Homeschooling in Alabama
Here are some useful resources that may be helpful as you are getting started.
Power Homeschool’s Homeschooling in Alabama site highlights resources, helpful tips, support groups, and so much more!
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Alabama
Each state has different rules regarding a parent’s ability to homeschool their children and all the laws that they must follow.
Homeschool Groups and Support in Alabama
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops.
How to Start Homeschooling in Alabama
If you have decided that homeschool is a good fit for your family, you are probably wondering how to get started with the whole process.
Field Trips Available to Homeschoolers in Alabama
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling.
Find out what Alabama has to offer!
Resources
Alabama Homeschool Laws and Requirements
Many states have rules and guidelines regarding parents homeschooling their children. Here are some links to help you find information regarding Alabama.
Important Considerations for Homeschooling Success
Create a Study Plan
When homeschooling in Alabama, it is important to establish a clean environment where distractions are limited for your child to study on a regular schedule. Study routines are valuable for learning discipline. They also help your child stay on track with weekly, monthly and yearly academic goals. Create a schedule and expect your child to stick to it. Modify the schedule when necessary to help your child stay challenged while still able to achieve your expectations.
Read more: 10 Tips to Effectively Homeschool Online
Build Foundational Knowledge
As your child progresses in their studies, addressing gaps in their foundational knowledge will be crucial to their future success. For example, if your child struggles with basic math, it may become nearly impossible for them to master more advanced math concepts until they get help with their basic math challenges. In Acellus courses, Vectored Instruction automatically takes into account a student’s existing knowledge gaps and provides targeted interventions to bridge those gaps. If a student lacks the foundational understanding required for the new concept, the system automatically provides relevant remedial content before proceeding further.
It is crucial that students achieve early success with online learning so that their confidence will grow. Sometimes it may be necessary to place your child into an earlier course so they can begin experiencing success before they are ready to start moving forward with their learning.
Read more: Helping Your Student Excel in Acellus
KEEP RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION
You should keep thorough records of your child’s education. This will be beneficial when they apply for colleges or jobs after high school. Power Homeschool’s online parent portal automatically makes it easy to track progress, download coursework examples, attendance, and keep transcripts of classes taken.
It is also a good idea to get student ID cards and parent/teacher ID cards. Many retailers and venues offer teacher or student discounts that can be claimed by showing ID cards. A professional student ID card with a good quality identification photo included is also an good way to show that your student is enrolled is a reputable homeschool program.
Resources
Homeschool Support & Groups in Alabama
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops. Each of these organizations exists to help home educators throughout their homeschooling journey.
Homeschool associations are statewide organizations that provide both members and non-members with numerous resources. Alabama’s homeschool association is Homeschool Alabama – a Community of Christian Home Educators. The organization provides legal assistance, tips for getting started, and an annual convention.
In addition to associations, homeschool support groups and cooperatives, or co-ops are available to provide further support to home educators. Homeschool support groups aim to give advice and information to homeschool families. Some support groups meet regularly, while others operate primarily online. Most homeschool support groups have Facebook Groups, so you are sure to find a support group in your area to suit your needs with a simple query.
Homeschool cooperatives focus more on academics than support groups. Co-ops offer students the opportunity to participate in group learning. These groups are volunteer-based and are often taught by parents or tutors. You can find co-ops that are focused on a certain subject, such as STEM, or create lessons around religious values.
Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!
How to Start Homeschooling in Alabama
If you have decided that homeschool is a good fit for your family, you are probably wondering how to get started with the whole process. After researching as much as you can about the requirements and resources in your state, you will want to select a homeschool curriculum.
Power Homeschool is an online K-12 curriculum made up of engaging videos and interactive coursework. Parents also have access to numerous resources to help jump-start their homeschool experience.
Join thousands of parents that homeschool with our self-paced, interactive courses.
Resources
Homeschool Field Trips in Alabama
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling. Students can tour museums, explore wildlife, and so much more. The following are just a few examples of the many field trips available to homeschoolers.
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- North Alabama Railroad Museum in Huntsville: Experience a vintage train ride at the North Alabama Railroad Museum. Visitors are welcome to tour the museum and see railroad displays within the Hugh Dudley Railroad History Center.
- Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur: Explore wildlife species in their natural habitats and learn about the role that these plants and animals play in maintaining balance in the ecosystem. The Refuge offers a variety of educational opportunities, including summer camps, field trips, and special events.
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham: As a part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, the BCRI is home to various exhibits that commemorate the work of civil rights activists from the past and present.
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The Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives is located in Athens Alabama. It includes a large exhibit centers, guided tours given by local veterans, gift shops and much more. The Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives collection contains an impressive display of artifacts from the Revolutionary War until present day. Visitors can walk among the actual uniforms, medals, photos and weapons; hear stories and experiences about the nation’s wars from men and women who were actually there.
- Moundville Archaeological Park in Moundville: This park is the perfect addition to any lesson about Native American culture in the United States. Students can see artifacts uncovered from the park as well as climb to the top of various mounds.
- Mobile Museum of Art in Mobile: Tour collections of art from around the globe, including paintings, prints, sculptures, drawings, and so much more! Homeschoolers can attend special art classes, making this a perfect field trip for aspiring artists.
- Montgomery Zoo in Montgomery: With exhibits dedicated to five different continents, this zoo allows visitors to see animals in their natural habitats. Numerous educational programs, summer camps, and animal encounters allow students of all ages to learn something new.
- Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery: Learn about the government, history, and culture of Alabama at the state’s Capitol building. Guided tours of the building are available four times daily.
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