Alabama Homeschool State Laws

Please note that laws and regulations may have changed since this update, so it’s important to verify this information with the current legal authorities or homeschooling organizations in Alabama. Here is a summary of homeschooling laws in Alabama:

• Required Notifications: In Alabama, homeschooling families are required to file a notice of intent to homeschool with the local superintendent or the Alabama Department of Education. The notice should include basic information about the parents and the children being homeschooled.
• Parent Qualifications: The parent or guardian overseeing the homeschool program must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Curriculum: Alabama does not prescribe a specific curriculum for homeschooling. Parents have the freedom to choose or develop their own curriculum that meets the educational needs of their children.
• Instruction Hours: Homeschooling in Alabama should be conducted for at least 140 days per academic year. The number of instruction hours per day is not explicitly specified, but it is generally expected that homeschooling provides an education that is “adequate” and “thorough.”
• Subjects: Alabama requires homeschool programs to cover the following subjects: reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science.
• Testing and Evaluations: Homeschooled students in Alabama are not required to undergo standardized testing or evaluations. However, parents may choose to have their children assessed through nationally recognized tests.
• Recordkeeping: Homeschooling parents should maintain attendance records and keep a portfolio of the child’s work. It is recommended to retain these records for at least three years.
• Graduation: Alabama does not provide a specific homeschool diploma. However, homeschooling parents can issue a diploma to their child upon completion of their homeschool program.
• Dual Enrollment: Homeschooled students in Alabama are generally eligible to participate in dual enrollment programs, allowing them to take college-level courses while still in high school. Specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the college or institution.

Updated August 2023