To homeschool in Alabama, parents have three legal options:
- Enroll your child in a church school: Many church schools exist primarily to enroll homeschoolers. You must provide a one-time notice to the local school district and keep attendance records. There are no specific parent qualifications, subject, or assessment requirements for this option.
- Establish a home-based private school: You must notify your local County Superintendent of Education by October 10th each year, providing information about the school and enrolled students. You are required to keep attendance records, immunization records (unless exempted), and documentation of physical education. There are no mandated curriculum or teacher qualification requirements.
- Hire a private tutor: The tutor must hold a valid Alabama teaching certificate. The tutor must provide at least three hours of instruction per day for 140 days per year. You also need to submit a notice of intent and keep attendance records.
Children between ages 6 and 17 are subject to compulsory attendance, but parents may delay enrollment until age 7 by notifying the local school board in writing. Alabama does not require a specific curriculum or standardized assessments for homeschoolers, but parents are encouraged to focus on core subjects such as math, English, science, and social studies. Record-keeping is not mandatory but recommended for future educational transitions. To start homeschooling, if your child is currently in public school, you must officially withdraw them and submit a homeschool notice of intent to your local school superintendent. In summary, homeschooling in Alabama is flexible, with three main legal pathways, minimal state-mandated requirements, and no required parental teaching credentials
