Homeschooling in Alabama Laws: How to Legally Start Your Child’s Education

Worried about getting everything right before homeschooling your child in Alabama? You’re not alone.

Today, about 7.99% of K‑12 students in Alabama are homeschooled, a significant increase as families seek flexible education options. 

Understanding Homeschooling in Alabama laws isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about protecting your child’s educational rights, avoiding compliance issues, and helping you plan a curriculum that aligns with state requirements.

This blog breaks down the legal steps, notification requirements, and practical actions you need to start homeschooling the right way with clarity and confidence. Let’s make sure your homeschooling journey begins on solid legal ground.

Key Takeaways

• Alabama does not have a direct homeschool law; families must choose one of three legal education options.

• Homeschooling through a church school is the most common and least restrictive path.

• Parents are responsible for basic attendance and progress records, not state reporting.

• Curriculum choice, testing, and teacher certification are not mandated by Alabama law.

• Understanding legal options upfront prevents compliance issues later.

• TSHA supports legal homeschooling with a structured, hands-on curriculum and built-in organization tools.

Understanding Homeschooling Laws in Alabama

Unlike many states, Alabama does not have a single law written specifically for homeschooling. Instead, families homeschool by fitting into existing education laws, mainly those governing non-public schools and compulsory attendance. This approach gives families flexibility, but it also means understanding the framework is essential to stay compliant.

In Alabama, there is no separate “homeschool statute” written just for homeschooling families. Instead, homeschool instruction must fit into existing legal categories in the state’s compulsory attendance and non‑public school laws. That’s why it’s critical to understand which legal path you choose and what is expected from you.

However, there are some strict attendance requirements: 

• Compulsory school attendance applies to children ages 6–17.

• A parent can postpone enrolling a child until age 7 by sending a written notice to the local school board.

Once this requirement is met, parents have broad freedom over how learning is delivered, as long as basic attendance and reporting expectations are followed.

Also Read: Homeschooling Options in Alabama

Now that you understand how Alabama frames homeschooling under existing education laws, the next step is choosing the legal path that makes your homeschool valid in the eyes of the state.

The Three Legal Options to Homeschool in Alabama

Alabama allows homeschooling, but it must operate under one of three legally recognized education options. These options exist to satisfy the state’s compulsory attendance law. Choosing the right one determines what you report, who you report to, and what records you keep.

Below is a clear breakdown of each option, what it requires, and who it works best for.

Option 1: Homeschooling Through a Church School (Most Common Path)

A church school is a legally recognized non-public school operated by a church or religious organization. In this setup, your child can be taught entirely at home while being officially enrolled in the church school. 

This means that when you homeschool under a church school, your child is legally considered a student of that school, even though instruction happens at home. 

The church school serves as the formal entity recognized by the state, which helps satisfy Alabama’s compulsory attendance requirements without direct oversight of your homeschool activities.

Key requirements

• Requires parents to report enrollment to the local superintendent only once upon initial enrollment,

• Parents are responsible for maintaining daily attendance records.

• There is no requirement for state-approved curriculum, standardized testing, or teacher certification.

Best for

• Parents seeking the simplest legal route to homeschooling

• Families who want maximum curriculum and schedule flexibility

• New homeschoolers who prefer less paperwork and reporting

Option 2: Operating a Home-Based Private School

In this option, the parent establishes and operates a private, non-public school from home. Legally, your homeschool functions as its own private school, rather than being connected to an outside organization. 

By operating a home-based private school, you are recognized as the school administrator under Alabama law. Your school, not the public system, is responsible for meeting attendance requirements and maintaining records that demonstrate lawful instruction under compulsory attendance rules.

Key requirements

• Enrollment must be reported to the local school superintendent.

• Parents must maintain an official attendance register.

• The school must operate for the length of the school term set by the private school.

• No state-approved curriculum, testing, or teacher certification is required.

