabama’s premier Homeschooling Online High School! where we strive to provide an exceptional homeschooling experience for students of all ages. We understand that every student has unique learning needs, and that’s why our curriculum is designed to be flexible and customizable to meet individual learning styles.

Our experienced and dedicated teachers are committed to helping students reach their full potential by providing personalized instruction and support.

At Alabama Homeschooling Online, we are proud to offer a comprehensive curriculum that meets Alabama’s state education standards and is designed to prepare students for success in the 21st century.

Our online learning platform is designed to be interactive, engaging, and user-friendly, making it easy for students to learn from anywhere at any time. With a wide range of courses available, students can explore new subjects, take advanced classes, and earn a high school diploma that colleges, universities, and employers across the country recognize.

We are dedicated to making homeschooling accessible and affordable for families in Alabama, and we believe our program offers unbeatable value.

Join us today and discover the laws and benefits of online homeschooling with Alabama Homeschooling Online!

Homeschooling Laws in Alabama

Alabama doesn’t have specific laws relating to homeschooling. Parents who intend to educate their students from the comfort of their homes have three legal options.

The methods of homeschooling in Alabama are defined and regulated by specific sections of the Code of Alabama. Each alternative method of homeschooling is accompanied by its respective section of the code that outlines the requirements and regulations that apply to it.

Here are the three legal homeschooling methods:

Option 1: Homeschooling with a church school

A church school provides education in K-12 grades or any other arrangement that includes preschool through a home or onsite program, and is usually run as a ministry of an association of churches, a group of churches, or a local church that doesn’t get any funding from the federal or state governments.

To homeschool under the church school option, you must take the following steps:

  1. Enroll your child in a church school.

Find a church school that enrolls homeschooled students. You can check the list compiled by the Christian Home Education Fellowship (CHEF) of Alabama. Before enrolling, be sure to check their homeschool policy, enrollment deadlines, fees, and other crucial information.

  1. File a church school enrollment certificate.

Once you have found a suitable church school, you need to file a church school enrollment certificate. This involves notifying the superintendent of your local public school. The church school administrator can help you obtain the enrollment form. You only need to file this form once when your child is enrolled.

  1. Keep an attendance register.

The head teacher of the church school is required by the law to keep an attendance register for each school day of the year.

  1. Comply with any policies established by the church school.

You must comply with any policies established by the church school, such as teacher qualifications, number of days of instruction, and required subjects.

Option 2: Homeschooling with a private school

A private school is created, run, and supported by a nongovernmental organization or agency that teaches K-12 students or any combination thereof, including preschool, through home or onsite programs.

A home might be where a student gets education like the one enrolled in a private school. Parents might also create a home-based private school, or a home might be an extension of an existing private school.

  • Notify your local superintendent.

If you attend a private school, the school needs to provide a report to the local superintendent with the names and addresses of all school-age children enrolled within five days after public school starts. Afterward, the school needs to keep reporting the names and addresses of all school-age children who either join the school or are absent without a valid reason every week, if required.

  • Keep an attendance register.

The head teacher of a private school is required to maintain a record of attendance for all school days throughout the year.

  • Obtain proof of immunization.

Private schools are obligated to ensure that their students provide evidence of vaccination or valid exemptions based on medical or religious grounds.

  • Teach Physical Education.

Private schools are required to implement a sincere and genuine physical education program.

Option 3: Homeschooling using a private instructor

  • Choose a private teacher with the required credentials.

According to Alabama Law (Ala. Code 16-28-5), individuals who work as private tutors must have official certification from the state.

  • Ensure your teen is taught in the required subjects and for the required number of days.

Private tutors in Alabama must provide their teaching services in English and cover the same subjects that are mandatory in public schools. They are required to conduct tutoring sessions for a minimum of three hours per day, for 140 days per year, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

  • The private tutor must adhere to the reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

Private tutors in Alabama are required to provide a statement to the county or city superintendent that includes information about their students, the subjects being taught, and the proposed tutoring schedule.

Additionally, the tutor must maintain a record of their work, including daily information about instruction hours, attendance (including absences), and any other reports that the State Board of Education may ask for.

Required Courses

Grades 9-12

There are no state-mandated courses. However, in order to graduate from high school in Alabama state, you must complete the following credits.

  • English (4 credits)
  • Math (4 credits)
  • Science (2 credits)
  • Social studies (4 credits)
  • Physical education (1 credits)
  • Health education (0.5 credits)
  • Arts education and/or Foreign Language and/or Career and Technical Education (CTE) (3 credits)
  • Elective (2.5 credits)

Attendance Requirements

In Alabama, the mandatory attendance ages are between 6 years and 17 years. Parents of a six-year-old child who has not been enrolled in a physical public, private, or church school may inform the local school board in writing that they choose not to enroll their child in school until they turn seven.

In addition, if a student attends a church school before turning 16 years old, they can choose to withdraw from school at the age of 16. (Ala. Code 16-28-3).

Quarterly Reports

Regardless of the method you select for homeschooling, you will not be required to provide any quarterly reports about your homeschooling to local or state authorities.

