Homeschooling in Alabama

Key Requirements at a Glance

• Three legal options: Church School (most common), Private School, or Private Tutor
• No standardized testing required for any option
• No parent education requirements for Church School and Private School options
• Each option has different notification and record-keeping requirements

Legal Framework

Alabama homeschooling is governed by Alabama Code § 16-28-1 et seq. (compulsory attendance), with additional provisions for Church Schools, Private Schools, and Private Tutors. The state does not have a specific 'homeschool statute' but rather allows homeschooling through these three established legal mechanisms.

Filing Requirements

Testing Requirements

How to Get Started

1. 1

   Find and Enroll in a Church School

   Research and select a Church School that covers your child's grade levels. These are ministries run by churches specifically to provide a legal covering for homeschoolers.

   • •Search for 'Alabama Church School' or 'Alabama homeschool covering' organizations
   • •Contact the administrator to confirm they accept your grade levels
   • •Complete their enrollment process (may include a small fee)

   Tip: The church does not need to be in your denomination or even your city—you can enroll from anywhere in Alabama You will NOT be attending classes at the church; this is purely a legal classification Popular options include churches that specifically operate homeschool covering ministries
2. 2

   Obtain the Church School Enrollment Form

   The Church School administrator will provide you with an official Church School Enrollment Form. This form is unique to each Church School—there is no standardized state form.

   • •Request the enrollment form from your Church School administrator
   • •Fill out all parent/student information
   • •Review the form carefully before signing

   Upon initial enrollment (typically one-time filing unless you change schools or move districts)

3. 3

   File the Enrollment Form with Your Local Superintendent

   Submit the signed Church School Enrollment Form to your local public school superintendent. This notifies them that your child is enrolled in a legal educational program.

   • •Locate your local school district superintendent's office (city or county)
   • •Submit the completed and signed form in person, by mail, or as directed by your district
   • •Keep a copy for your records

   Tip: Some districts prefer filing in person; others accept mail or email—call ahead to confirm This is typically a ONE-TIME filing unless you change Church Schools or move to a new district You do not need to re-file annually if you remain with the same Church School and in the same district

Pros & Cons

Sports & Activities

Alabama does **not** have a "Tim Tebow" law. Homeschoolers generally do not have the right to participate in public school sports. Access is at the discretion of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) and the local school, often requiring full-time enrollment.