“You have to know the past to understand the present.”
The journey to achieve homeschooling freedoms in Alabama has been neither straight nor easy. It has been hard-fought by many who have been forgotten along the way.
Here, we collect and share our history to be remembered, learned from, and celebrated. This includes many firsts: first times, first places, first-known achievements.
Signed by Gov Henderson September 29th. It was to be implemented in October of 1917, with children ages 8yrs-15yrs required to attend. They required 80 days of school, but provisions allowed for 60 days if the area lacked a budget for more. In contrast today the ages of compulsion are 6yrs to 17yrs and 180 days of public school. Parents unable to find suitable clothing and those living over 2.5 miles from the school would be exempt. Anyone who employed a student in those compulsory ages would be guilty of a misdemeanor.
The Southern Democrat Oneonta, Alabama Thu, Nov 11, 1915
The Montgomery Advertiser Montgomery, Alabama Wed, Oct 03, 1917
To amend Section 16-28-1, Code of Alabama 1975, to include a definition of church school, to amend Sections 16-1-11, 16-4-16, 16-28-3, 16-28-7, 16-28-8, 16-28-15, 16-28-23, and 16-40-1 to provide an exclusion for church schools from state control and reporting requirements and to further provide for parental responsibility for attendance of each child. Religious motivations drove most home education programs at this time, and the church school exception law would permit homeschoolers to pursue this form of education.
The time between 1982 and 1991 was still a scary place for homeschoolers in Alabama, with families being arrested, spending time in jail, and the courts figuring out the interpretation of the 1982 laws. We have the stories to share coming soon…
Take a look into those early homeschool families and see that even in the beginning socialization wasn't really a problem, but those parents were having many of the same struggles we still do in confidence. Catching up with this family recently has shown all the many successes they have achieved both in work and family. (Coming Soon: Where are they now!)
The Dothan Eagle Dothan, Alabama Thu, May 09, 1991
The Montgomery Advertiser Montgomery, Alabama Fri, Feb 25, 1994
The Atchison Family was at the forefront, boots on the ground, fighting for our rights to homeschool in the early 80s, this fast-forward article reminds us how far we have come, and the very real fears that were starting to ease. (Coming Soon: Where are they now!)
The Montgomery Advertiser Montgomery, Alabama Sat, Nov25, 1995
2001 was the first year that Alabama participated in the BEST robotics program. More than 20 schools from across the state participated. Lakeview Christian Homeschool came in 2nd place that year and qualified to go to the national event in TX.
The Opelika-Auburn News Opelika, Alabama Sun, Nov 04, 2001
A group of passionate parents began lobbying the Alabama legislature for equal access to public school sports programs for homeschooled students.
The first bills that could make Alabama homeschoolers participation in public school sports a reality were introduced in the Senate and the House of Representatives. SB20 and HB312. There were mixed reactions. Some Alabama homeschool groups opposed while others recognized sports as a hole in their ability to provide and were for. The Alabama state superintendent was against it. These bills would not pass.
The Opelika-Auburn News Opelika, Alabama · Friday, February 03, 2006
Olivia Benton Davis, the first Azalea Trail Maid selected from the Homeschool Community. Not only did she take a path unknown to homeschoolers before, but she was voted by her Trail Maid peers to receive the Spirit Award, which is the highest honor given to one Trail Maid each year.
Olivia was a Trail Maid in 2011-2012 and was thrilled to have an opportunity to serve as an ambassador to the city of Mobile. It was also an amazing opportunity for her to represent the growing homeschool community at large. However, this opportunity was made available to homeschoolers in recent years only because of a few dedicated homeschool advocates who worked for years to open the door for homeschoolers.
Olivia continues to represent the homeschool community well, as she attended the University of Mobile on a Presidential Scholarship, majored in Art and Graphic Design, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Currently, Olivia is thriving as a professional employed in the creative field as the lead graphic designer for Chic Soul Inc. She is happily married to another successful homeschool graduate, Alex Davis, who is a current PhD candidate in Aerospace Engineering at Auburn University.
Some of the same parents and some newcomers joined together to continue and increase the effort for equal access to public school sports programs for homeschooled students. A massive letter-writing campaign began in earnest.
