Everything you need to know about homeschooling in Alaska - one of the freest states in the nation. Choose between complete independence with no requirements, or enroll in a correspondence program for state funding. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
Alaska is one of the freest states in the nation for homeschooling. The Independent Homeschool path has essentially no requirements at all - no notification, no testing, no required subjects, no minimum hours or days. You simply teach your children as you see fit.
Alaska also offers a unique alternative: state-approved correspondence programs (such as IDEA, PACE, and Raven) that provide allotment funding toward curriculum and materials in exchange for some oversight from the program. This makes Alaska one of the few states where families can receive state funding for homeschooling.
Alaska's homeschool-friendly environment is partly shaped by its unique geography. Many families in remote areas have homeschooled for generations, and correspondence programs were originally designed to serve rural families far from brick-and-mortar schools.
Alaska has a shorter compulsory attendance age range than most states: ages 7-16. This means children under 7 and over 16 are not required to receive instruction, giving families extra flexibility at both ends.
Alaska offers two distinct compliance paths with very different levels of freedom and support.
| Requirement | Independent Homeschool | Correspondence Program |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Basis | AS 14.30.010 | AS 14.30.010 + program enrollment |
| Notification | None required | Enroll with program |
| Attendance | No minimum | Per program requirements |
| Required Subjects | None | Per program requirements |
| Testing | None | May be required by program |
| Record-Keeping | None required | Per program requirements |
| State Funding | None | Allotment funding available |
| Oversight | None | Program oversight |
Under this path, Alaska has essentially no requirements. No notification, no testing, no subjects, no hours, no days. You have complete freedom to educate your children as you see fit. The trade-off is that no state funding is available.
By enrolling in a state-approved correspondence program, you can receive allotment funding toward curriculum, materials, and educational expenses. Programs like IDEA, PACE, Raven, and CyberLynx provide structure and support. The trade-off is more oversight from your chosen program.
Choose Independent Homeschool if you want maximum freedom and no government involvement. Choose a Correspondence Program if you want state funding to help cover curriculum costs and appreciate the structure and support a program provides.
How you start homeschooling in Alaska depends on which path you choose.
If your child is currently enrolled in public school, send a withdrawal letter before beginning homeschool. Keep a copy for your records.
Correspondence program deadlines and allotment amounts can change. Check the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) website for current program details and enrollment deadlines. Blue Folder can help you stay organized. Try it free →
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No notification is required. You do not need to tell the state, the school district, or anyone else that you are homeschooling. Alaska is one of a handful of states with absolutely zero notification requirements for independent homeschoolers.
Enrollment with your chosen program serves as your documentation. Each program has its own enrollment deadlines and processes. No separate notification to the state is required beyond program enrollment.
No specific subjects are legally mandated. Alaska is one of the very few states that does not require any particular subjects for independent homeschoolers. You have complete freedom to design your own educational program.
Each correspondence program sets its own curriculum requirements. Programs typically cover core academics including language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Your allotment funding can be used toward approved curriculum materials.
Even though Alaska has no subject requirements for independent homeschoolers, covering core academic areas (reading, writing, math, science, social studies) prepares your child for college, standardized tests, and future opportunities.
Alaska has no specific hours or days mandated for independent homeschoolers. You set your own schedule entirely. There is no requirement to track or report attendance.
Correspondence programs follow their own calendars and may have specific requirements for contact hours, assignments, or reporting periods. Check with your specific program for details.
Even without a legal requirement, keeping a basic attendance log helps with transcripts, college applications, and your own record of what you have accomplished. Most families log between 160-180 days per year.
Alaska requires no testing or evaluation for independent homeschoolers. There are no standardized tests, no portfolio reviews, and no progress reports to submit.
Testing may be required by your specific correspondence program. Check with your program for their assessment policies.
Families may choose to administer tests for their own purposes:
No records are required by the state. You are not obligated to maintain a portfolio, keep attendance logs, save work samples, or document your curriculum.
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Alaska provides allotment funding toward curriculum and materials for families enrolled in state-approved correspondence programs. This is one of Alaska's unique advantages.
| Program | Availability |
|---|---|
| Correspondence Allotment | Available through approved programs (IDEA, PACE, Raven, etc.) |
| ESA (Independent) | Not available |
| Vouchers | Not available |
| Tax Credits | Not available |
The choice between independent homeschool and a correspondence program often comes down to freedom vs. funding. Independent homeschool gives you total freedom with no money. Correspondence programs give you funding with some oversight. Choose based on your family's priorities.
Access to public school sports and extracurriculars varies by district. Many Alaska districts accommodate homeschoolers, but it is not guaranteed by state law. Contact your local district for their specific policies.
| When | What | Details |
|---|---|---|
| None | Independent Homeschool | No filing deadlines of any kind. Simply begin teaching. |
| Per program | Correspondence enrollment | Check your specific program for enrollment deadlines. |
| Per program | Allotment application | Apply through your correspondence program for funding. |
| Before withdrawing | Withdrawal letter | Only if child is currently enrolled in public school. |
If your child is currently enrolled in school, keep a copy of your withdrawal letter. This is your documentation if enrollment status is ever questioned.
No. Alaska requires no notification, no registration, and no approval for independent homeschoolers.
Allotment amounts vary by program. Check the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) website and individual program websites for current funding amounts.
Yes. You can enroll in or leave a correspondence program at designated points. Check with your program for their enrollment and withdrawal policies.
Ages 7-16, one of the shorter compulsory periods in the country. Children under 7 and over 16 are not required to receive instruction.
Access varies by district. Many Alaska districts accommodate homeschoolers, but it is not guaranteed by state law. Contact your local school for their policy.
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Track Alaska ComplianceDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) or consult a qualified attorney. Primary statute: AS 14.30.010. For more information, see Alaska DEED and APHEA (Alaska Private & Home Educators Association). Last updated February 2026.