Alabama is widely recognized as one of the most flexible states for homeschooling in the country. Since the passage of Senate Bill 38 in 2014, the state has removed many of the traditional hurdles to home-based education, giving parents significant autonomy over their children’s learning. This guide covers the legal pathways, the enrollment process, and the exciting new school choice developments in the Yellowhammer State.

Compulsory Attendance

In Alabama, children must attend school from age 6 to 17. Specifically, if a child is 6 years old on or before September 1, they must be enrolled in a public school, private school, church school, or be taught by a private tutor. Attendance is mandatory until the child’s 17th birthday.

The Three Legal Pathways to Homeschooling

1. Private School Pathway

This is the most common method following the 2014 law change. Alabama law defines a private school as any school that is not public, which includes individual home schools.

• Notification: You must file a one-time ‘Enrollment Form’ with the local public school superintendent. This form is often a simple document provided by the local school district (sometimes referred to as the ‘McKinney-Vento’ or ‘Attendance’ form).
• Teacher Qualifications: None.
• Testing: None required.
• Instructional Days: No state-mandated minimum.

2. Church School Pathway

Historically, this was the primary way Alabamians homeschooled by joining a ‘cover school’ or ‘umbrella school’ operated by a religious organization. Many families still choose this for the community and administrative support.

• Notification: Similar to the private school pathway, you must submit an enrollment form to the local superintendent. This form must be signed by the parent and the administrator of the church school.
• Requirements: The church school may have its own requirements (e.g., occasional reports, specific curriculum), but the state does not impose any.
• Testing: None required.

3. Private Tutor Pathway

This is the most restrictive pathway and is rarely used by standard homeschooling families.

• Qualifications: The tutor must be a state-certified teacher.
• Instruction Requirements: Must provide at least 140 days of instruction per year, for at least 3 hours per day.
• Subjects: Must teach the same subjects usually taught in public schools.
• Reporting: Must keep a register of work and attendance to be filed with the county superintendent.

Step-by-Step Compliance

1. Choose Your Pathway: Most families choose ‘Private School’ for total independence or ‘Church School’ for a community umbrella.
2. File the Enrollment Form: Contact your local school district’s attendance officer to request the enrollment form for private/church schools. You only need to file this once when you start, or if you move to a new school district.
3. Maintain Attendance Records: While the state doesn’t require you to submit them, Alabama Code § 16-28-8 requires every school (including private home schools) to keep an attendance register. A simple calendar with marked days is sufficient.
4. Withdraw from Current School: If your child is currently in public school, you must officially withdraw them to avoid truancy issues. Provide the school with a copy of your filed enrollment form.

The CHOOSE Act (ESA) and Testing Requirements

In 2024, Alabama enacted the CHOOSE Act, which creates Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, homeschoolers can apply for a $2,000 annual grant per student (up to $4,000 per family) to cover educational expenses like curriculum, tutoring, and technology.

Critical Note for ESA Participants:
While Alabama law generally requires zero testing for homeschoolers, those who accept CHOOSE Act funds must administer a nationally norm-referenced standardized test (like the Iowa Assessment or Stanford 10) or a state-approved assessment. This is a trade-off: you gain state funding but lose the state’s traditional ‘no-testing’ status.

Required Subjects

For the Private School and Church School pathways, Alabama law does not list specific required subjects. However, to ensure a child’s future success in college or the military, most families follow the standard course of study: Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Physical Education.

Summary of Record-Keeping

To stay legally compliant and prepared for the future, families should maintain:

• A copy of the initial Enrollment Form filed with the superintendent.
• An annual attendance register.
• A portfolio of student work (recommended, not required).
• High school transcripts (essential for college admissions).

Helpful Resources

• Alabama State Department of Education
• Alabama CHOOSE Act Information
• HSLDA Alabama State Page
• Alabama Christian Education Association (ACEA)