The legal side of homeschooling in Alabama, explained in plain English — it is simpler than you think.
DISCLAIMER: If you do Virtual Schooling through the public school system these laws do not pertain to you, as you are considered a member of the public school system.
As so much incorrect info is being given, the following is the only interpretation of Alabama Homeschool Law allowed in the SAH groups. Thank you for helping us ensure no one is given advice that could cause them issues in the future.
Before I get into the law, there's something I want to say to you, which is that I and other leadership in our area work very hard every year to build programs and opportunities that we truly hope long outlive us. Relationships with other leadership, local attractions, and legislators help forward these ideas. Ensuring that future homeschoolers retain the fantastic freedom we currently have here in Alabama is at the TOP of my list! To that end, getting the correct legal information to you is of the UTMOST importance to me.
If you are home educating your children in Alabama you are doing one of the following three things, and within that you are offering a “home program”. If you read the law carefully you will see that home program is the exact term. (16-28-1 (2016)) This is using current law.
There are actually three ways that you can legally homeschool in Alabama.
1
You have a teaching license and you are using the private tutor option. Very few families take this route, but it does exist.
2
You join a Church (cover) school. There are many across the state, from as little as $50 a month into the hundreds. The costlier ones offer more, such as testing and transcripts. (Section 16-28-7)
View cover schools3
You declare yourself a private school and send a simple form to your LOCAL Board of Education every year. Also known as the “no cover” option. (Section 16-1-11)
Enrollment form (PDF)That one form is all you need to send in — all other records you keep for yourself.
You are not required to report grades or submit to testing by the state of Alabama.
There is no such thing as a “letter of intent” to homeschool in AL. You don't ‘intend to homeschool’. You are offering “home programs” through the above-listed options. If you choose not to use a Church school, which is perfectly legal, you are declaring yourself a private school and really need to use that official form provided by the state (as stated in the law).
The public school system employees, websites, and administrators are giving out erroneous information. Often. On everything from your curriculum options to your child's future options, to their interpretation of the law. THEY are not who you need to listen to. At all. The chances of them ‘coming after’ you are slim to none, but if you have a nosy neighbor, crappy grandparents, or a future employer causing you grief you will have needed to have followed the law. The law clearly states what our options are.
You very well may know people who have not reported anything at all and are fine. It's kind of like speeding. You get away with it until you don't, and the person who will suffer is not you but your child. I am not trying to scare you. It's really easy to be legal. It's just making sure you are fully aware of your options, and the consequences that can come from not doing the legal thing.
Please read and know the LAW, not BOE websites. Their interpretation of the law only goes so far as to be useful in a truancy case. The actuality of the law matters for anything else your homeschooler may come across in their future, including college scholarships, military careers, and future employment.
Another recent change in Alabama homeschooling has to do with homeschoolers playing sports in public schools while homeschooling. The “Tim Tebow” law did not pass; instead, the Alabama High School Athletic Association decided to change their requirements. The group that stays on top of the requirements for this is on Facebook and is called Supporters of AHSAA's New Bylaws For Homeschool Athletes. There are hoops to jump through, but the option is there!
To clear up any confusion we have helpful links for you — including a video interview with the Alabama representative for HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association), a link to the law itself, and where to get info on playing public school sports.
AHSAA & ROTC detailsClick any card below for more information. If you have any questions feel free to contact us at South Alabama Homeschooling.
