Homeschooling in Alaska
Four flexible pathways, including the most homeschool-friendly option in America
Alaska is one of the most homeschool-friendly states, offering four distinct legal options. The most common choice is the **Independent Homeschool Statute**, which is highly deregulated. Alaska also offers state-funded **Correspondence Programs** that provide financial allotments to families.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
No
none
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Four legal options: Independent Homeschool (most flexible), Correspondence Programs (state-funded), Private Tutor, or Private School
- No notification, testing, or curriculum requirements for Independent Homeschoolers
- Unique state-funded Correspondence Programs provide $2,000-$4,000+ per student annually
- Options range from completely deregulated to moderately regulated
Legal Framework
Alaska homeschooling is governed by Alaska Statute § 14.30.010 (compulsory school attendance) and Alaska Administrative Code, which provides exemptions for various educational options including homeschooling under the Independent Homeschool Statute, private tutors, and private schools.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Alaska
The Waldorf Map lists 4 schools and 1 kindergarten in Alaska, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Anchorage Waldorf School, Anchorage
- Apple Blossoms Forest School, Anchorage
- Birchtree Charter School, Wasilla
- Boreal Sun Charter School, Fairbanks
Testing Requirements
Required: No
Frequency: N/A
Grades: N/A
No standardized testing is required by Alaska law for Independent Homeschoolers.
How to Get Started
- 1
Withdraw from Public School (If Applicable)
If your child is currently enrolled in public school, it is recommended (though not strictly required by law) to formally withdraw them to avoid potential truancy issues.
- •Contact your child's current school
- •Request a withdrawal form
- •Complete the form and indicate you will be homeschooling under the Independent Homeschool Statute
Tip: While not legally required, formal withdrawal creates a clear record and prevents misunderstandings Keep a copy of the withdrawal form for your records - 2
Begin Teaching
Simply start educating your child at home. There is NO requirement to notify the state, local district, or any government entity.
- •Choose your curriculum and educational approach
- •Set up your learning space
- •Begin instruction
Tip: You have complete freedom to design your educational program Consider keeping a portfolio or records for your own purposes (useful for future college applications or re-enrollment scenarios)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Absolute maximum flexibility and freedom
- ✓No notification or registration required
- ✓No mandatory curriculum or subjects
- ✓No standardized testing
- ✓No teacher certification needed
- ✓No required record-keeping or reporting
- ✓Minimal cost (no fees to the state)
Cons
- •No state funding or financial support
- •Complete responsibility on parents for educational choices
- •May require extra documentation if child later transfers to public school or applies to college
Help with the cost in Alaska
| Program | Amount | Who qualifies | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Correspondence Program AllotmentAllotmentWARNING: Court ruling (Dunleavy case) challenged use of funds for religious curriculum. Stay expires June 30, 2025. Policies are tightening - do NOT count on using funds for religious materials going forward. | ~$2,000 - $4,000+ per student (varies by program) | Enroll in a public or charter school correspondence program. | Contact local school district correspondence program |
Amounts as this guide lists them, last reviewed 2025-12-17. The official site has this year's figure.
Homeschool Funding by US State in 2026: ESAs, Tax Credits, and Charter Programs
Questions about homeschooling in Alaska
Do I need to notify the state if I choose Independent Homeschooling?
No. There is no notification requirement for Independent Homeschoolers (Option 1). You are not required to contact the school district, state, or any government entity.
Can I receive state funding for homeschooling in Alaska?
Yes! Alaska's State-Funded Correspondence Programs (Option 2) provide annual allotments of $2,000-$4,000+ per student to purchase curriculum, supplies, and educational materials. However, funds cannot be used for religious materials.
What is the difference between Independent Homeschool and Correspondence Programs?
Independent Homeschool (Option 1) offers complete freedom with no oversight, testing, or funding. Correspondence Programs (Option 2) provide significant state funding but require working with a certified teacher, following a learning plan, and taking standardized tests.
Do I need a college degree to homeschool in Alaska?
No. There are no educational requirements for parents using the Independent Homeschool, Correspondence Program, or Private School options. Only the Private Tutor option requires a state-certified teacher.
Are standardized tests required?
It depends on your option. Independent Homeschoolers (Option 1) have NO testing requirements. Private Schools (Option 4) must test at grades 4, 6, and 8. Correspondence Programs (Option 2) typically require state tests.
Can my homeschooled child participate in public school sports or activities?
Alaska allows homeschoolers to participate in public school extracurricular activities and sports on a case-by-case basis. Policies vary by school district, so contact your local district for details.
What if I'm currently using a correspondence program but want to switch to Independent Homeschooling?
You can withdraw from the correspondence program at any time and transition to Independent Homeschooling (Option 1). Simply notify the program of your withdrawal and begin homeschooling independently. No further notification is required.
Get Alaska’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our Alaska page changes
Leave your email and you’ll get the checklist link straight away. You’ll also be on the list for news when our Alaska page changes. You can stop the emails any time.
Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Keep your Alaska records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Alaska tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · AK homeschool law guide