Best for

• Families who want full control without relying on an outside school

• Experienced homeschoolers are comfortable with record-keeping and reporting

• Education entrepreneurs running structured micro-schools or private programs

Option 3: Homeschooling with a Private Tutor (Certified Teacher Required)

This option allows homeschooling through instruction provided by a state-certified private tutor. The tutor may be a parent or hired teacher, but a valid Alabama teaching certification is required. This path is more structured and closely defined by law.

Your child’s education is legally fulfilled through instruction by a certified educator rather than enrollment in a school. The tutor assumes responsibility for instructional compliance, including teaching time and subject coverage, which satisfies Alabama’s compulsory attendance requirements.

Key requirements

• The tutor must hold a valid Alabama teaching certification.

• Instruction must occur for at least 3 hours per day and 140 days per year.

• Subjects taught and attendance must be reported to the local school superintendent.

• Detailed records of instruction time and attendance must be maintained.

Best for

• Families with access to a certified teacher

• Parents who prefer a clearly defined legal structure

• Situations where a more formal instructional model is desired

Now that you understand your legal homeschooling options, the next step is putting one of them into action, correctly and without delays.

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Starting Homeschooling Legally in Alabama

Starting homeschooling in Alabama isn’t complicated, but the order of steps matters. Following the process below helps you avoid truancy issues, paperwork confusion, and unnecessary back-and-forth with local school officials.

Step 1: Choose Your Legal Homeschool Path

Before doing anything else, decide which legal option you’ll use:

• Church school

• Home-based private school

• Private tutor (certified teacher)

This choice determines who you notify, what records you keep, and how much administration you handle. Do not withdraw your child from public school until this decision is clear.

Step 2: Properly Withdraw Your Child from Public School (If Applicable)

If your child is currently enrolled in a public school:

• Submit a written withdrawal notice to the school or district.

• Clearly state the date of withdrawal and the new education option (church school, private school, or private tutor).

This step is critical. Skipping or delaying it can trigger attendance or truancy concerns.

Step 3: Submit Required Notifications

Once withdrawn, notification depends on your chosen path:

• Church school: The church school submits enrollment information to the local superintendent.

• Private school (home-based): You report enrollment and attendance directly to the local superintendent.

• Private tutor: The tutor reports instruction details, subjects taught, and attendance.

Always keep copies of anything you submit.

Step 4: Set Up Basic Record-Keeping

Even though Alabama has limited oversight, records protect you if questions arise later.  At minimum, keep:

• Daily or weekly attendance records

• A simple instruction log (subjects and learning activities)

• Samples of student work (optional but strongly recommended)

These records don’t need approval, but they should be clear and consistent.

Step 5: Plan Instruction (No State Curriculum Required)

Alabama does not mandate a specific curriculum, a list of subjects, or a testing schedule. However, most families choose to cover core areas such as:

• Reading and writing

• Math

• Science

• Social studies

Planning ahead helps ensure continuity and makes future transitions (co-ops, schools, or portfolios) easier.

Now, let’s have a look at new financial support options in Alabama that can help families offset homeschooling expenses.

New Updates or Financial Support for Alabama Homeschoolers

Alabama recently enacted a major education funding change that gives families direct financial support for homeschool-related costs through education savings accounts (ESAs) under the Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students’ Education (CHOOSE) Act of 2024. This is one of the most significant recent updates for homeschoolers in the state.

Under this new program, eligible families may receive state funds to help cover a range of qualified education expenses, including homeschooling materials and programs.

ESA Funding Overview

• $2,000 per homeschool student enrolled in a home education program.

• $4,000 maximum per family (even if you have multiple homeschool students).

• Funds are distributed through a digital wallet (ClassWallet) and must be spent on approved educational expenses.

These funds are not direct cash, but are managed through ClassWallet, allowing families to pay for curriculum, supplies, tutoring, educational therapies, and other qualifying services.

Who Is Eligible?

For the 2025–2026 school year:

• Families must meet Alabama’s eligibility criteria based on adjusted gross income, up to 300% of the federal poverty level. 

• Priority is given to:

  • Students with special needs

  • Dependents of active-duty service members

  • Families with siblings already participating in the program 

Starting in 2027–2028, the income eligibility requirement is scheduled to be removed, opening the program to all families regardless of income.

