Are you considering homeschooling your child in the State of Alabama? If so, you’ve probably got a lot of questions about the process and requirements. You’re in the right place.
This article answers 15 of the most common questions about homeschooling in Alabama so you can have the information you need to make the best decision for your child’s education.
1. Is Homeschooling Legal in Alabama?
Yes, homeschooling is legal in the state of Alabama. The Home Instruction Statute, 1976, A. Code 16-28-3, gives parents the right and responsibility to provide instruction for their children in the home rather than enroll them in public or private schools.
Parents may homeschool their children provided they comply with all legal requirements.
2. What Are the Requirements for Homeschooling in Alabama?
In order to homeschool in Alabama, parents must meet the following requirements:• File an initial Notice of Intent to homeschool with their local superintendents, providing their child’s name, age, and address. • Instruct their children in the “basic academic skills of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies,” according to the Home Instruction Statute. • Keep documentation and records of their child’s progress and development, including materials used, assessment results, courses of study, records of academic progress, and attendance records.
Additionally, the age of compulsory attendance in Alabama is 6 to 1 Parents with children in this age range must either have them enrolled in school or apply for a special exemption.
3. What Documentation and Records Do Parents Need to Keep?
The documentation and records that parents need to keep in order to homeschool in Alabama include: • Materials used: Books, curriculums, materials, online resources, and other learning tools that are used to homeschool the child. • Assessment results: A record of any standardized tests or assessments that were taken by the child.
• Courses of study: A list of the courses the child is studying and/or is enrolled in. • Records of academic progress: Grades, certificates, and other evidence of academic progress. • Attendance records: Documentation of the child’s attendance and the amount of time spent homeschooling.
These records should be kept for the duration of the homeschool program and should be available upon request by the local superintendent.
4. What Rights Do Parents Have When Homeschooling in Alabama?
Parents have the right to choose an academic program that best fits their child and family. They can choose the curriculum, materials, instructional methods, and learning goals for their children.
Homeschooled children have the same access to programs, events, and services as other children in the county. Parents also have the right to choose to enroll their homeschooled child in classes at public, private, or parochial school as well as classes offered through homeschool support groups or educational co-ops.
5. What is the Age of Compulsory Attendance in Alabama?
The age of compulsory attendance in Alabama is 6-1 Parents are required to either enroll their children in a public or private school or apply for a special exemption in order to homeschool their children within this age range.
6. Is an Assessment Required for Homeschooled Students in Alabama?
No, an assessment by a certified educator is not required by law in order to homeschool in the state of Alabama. However, parents may choose to have their children assessed to obtain an accurate picture of the child’s academic achievement and ability.
7. Does Homeschooling Require Specific Qualifications?
No, parents who wish to homeschool do not need to have any specific qualifications to do so. Parents can choose the curriculum and materials that best fit their child and family and use any instructional methods or strategies they wish.
However, all homeschooled children must be instructed in the “basic academic skills” of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies for the duration of the homeschool program.
8. How Does Homeschooling Affect the Child’s Education Record?
Homeschooled children have records that are identical to those of children who attend public or private schools. Their records should include documentation and records of their progress and development, including materials used, assessment results, courses of study, records of academic progress, and attendance records.
9. What is the Process for Reporting to the Local Superintendent in Alabama?
Parents must file an initial Notice of Intent to homeschool with their local superintendents, providing their child’s name, age, and address. They must also keep educational records and make them available to the local superintendent upon request. The local superintendent’s office should be able to provide additional information about the reporting process.
10. Are Refunds Available for Homeschooled Students?
No, refunds are not available for homeschooled students in the state of Alabama.
11. Are Homeschooled Students Eligible for Free or Reduced Lunches?
Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for free or reduced lunch in the state of Alabama. They must meet the eligibility criteria and be enrolled in a recognized homeschool program.
12. Are Homeschooled Students Eligible for Public School Extracurricular Activities?
Homeschooled students are not eligible for public school extracurricular activities. However, some private and parochial schools may allow homeschooled students to participate in extracurricular activities on a case-by-case basis.
13. Can Homeschooled Students Participate in Standardized Testing?
Yes, homeschooled students may participate in standardized testing in Alabama. These tests typically include the Alabama High School Graduation Exam as well as any Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate examinations.
Homeschooled students must register to take these tests through their local school boards.
14. Are Homeschooled Students Required to Wear School Uniforms?
No, homeschooled students are not required to wear school uniforms.
15. Are There Support Groups in Alabama for Homeschooling Families?
Yes, there are a variety of homeschooling support groups and organizations in Alabama. These include the Alabama Homeschool Support Group and the Alabama Home Education Support Group, both of which offer a variety of resources and programs for homeschooling families.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Alabama is a great option for families who wish to take an active role in their children’s education. This article answered 15 of the most common questions about homeschooling in Alabama so you can have the information you need to make the best decision for your family.