The Laws in Alaska that govern homeschooling programs are always in some state of change, challenge or amendment, so the information provided below is only a summary of the minimum requirements for homeschooling programs.
- The compulsory age for children is 7 to 16.
- There are 5 homeschooling options, 4 of which are under the “alternative classification”. They are as follows:
- Homeschooling by a parent, this option has no requirements nor is it regulated in any way. There are not forms to file, no paperwork need, no tests or any other form of contact. It is up to the state to prove that parents are/ are not educating their children. (Alaska Stat. § 14.30.010(b)(12).
- Tutoring by a certified teacher
- Enrollment in a full time correspondence program that has already been approved by the department of education
- The child is involved in an educational experience approved by the department, this usually follows just after a child is removed from school.
- A home school may be considered a private or religious school if it meets the following requirements
- The child’s parent files a annual notice of enrollment to the superintendent by the first day of school
- File the private denomination and private school enrollment report and school calendar before October 15th
- Maintain a monthly attendance record showing 180 days of instruction.
- Does not receive state or federal funding (definition of private school)
- Operated by a church or religious organization and does not receive state or federal funding (religious school definition)
- Keep a file of immunizations, test results, courses, exams, etc.
To clarify the difference between the very first definition of a homeschool and this last, more requirement heavy definition is the first starts before the child falls under the compulsory attendance law. If home school begins before a child is enrolled for the first time, then the first option applies. If the child has enrolled in public school and is removed from public schools, the other options apply.
