Everything you need to know about homeschooling in Alabama. Two compliance paths available - the Church School option requires no government notification, no testing, and no curriculum approval. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
Alabama is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the country. Families can choose between two compliance paths: the Church School option (used by the vast majority of families) and the Private Tutor option. Under the Church School path, there is no government notification, no testing, no curriculum approval, and no mandated subjects.
The legal foundation comes from Ala. Code § 16-28-1 et seq., which provides a church school exemption allowing homeschools to operate under a church-affiliated umbrella organization with virtually no state oversight. This strong religious liberty protection makes Alabama one of the freest states for homeschooling.
Most Alabama homeschool families operate under the Church School option because it offers maximum freedom with minimal paperwork. The Private Tutor option has more requirements but does not require a church affiliation.
Under the Church School option, you do not need to notify any government entity that you are homeschooling. You only enroll with your chosen church school umbrella organization. This makes Alabama one of the easiest states to start homeschooling.
Alabama offers two distinct compliance paths for homeschooling families. The requirements differ significantly between them, so choosing the right path is an important first decision.
| Requirement | Church School (Option 1) | Private Tutor (Option 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Basis | Ala. Code § 16-28-3 | Ala. Code § 16-28-5 |
| Notification | None to government | File with local superintendent |
| Attendance | Not specified | 3 hours/day, 140 days/year |
| Teacher Qualification | None | Certificate or parent |
| Required Subjects | Not specified | 10 subjects |
| Testing | None | None |
| Record-Keeping | Per umbrella requirements | Attendance records required |
| Oversight | Church school umbrella only | Local school board (minimal) |
Under this path, your homeschool operates under a church school umbrella organization. You enroll with the umbrella, follow their (usually minimal) requirements, and the state has no oversight role. Most umbrella organizations are very hands-off, allowing full parental control over curriculum and methods.
Under this path, you file notification with the local superintendent, provide instruction for at least 3 hours per day and 140 days per year, cover 10 required subjects, and maintain attendance records. Most families avoid this option because the Church School path is significantly easier.
The Church School option is recommended for most families because it requires no government notification, no mandated subjects, no minimum hours or days, and no attendance reporting. Many church school umbrellas accept families of all backgrounds and have very minimal requirements.
How you start homeschooling in Alabama depends on which compliance path you choose.
Send a withdrawal letter to the school stating that your child will be educated under a church school program (or as a private tutor). You do not need school or district approval to withdraw.
If withdrawing from public school, send a withdrawal letter before beginning homeschool. Without documentation, the school may mark your child as truant. Keep a copy of the letter and any confirmation from the school.
When choosing a church school umbrella, ask about their services: some offer transcripts, diplomas, graduation ceremonies, and community events. Fees are typically $25-$200 per year. Blue Folder can help you track your compliance and organize records. Try it free →
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Generate your withdrawal letter, track your compliance path, and stay organized automatically.
Notification requirements in Alabama depend entirely on which compliance path you choose.
No government notification is required. You do not need to notify the state, the school district, or any government entity. Your only obligation is to enroll with your church school umbrella organization.
You must file notice with the local superintendent before beginning instruction. The notice should include your child's information and your qualifications as an instructor. Attendance records must be provided upon request.
The Church School option's lack of government notification is one of the strongest homeschool protections in the country. It is rooted in religious liberty protections, making it very difficult for the state to increase regulation of this pathway.
Required subjects in Alabama depend on your compliance path.
No specific subjects are mandated by the state. You have complete curriculum freedom. The church school umbrella may have its own recommendations, but parents choose all materials and methods.
Under the Private Tutor option, all 10 subjects must be covered. However, there is no curriculum approval process - you choose the materials and methods for teaching each subject.
Regardless of which path you choose, Alabama does not require curriculum approval. You select your own textbooks, online programs, workbooks, or teaching methods. No one reviews or approves your choices.
Attendance requirements in Alabama vary by compliance path.
No minimum hours or days are specified. You set your own schedule entirely. There is no requirement to follow the public school calendar, and you can structure your school year however you choose.
You must provide at least 3 hours of instruction per day for a minimum of 140 days per year. Attendance records are required and must be submitted to the superintendent upon request.
Even under the Church School option where no attendance tracking is required, many families keep basic attendance records for their own reference. This is helpful for transcripts, college applications, or if your child ever returns to public school.
Alabama does not require any standardized testing or assessment for homeschool students under either compliance path. There are no portfolio reviews, no progress reports, and no mandatory evaluations.
While not required, some families choose to administer standardized tests for their own purposes:
Testing fees typically range from $25-$75. Some church school umbrellas offer group testing at discounted rates.
Alabama colleges accept homeschool students. Most require ACT or SAT scores, a transcript (from your church school umbrella or parent-created), course descriptions, and letters of recommendation. Contact individual universities for their specific homeschool admissions policies.
Record-keeping requirements in Alabama depend on your compliance path.
Record-keeping requirements are set by your church school umbrella, not the state. Most umbrellas have minimal requirements - typically just enrollment and basic contact information. Some offer transcript services and graduation support.
You must maintain daily attendance records and submit them to the local superintendent upon request.
Even with minimal legal requirements, keeping organized records makes your life easier. Use Blue Folder to track attendance, upload work samples, and build a compliance binder - so you always have documentation if you need it. Try it free →
Alabama currently offers limited financial assistance for homeschool families.
| Program | Status |
|---|---|
| ESA Program | Under development (check current status) |
| Vouchers | Not available |
| Tax Credits | Not available |
| Tax Deductions | Not available |
Alabama does not have a statewide law guaranteeing homeschooler access to public school sports. The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) rules generally exclude homeschoolers, though some districts may have local policies.
Alternatives include church school sports programs (some umbrellas offer these), homeschool leagues, community recreation, club sports, and church leagues.
Alabama's deadlines depend on which compliance path you choose.
| When | What | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Before starting (Church School) | Enroll with umbrella | Complete enrollment with your church school umbrella organization. |
| Before starting (Private Tutor) | File with superintendent | Notify your local school superintendent of intent to homeschool. |
| Annually (Church School) | Renew enrollment | Renew with your umbrella per their schedule (most are annual). |
| Before withdrawing from public school | Send withdrawal letter | Required only if child is currently enrolled in public school. |
Many states have annual filings with the state, mandatory testing windows, and evaluation deadlines. Under Alabama's Church School option, your only deadline is enrollment renewal with your umbrella - typically once per year with flexible timing.
Alabama homeschool law is straightforward, but new families still encounter avoidable problems.
If you are withdrawing from public school, keep a copy of your withdrawal letter and your church school enrollment confirmation. These two documents are your primary legal protection if your homeschool is ever questioned.
The umbrella must be church-affiliated, but many accept families of all backgrounds. Some are very minimal in religious requirements. Ask about philosophy when selecting an umbrella.
You can use the Private Tutor option, but it has more requirements: notification to the superintendent, 3 hours/day for 140 days, 10 required subjects, and attendance records.
No government notification is required. You only need to enroll with your umbrella organization.
Generally no. Alabama does not guarantee homeschooler access to public school sports. Check your local district's policy, and explore church school sports programs, homeschool leagues, and club sports as alternatives.
Many do. This is a great question to ask when selecting an umbrella. Some offer official transcripts, diplomas, and graduation ceremonies, which can be helpful for college applications.
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Track Alabama ComplianceDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the Alabama Department of Education or consult a qualified attorney. Primary statutes: Ala. Code § 16-28-1 et seq. For more information, see Alabama Home Educators and HSLDA Alabama. Last updated February 2026.