Guide to Homeschooling in Alabama

Resources

Alabama Homeschool Laws and Requirements

Each state has different rules regarding a parent’s ability to homeschool their children and all the laws that they must follow. Alabama offers three options for parents to legally homeschool their children. For more information about these options as well as other requirements for homeschooling in Alabama, the following are great resources for you:

• • • Alabama State Department of Education
    • Home School Legal Defense Association
    • Justia US Law

Whether or not your state requires it, we recommend that everyone transitioning to homeschool from a public or private school formally withdraw their student. This avoids any concerns of truancy violations.

RECORD KEEPING

Alabama does not require homeschoolers to keep any records or data; however, it is always a good idea to maintain records, reports, and course materials. These provide a reference for coursework covered in case the student returns to a traditional school. Likewise, it helps when the student finishes school and applies for jobs or colleges.

Power Homeschool’s online parent portal allows parents to keep detailed reports on one easy-to-use app. Students’ attendance, report cards, and transcripts can all be downloaded and printed. We recommend that parents also keep records of standardized test scores if their students participate.

ALABAMA STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS

Alabama law does not require homeschooled students to participate in standardized assessments. However, many parents use these test scores as a way to track progress and ensure their students are on par with their peers in traditional schools.

Alabama has numerous standardized testing options that assess core skills. The following are tests that are available to Alabama students:

• • • PreACT
    • ACAP Summative Assessment
    • ACAP Alternate Assessment
    • ACCESS for ELLs 2.0
    • ACT with Writing
    • ACT WorkKeys

Most tests take place around the same time each year. There are several things parents can do to prepare their students to take standardized assessments; however, providing a high-quality homeschool curriculum will ensure they are set up for success.

HOMESCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS IN ALABAMA

Alabama has no graduation requirements for homeschoolers. Instead, parents can set the expectations and issue a diploma only when their students complete said requirements. We recommend basing requirements around the student’s plans after high school. Many colleges have specific requirements for homeschoolers to be admitted, so ensuring students are meeting these throughout their education will make the admissions process much easier for the student.

Many statewide homeschool associations provide homeschool parents with diplomas that they can issue to their graduates. Based on the student’s plans after graduation, they may have to take a General Education Development (GED) test to prove an understanding of core areas.

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!

• • • • 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.

      • 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.