With legal options and financial support clarified, let’s clear up the confusion that often holds families back or leads them to follow rules that don’t actually exist.

Common Misconceptions About Homeschooling in Alabama

Many Alabama families hesitate to homeschool because of misinformation passed through forums, social media, or outdated advice. Alabama’s laws are actually far simpler than most people assume. 

Below are the most common misconceptions, clearly separated from what the law truly requires.

Common Misconception	The Legal Reality in Alabama
You must register as a “homeschool” with the state	Alabama has no homeschool registration system. Families operate under church schools, private schools, or private tutors.
The state approves or reviews your curriculum	No curriculum approval is required by the Alabama Department of Education.
Parents must be certified teachers	Teacher certification is not required unless using the private tutor option.
Homeschooled students must take state tests	No mandatory standardized testing for homeschoolers under church or private school options.
The state monitors or inspects your homeschool	Alabama does not conduct home visits or instructional oversight.
You must follow public school calendars	Homeschool families set their own schedule and school year.

Also Read: Breaking Down the Monarch Homeschool Curriculum: Pros and Cons

Now that we’ve covered Alabama’s legal requirements and common homeschooling misunderstandings, let’s look at how TSHA (The School House Anywhere) specifically supports families in meeting those requirements while delivering a rich, hands-on curriculum.

How TSHA Supports Legal Homeschooling in Alabama

TSHA (The School House Anywhere) is a comprehensive homeschooling program built around the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC),  a developmentally-aligned, secular, hands-on curriculum for Pre-K through 6th grade. 

TSHA equips parents with the tools, support, and structure they need to homeschool legally and confidently under Alabama’s education framework. Alabama’s homeschool laws require families to choose a legal homeschool option and maintain basic records. 

TSHA supports this by offering structured lesson plans, a progress tracking system, and guidance, all designed to make compliance and teaching easier, without overwhelming paperwork.

Key features of TSHA that support legal homeschooling: 

• Transparent Classroom Record-Keeping: TSHA helps parents meet Alabama’s basic documentation needs by making it easy to track attendance, progress, and student portfolios in one place.

• Guided Setup and Ongoing Support: Families receive step-by-step onboarding, lesson guidance, and access to live workshops and office hours for continued support.

• Community and Resources: Weekly educator gatherings, a parent network, structured 6-week sessions, printables, films, and optional hands-on materials help families homeschool with confidence.

TSHA combines curriculum, organization, and live guidance, supporting legal homeschooling without added paperwork or complexity.

Visit TSHA’s homeschool program page to learn more and get started today.

Concluding

Homeschooling in Alabama offers families exceptional flexibility, but understanding the legal options is essential to getting started with confidence. By choosing the right pathway, keeping simple records, and using a structured approach to learning, parents can meet state requirements without unnecessary stress. 

TSHA (The School House Anywhere) supports this journey by pairing Alabama-friendly compliance tools with a hands-on, developmentally aligned curriculum designed for real-world learning.

Explore TSHA’s American Emergent Curriculum and register as a parent today to build a compliant, engaging homeschool experience.

FAQs

1. Do homeschool parents in Alabama need to submit lesson plans to the state?

No. Alabama does not require homeschool parents to submit lesson plans, daily schedules, or curriculum details to the state or local school districts.

2. Can my child return to public school after homeschooling in Alabama?

Yes. Re-enrollment is allowed, but the local school district makes placement decisions (grade or credits) based on its evaluation process.

3. Is attendance reporting required every year in Alabama?

Parents or the overseeing school must maintain attendance records, but they are not routinely submitted unless specifically requested.

4. Are homeschool students in Alabama eligible for public school extracurriculars?

Eligibility varies by district. Some schools allow participation, while others limit access to enrolled public school students only.

5. Can grandparents or guardians legally homeschool a child in Alabama?

Yes. As long as the child is properly enrolled under a legal homeschool option, guardians or relatives may provide instruction.