In Alabama, you have three options for legally homeschooling your kids. Keep in mind that church and private schools might set their own rules for things like teacher qualifications, school days, and subjects taught.
- Option 1: Homeschooling with a Church School
- Church schools offer K–12 education, including preschool, either onsite or at home, as a ministry of a church or group of churches without state or federal funding.
- Steps to follow:
- Enroll your child in a church school. The Christian Home Education Fellowship (CHEF) of Alabama lists church schools for homeschoolers on their website. Check each school’s policies and details before enrolling.
- File a church school enrollment certificate with your local public school superintendent when first enrolling your child. The school admin can help with this form, which doesn’t need annual filing.
- Keep an attendance register for every school day.
- Follow any policies set by the church school, like teacher qualifications or required subjects.
- Option 2: Homeschooling with a Private School
- Private schools are run by nongovernmental entities, offering K–12 education, including at home.
- Steps to follow:
- Inform your local superintendent within five days of public school starting, listing all enrolled school-age children. Update this list for new enrollments or absences.
- Keep an attendance register for each school day.
- Ensure your child has proof of immunization or a valid exemption.
- Include a physical education program in your curriculum.
- Option 3: Homeschooling with a Private Tutor
- Choose a private tutor who is a certified teacher in Alabama.
- Ensure your child learns in English, covering subjects required in public schools for at least three hours a day over 140 days a year, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- The tutor must report to the local superintendent with details of students, subjects, and schedule, and maintain a record of daily instruction and attendance.