Annual Assessment

Although Alabama law does not mandate annual and standardized assessments for homeschooled students, several parents opt to utilize these tests to monitor their child’s progress and ensure that their educational development is on par with that of their peers in conventional schools.

Probation

The Alabama homeschooling law does not mandate probation for homeschooled students. However, if a student is enrolled in a public or private school and fails to meet attendance or academic requirements, they may be placed on probation or even expelled.

Record Keeping

Irrespective of the legal route you opt to homeschool under in Alabama, you aren’t required to report any information about your homeschool at the state or local level.  However, this does not mean that homeschoolers should not keep records.

Changing from Public School to Homeschool

If you have decided to homeschool your child, who is currently enrolled in the public school system and aged between 7 to 17 years, it is advisable to withdraw them from school formally. You can initiate this process by contacting the school and inquiring about their recommended withdrawal procedures.

It is also recommended to send a certified letter as proof of your intention to homeschool, which can prevent any truancy-related issues in the future. This step can ensure that you comply with the legal requirements for homeschooling and can help avoid any confusion or complications with the school district.

What’s Required of Homeschooling Online in Alabama

The following are required when homeschooling in Alabama:

  • Determine which type of homeschooling is best for your family. There are three options available in Alabama: private school, church school, and Instruction by a private tutor. Choose the option that works best for you and your family’s lifestyle.
  • Find an approved curriculum for your chosen method of homeschooling. Private schools and church schools require an approved curriculum, whereas HEP does not require this but still has resources available for homeschoolers to use.
  • Review the Alabama state law governing home education programs and ensure you comply with all the regulations.
  • Notify your local school district of your intent to homeschool in Alabama. You must provide an annual letter of intent, including the names and ages of all homeschooled students.

Following these steps will ensure that you are able to successfully homeschool in Alabama!

Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Homeschooling Online

What is the legal process for homeschooling in Alabama?

A parent who intends to homeschool their child must notify the local superintendent of education in writing and provide a signed statement of intent attesting that they plan to homeschool. The letter should include the name, age, and residence address of the homeschooled child.

How do I find curriculum resources for my homeschooling program?

Many resources are available to families who choose to homeschool their children in Alabama. Local school districts may have free or low-cost materials, and numerous organizations and websites provide educational materials.

Are there any requirements for keeping records of my child’s homeschooling program?

No, Alabama has no specific record-keeping requirements for homeschooling. However, parents should keep track of their child’s progress and activities to ensure that they are providing a quality education.

Are there standardized tests available for homeschoolers in Alabama?

No, there are no standardized tests specifically for homeschoolers in Alabama. However, homeschooled children may take the ACT or SAT as part of college admissions requirements.

Online Homeschooling Statistics in Alabama

The number of homeschooling families in Alabama has increased over the last years, especially after the Covid-19 Pandemic. For instance, between April 23 and May 5, 2020, approximately 5% of households in Alabama chose to educate their children at home.

However, during a later period of the pandemic, specifically between September 30 and October 12, 2020, the percentage of households engaged in homeschooling increased to about 12.1%.

Since then, the number of families choosing homeschooling as an educational option has continued to grow steadily.

Alabama Homeschooling Online: How to Do It

Homeschooling online in Alabama requires parents to adhere to the same policies as any other homeschooling method. This includes providing an annual letter of intent, following all applicable state laws and regulations, finding an approved curriculum for the chosen method of homeschooling, and ensuring that any resources or services used outside of the home are approved by the local school district.

Advantages of Alabama Homeschooling Online

Alabama homeschooling online offers several advantages to families who choose to educate their children at home. Here are some of the benefits:

  • Flexibility: Online homeschooling offers families the flexibility to create a schedule that works best for them. They can customize the curriculum and the pace of learning to fit their child’s individual needs.
  • Convenience: Homeschooling online allows students to learn from the comfort of their homes without worrying about commuting to and from school.
  • Personalized learning: Online homeschooling allows for individualized instruction and personalized learning plans tailored to each student’s unique strengths and weaknesses.
  • More control: Parents have more control over their child’s education and can ensure they learn what they need to know.
  • Safe learning environment: Homeschooling online provides a safe and controlled learning environment for children, where parents can monitor their progress and ensure they are safe from outside influences.
  • Access to technology: Online homeschooling offers students access to the latest technology and resources, including educational software, online libraries, and interactive learning tools.
  • Cost-effective: Homeschooling online can be a cost-effective option, as it eliminates the need for expensive textbooks and classroom supplies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, homeschooling online in Alabama provides families with the flexibility and freedom to design a personalized education program for their children.

With a wide range of online resources, curriculum options, and support networks available, homeschooling in Alabama has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional schooling.

Homeschooling online offers numerous benefits, such as the ability to customize the pace and content of learning, providing a safe and comfortable learning environment, and promoting a strong parent-child bond.

Furthermore, homeschooling in Alabama is legal and straightforward, with homeschooling families required to meet certain state guidelines and regulations.