Homeschool parents began walking the halls of the Alabama State House in a shoe-leather campaign. For the first time, their “Tebow bill” made its way to the Senate floor for debate. Unfortunately, after about 3 hours of early morning discussion, senators decided to carry this bill over, which, in effect, killed the bill. Because of this, the House of Representatives chose to do the same with their version of the bill when it finally made its way to the House floor. However, the sponsor of the bill promised to continue the conversation in the next session and challenged members to get on board.
Some of the opposition: article
SB38 granted autonomy from various state regulations while maintaining compulsory attendance and adding criminal background checks on non-public school employees.
Homeschooler, Paul Holmes, was named to the “All-State Orchestra.”
The Dothan Eagle Dothan, Alabama Wed, Apr 23, 2014
A new bill was introduced in the House of Representatives but never reached the floor for debate. State-house walking and letter writing continued all during this session. Also, parents began printing hundreds of pictures of their kids playing the sports they loved and distributing them to members of the legislature in both bodies.
Some of the opposition: article
Wiregrass Jr Civitan hosted its charter ceremony at The Vineyard in Arriton. This program is still active today!
The Enterprise Ledger Enterprise, Alabama Tue, Jan 27, 2015
Members of the House of Representatives increased their attentiveness to our cause and strongly opposed pushback from the AHSAA. A bill made its way deliberately through all proper channels until it found itself on the floor of the House of Representatives after midnight following a very, very long day in Montgomery. Because a House member introduced this bill but did not see it debated before the dismissal of the members for some sleep, House rules demanded that it be the first bill taken up on the next legislative day.
* May 7 - HB 236 passed the House of Representatives and preparations began for its trek through the Senate.
* June 2 - The Senate Education Committee Chairman received a letter from the Executive Director of the AHSAA stating that the AHSAA Central Board of Control would develop its own bylaw allowing homeschool participation for the 2016-17 school year. This came after a public hearing in the Senate and stopped the bill in its tracks.
* October 29 - Eight members of a homeschool parent committee representing homeschool parents from across the state met at the AHSAA office building in Montgomery with leaders from the AHSAA and ALSDE. The AHSAA Executive Director presented a slide show of the proposal for integrating homeschooled students into public school sports teams. Parents asked many questions to understand the proposal and what it would mean for our families.
Her favorite part about being an Oakleigh Belle was meeting all of the wonderful girls and making lifelong friendships. Zelda states, “Being an Oakleigh Belle was one of the most rewarding and greatest high school experiences I could have ever had, and as sad as I am to leave, I am so excited to give my spot to a new girl who can experience and learn just as I have in this wonderful program.”
This fall, Zelda will be attending the University of Mobile where she will be serving as the first-ever freshman President of the Honors College. She was awarded the Founder’s Merit scholarship and is planning to double major in Communications and Sociology with a minor in French.
*Oakleigh Belle Leadership program is now the Mobile Belle's Leadership Program
The AHSAA Legislative Council passed the promised bylaw that would allow homeschool participation on public school teams with AHSAA-member schools.
May - Homeschool students enrolled and began summer practices.
September 2016 - 60 homeschool students were enrolled in local public schools and began practicing and/or playing their sport(s) of choice. About 40 more enrolled at the beginning of the spring semester.
218 homeschool students enrolled in public school sports under the NEW AHSAA bylaws for the first semester.
289 homeschool students enrolled in public school sports for the first semester.
In 2018, schools aiming for bicentennial school recognition had the opportunity to create a proposal focusing on community outreach and improvement initiatives that linked their classrooms with local communities. These efforts were intended to cultivate an appreciation for the essential role of civic engagement in building a robust community and state. A maximum of 200 schools could be chosen as Alabama Bicentennial Schools. These selected schools would also be awarded a $2,000 grant to support the successful execution of their bicentennial projects and activities.
FIVE homeschool groups across the state were chosen as Bicentennial schools Erin's Gulf Coast Homeschool Adventures, the home education program at the Mobile Museum of Art, and Faith Community Christian School (FCCS) are three of them!!
Erin's Gulf Coast Adventures won a spot for their proposal to help build a community garden with Feeding the Gulf Coast!
