If you’re considering homeschooling your child in Alaska, there are four legal options available to you under Alaska homeschool laws. Once you’ve decided on one of these options, you’ll need to follow the specific requirements outlined for each.
Option 1: Homeschooling Under the Homeschool Statute
This option allows you to educate your child at home without needing to notify the state, seek approval, or meet any specific qualifications. As long as you’re the parent or legal guardian, you can homeschool your child without additional formalities.
Option 2: Homeschooling With a Private Tutor
You can choose to have your child instructed at home by a tutor who holds Alaska certification as a teacher.
Option 3: Homeschooling With School Board Approval
If you believe your child would receive an equally effective education outside of the public school system, you can request permission from the school board. This involves submitting a written request to the principal or school administrator and obtaining written permission for homeschooling.
Option 4: Homeschooling as a Religious Private School
If you opt for this route, you’ll need to fulfill several requirements:
- File an annual private school enrollment reporting form with the local superintendent by the first day of public school.
- Submit the Exempt Religious & Other Private Schools Enrollment and School Calendar forms to the Department of Education before October 15 each year.
- Maintain monthly attendance records showing 180 days of school attendance per year.
- Keep permanent records of immunization, courses, standardized testing, academic achievement, and physical exams, and certify this to the Alaska Department of Education.
- File a corporal discipline policy if your school has students from multiple families.
- Ensure that your school does not accept any state or federal funding.
- Comply with standardized testing requirements for 4th, 6th, and 8th grades, making test results available to the Department of Education upon request.
Alaska homeschool laws outline several ways to legally homeschool your child. Each option comes with its own set of responsibilities. Carefully consider which one aligns best with your preferences and your child’s educational needs.