Please note, this is not intended as legal advice. This is for informational purposes only and should you choose to Homeschool in Alabama then you need to double check the Alabama Department of Education website for current regulations.
Alabama has a moderate level of regulations when it comes to homeschooling. Additionally, the interpretation of the laws are left up to each superintendent and can vary across the state. As a homeschool parent in Alabama it’s going to be important that you understand the laws, check in with your local district’s rules, file your intent, and maintain meticulous records.
Alabama requires homeschoolers to follow certain steps to begin homeschooling.
- Register with your local district as your own private school. As a private school, you must register with the state by October 10th and be prepared to keep documentation of the number of pupils enrolled, number of instructors, attendance records, courses of study, the length of term, cost of tuition, etc.
- Submit forms. By the end of the 5th day of the public school calendar, you need to submit forms prescribed by the State Superintendent of Education to the county superintendent of education. Contact your local school district or superintendent’s office to obtain copies of these forms.
- Take attendance. All unexcused absences must be reported, so make sure you have your documentation ready to submit.
- Make copies of immunization records. These are required pieces of documentation except in the case of stated religious or medical exemptions.
- Record of Physical Education for each student enrolled in a private school. Be sure to maintain documentation of these hours throughout the year. Bridgeway Academy’s Physical Education/Activity log is a great resource to help you keep track of this requirement.
Fellow homeschoolers in your state are best equipped to help you navigate these interpretations. Here are a few secular homeschool groups in Alabama to connect with.
Alabama Secular Homeschool Groups
Central Alabama Secular Homeschool
“This group is intended for secular homeschool parents in the central alabama area to discuss and share ideas. It is not necessarily anti-religion, but for people that have chosen to minimize or keep religion out of the homeschool classroom.”
“We are a diverse homeschool group that includes people from all educational approaches, races, beliefs, and family orientations. Our objective is to provide positive support in homeschooling while making friends, and most of all, having fun. We provide numerous educational and social events for families in Mobile county and surrounding areas.”
North Alabama Secular Homeschooling NASH
“This is a secular homeschooling group and we follow the Oxford English Dictionary’s first entry definition of secular: “Denoting attitudes, activities, or other things that have no religious or spiritual basis.” This term is not up for debate.”
Secular Homeschoolers Of Alabama
“A group for atheist and agnostic parents to discuss homeschooling and homeschooling events in the state.”
Secular Homeschooling in Gadsden / Etowah County
“This group is open to any secular homeschooling families in Etowah County.”
Secular Homeschooling Teens – Birmingham AL area
“This group is meant for secular homeschooling families in the Birmingham, Alabama area with teens and preteens (11 and up). For the purposes of our group, “secular” will mean families homeschooling for reasons other than religion. Families of all faiths are welcome, but we leave talk of religion at the door.”