Mobile Museum of Art Homeschool program-based proposal, Recycled and Upcycled Mobile, would create civic and community engagement by partnering with the City of Mobile, Mobile Baykeeper, and local artists to create art out of recycled material.
Faith Community Christian School (FCCS)
232 homeschool students enrolled in public school sports for the first semester.
Hannah Colson, daughter of Michael and Heather Colson, is a Lavender Mobile Azalea Trail Maid at Moffett Road Christian School (a homeschool church school).
Extracurricular activities include: Summer Scrubs, Cottage Hill Junior Civitan Club, Ronald McDonald House volunteer, Camp M.A.S.H. Jr. Counselor, Mobile Special Olympics Athlete Chaperone, USA Children's and Women's volunteer Pianist, Light of the Village Ministries, SPL Girl's Club, Salvation Army Angel Tree Program, Prodisee Pantry, Feeding the Gulf Coast, USA Dept. Of Archaeology Old St. Stephen's Excavation Project, Alabama Coastal Cleanup, Mobile County Public Works, Mobile Baykeeper Fowl River Preservation Project, Goodwill Easter Seals Sustainability Programs, Mississippi State University Vet Aspire Program, Mobile SPCA volunteer, American Legion Auxiliary Junior Member, and Historic Mobile Preservation Society Member.
Honors and Awards include AP/Honors classes, Honor Roll, National Society of High School Scholars, Youth Leadership Mobile Class of 2018, Ronald McDonald House Red Shoe Krewe Ambassador, National Leadership Forum Delegate, 2017-2018 VP Cottage Hill Junior Civitan, 2018-2019 President Cottage Hill Junior Civitan, Alabama West Florida District Lt. Governor Junior Civitan International (Area 4), Junior Civitan of the Year Award, Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award recipient, and 2018 John Simpson Scholarship recipient.
The FIRST Alabama Home Education Day Proclamation and Capitol Day event! This event was heading to be huge with Outstanding Alabama Homeschool Students awarded, a homeschool student-designed t-shirt, speakers, legislator goodies, and more. 4 days before the event was to take place Covid-19 shut down all government buildings and people were told to stay in their homes. We switched to a VIRTUAL event and many of those virtual speakers can be found on our YouTube channel!
If you are at Bellingrath and see the bat boxes they were her Eagle Scout project! This Alabama Homeschooler becomes the first female Eagle Scout in the Mobile Area Council Boy Scouts of America. She is the 5th female to achieve the rank in Alabama!
Mary-Coker Green, daughter of Danny and Monica Green, is a lavender Azalea Trail Maid from Moffett Road Christian School.
Mary-Coker’s extracurricular activities include the founder of a Non-Profit organization "Be Your Own CEO: Chief Encouragement Officer"; Monthly volunteer at USA Children's and Women's Hospital, Sacred Heart of Pensacola and The Amelia Center; Employed at Greenhouse Farms and Hope Pageant and Formal Wear; NCFCA Speech and Debate team; Worship vocalist at Redemption Church; Plays fiddle, guitar, piano, ukulele, mandolin and bass guitar; Served as 4-H chapter president and SGA Community Outreach Coordinator; State Governor and Chairperson at Louisiana TeenPact leadership school; Ronald McDonald Red Shoe Krewe member.
Mary-Coker has achieved the following awards and honors: Commendation from Governor Kay Ivey for service work with Non-Profit; Currently serves as Miss Jefferson County's Outstanding Teen; Director's List at the University of Alabama Early College; Member of the National Society of High School Scholars; Received awards of Academic Excellence in English, History, Math and Science; Two-time recipient of Spirit of Mobile Community Service award; First place in "Speak up Alabama" public speaking competition; Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Medalist.
Mary-Coker is planning to attend Auburn University to pursue her major in Public Relations and a double minor in Psychology and Agribusiness in hopes of working as a Public Relations Professional for a PR Firm.
Catherine Simpson, daughter of Jenifer and Charlie Simpson, is a 2020/2021 Peach Azalea Trail Maid from Compass Point Christian Homeschool. Catie's extracurricular activities include being a member of the Mobile City/County Youth Council, Scouts BSA (formerly Boy Scouts of America), Order of the Arrow (Scouting's National Honor Society dedicated to service to others), Order of the Arrow Lodge Treasurer 2019-2020, Order of the Arrow Section SR-1B Secretary 2020-2021, Historic Mobile Preservation Society, Debate Society, Key Club, Playing Ukulele, and Blogging.
Catie has volunteered with the following organizations: Bellingrath Gardens, Woody’s Song (school for special needs children), the Mobile Museum of Art, the Animal Welfare Coalition, AIDS Alabama South, the Weeks Bay Foundation, and One Meal Food Pantry. Catie has achieved the following honors and awards: Eagle Scout, member of the Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts, 2020 Alabama Outstanding Homeschool Student, Honor Roll, National Society of High School Scholars, Brotherhood Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow (Scouting's National Honor Society), Sons of the American Revolution General Galvez Chapter Eagle Scout Award Recipient, God and Life Award 2020, Co-Host of the 2019 Metro-Mobile Golden Eagle Dinner, Host of the 2020 Mobile Area Council Banquet.
Catie is currently undecided on where she will be attending college, but is planning on pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, and then earning a Master's degree in Public Policy.
Sweet Potato bill SB171 PASSED! The Alabama Homeschool community is SO excited and EXTREMELY proud of Kristin Cafagno Smith's homeschool group for seeing this was missing from our state and putting in the hard work, research, and TIME to get it passed! This may seem frivolous to some but what a FANTASTIC learning experience for these kids, not only the process but the seeing that they can influence their government. I personally think this is the coolest thing and can not WAIT to watch the Governor sign it into law! We will celebrate with sweet potato casserole!!
As a recent graduate of Homeschool/ACCESS, Delaney has made remarkable contributions throughout her high school career.
Her accomplishments include:
Serving as a page for State Representative Chip Brown and receiving Resolution HJR 194 for her leadership with the youth of Mobile County.
Earning the DAR Certificate of Award for Excellence in Community Service.
Co-chairing the Alabama Coastal Cleanup in the Fowl River zone.
Actively participating in the Red Shoe Krewe.
Co-founding Krewe of Kindness and leading Krewe Cases, a project that sews pillowcases for children at USA Health Children’s and Women’s Hospital.
Serving on the USA Health Children’s and Women’s Hospital Teen Advisory Committee.
Being a member of the Spina Bifida Association of America Young Advocates Committee.
Leading a COVID-19 sewing project for USA Health through Krewe of Kindness.
Competing as a USTA wheelchair tennis athlete and a wheelchair racing athlete.
This summer, Delaney will volunteer at USA Health Children’s and Women’s Hospital and work as a house guide at Bellingrath Gardens Home. She plans to expand the Krewe of Kindness nonprofit by adding a youth leadership program. Additionally, Delaney will lead a sewing project with Distinguished Young Women during their day of service in June and attend a wheelchair tennis clinic at Mobile Tennis Center.
“I have enjoyed sharing my love of Mobile history with others. It has been fun to meet new people, and the support of my Mobile Belle family has been very special to me, as living life with Spina Bifida can be a challenge. They have made me feel part of something very special and added so much fun to my senior year.”
~Delaney~
Lydia is starting her Junior year (2024-2025) as a homeschooler and her second year as a Mobile Belle. She absolutely loves sharing and preserving the history of Mobile, AL, and specifically, the interesting details of the Richards D.A.R. museum. Learning about the wonderful historic details of this house and sharing it with visitors from both near and far has been exciting for her. Lydia's love of
history started with reading historical fiction and migrated into involvement in the Mobile Bay Society Children of the American Revolution. The C.A.R. does community service and promotes historical preservation and leadership. Lydia served as secretary of the Mobile Bay Society from 2019 -2021 then Vice President from 2022 - 2023 and is the current President of the local society. She is also the State Librarian for the Alabama C.A.R. program. Lydia's other main focus is riding horses. She takes lessons at Rawhide Trail Farm and helps children with physical or learning difficulties experience with therapeutic horseback riding. Lydia is working for her second summer as a lifeguard for the City of Chickasaw Pool. Her favorite treat all year round is heading to Yellowhammer Coffee to try a seasonal special.
If you have firsts or notable homeschool events you think should be added to this timeline please email us at erin@southalabamahomeschooling.com
