Alaska Homeschool Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Alaska Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: Not for Independent Homeschool

5 Options for Homeschooling: Independent, Correspondence Programs, Private certified tutor, Private certified homeschool, Educational experience

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: None for Independent Homeschool

Attendance Age Requirements: 7-16

Record-Keeping Requirements: None for Independent Homeschool

Assessments or Evaluations Required: None for Independent Homeschool

Proof of Immunization Required: None for Independent Homeschool

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Options for Homeschooling in Alaska

Alaska requires students to attend school from ages 7 to 16. They offer several options as alternatives to public and private schools.

Independent Homeschool Statute

The homeschool statute is the simplest homeschooling option in Alaska. There are no requirements for this form of homeschooling, meaning attendance, curriculum, record-keeping, subjects taught, etc., are entirely up to the parents or guardians. Many families choose this route because it’s the easiest to comply with and offers them the freedom to educate their children however they like. 

TIP: Parents/guardians who choose the independent homeschool option are responsible for all costs of educating their children and are not eligible for the Alaska Homeschool Allotment program.

Correspondence Programs

These are another popular option for Alaska homeschoolers. They relieve parents of the responsibility of choosing curricula, keeping records, and covering many educational costs. A local district or other approved organization may offer these. Learn more about homeschool correspondence programs in Alaska.

Correspondence programs have their own requirements, which independent homeschooling does not. Families who choose the correspondence option must:

• Hold school at least 180 days per year
• Complete annual Individual Learning Plans for each student together with the supervising certificated teacher
• Communicate regularly with the supervising certificated teacher (generally monthly)
• Submit progress reviews and work samples to the supervising teacher
• Participate in required Alaska State Assessments

While these requirements are more restrictive, Alaska correspondence homeschool families are eligible for the Alaska Homeschool Allotment, which covers education costs. Find more information in our Alaska Homeschool FAQ section.

Other Homeschool Options

Alaska law permits several other types of homeschooling. These can be much more restrictive and sometimes date back to earlier days of Alaska home education. They include the following:

• Private certified tutor–This tutor must have a teaching certification issued by the State of Alaska. Other than that, there are no record-keeping or curriculum requirements.
• Private certified homeschool–This type of homeschool is certified by the state and must meet many of the same requirements as other private or religious schools. This includes annual notice, 180 days of instruction, attendance and academic records, standardized testing, and more. As you might guess, families rarely choose this option today.
• An educational experience approved by the school board as serving the child’s educational interests. This can include a family spending a year traveling, broadening a child’s education by experience, or a child spending time learning vocational skills they’ll need for their future career. Parents/guardians must request in writing to fulfill this option, and the local school board must approve it.

TIP: If you want additional information on any of these options, contact your local district or the Alaska State Board of Education.

Legal Requirements to Homeschool in Alaska 

Alaska requires students to attend school from ages 7 to 16 and for homeschooled students to take standardized tests in grades 4, 6, and 8. 

Aside from these and provided you’re following Alaska’s independent homeschool statute, no other legal requirements are involved in homeschooling. Parents or guardians are NOT REQUIRED to:

• Notify the local district or state of their intent to homeschool
• Be certified to teach
• Include any particular subjects in their curriculum
• Meet any immunization requirements
• Keep records of any kind, including attendance or academic logs

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Alaska Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements

While home educators aren’t required to keep records, good academic records can serve as transcripts later on in a child’s life. If at any time you transition your child back to public schools, these records can make it easier to place them in the appropriate grade and courses. They’re also helpful when applying to colleges.

 Alaska Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations

Homeschooled students in grades 4, 6, and 8 are required to complete standardized testing and will need to be ready to provide the Department of Education with test results upon request. 

TIP: Students can take any national standardized test that measures competency in English grammar, spelling, reading, and math. 

Homeschooled students can take the ADP, PEAKS, ACCESS, or DLM assessments at their local public school with approval from the school. You can find more information about test taking for homeschoolers here. 

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Homeschool Organizations in Alaska

Alaska is a very supportive homeschool state, with multiple groups and co-ops to help you on your education journey. Here’s a sampling:

• Homeschool in Alaska: This site offers lots of information for homeschool families and is an excellent place to find educational resources.
• Alaska Homeschool Classes: Homeschoolers in Anchorage can find in-person classes here. 
• Alaska Private and Home Educators Association: This Christian homeschool organization has workshops, social meet-ups, classes, resources, and more.

Sports Options for Alaska Homeschool Students

Alaska homeschoolers may be eligible to participate in their local public school district’s interscholastic sports and extracurricular programs. Students enrolled in accredited correspondence school programs who meet the district’s academic and other requirements can participate. Correspondence school students should contact their local district for more information.

TIP: Independent homeschoolers should work with their local district to find out if it allows homeschooled students to participate in sports programs. 

According to Alaska law, public schools are only required to give homeschool students from “a home school program accredited by a recognized accrediting body” access to school sports. If your independent homeschool student participates in an accredited program (even if the state of Alaska does not fund it), they might be eligible. Contact your local district for more information.

Non-school Sports Programs Available for Alaska Homeschoolers

Many homeschool groups and co-ops have created their own sports leagues. Kids can also participate in community sports activities, like those offered by the YMCA or Little League. Here are some options to consider (see many more options at Homeschool in Alaska):

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Special Education Homeschoolers

For students with special needs in Alaska, there may be an option to receive special education services through correspondence school and private school routes to legally homeschooling in the state. 

Historically, correspondence schools and homeschools operated as private schools were the chosen paths for homeschooling Alaskan families. In 1997 the requirement for oversight was removed. However, many families, especially those with children with special needs, continue to choose the correspondence school option as it gives them access to services funded through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. 

The Alaska homeschool law has no special provisions or requirements for reporting or oversight for students with disabilities.

Alaska Homeschool Field Trips

There’s no doubt that Alaska is an incredible place to live, with so much to explore. Independent homeschoolers have the freedom to plan their education schedule to include all sorts of amazing field trips. 

One of the best things about Alaska is its astounding collection of state and national parks.

The Every Kid Outdoors pass gives free National Parks admission to fourth-grade students and their families (restrictions apply), which includes homeschoolers. 

In Anchorage, visit the Alaska Aviation Museum, Anchorage Museum Discovery Center, or the Alaska Museum of Science & Nature. The Alaska State Museum in Juneau is full of local history, and the Walter Soboleff Building offers a deep dive into local indigenous culture.

Remember that many museums and other sites offer special educational programs and student discounts. They often require a minimum group size, so team up with other homeschool families in your area to make the most of your trip.

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How Homeschool+ Can Help You Homeschool in Alaska

Homeschool+ Curriculum programs can help independent homeschoolers in Alaska teach a variety of subjects. It includes fully adaptive math and reading programs for children ages 4 to 8; twelve online courses covering art, science, social studies, and more; and robust home educator tools that support your unique homeschool. Each course is customizable and created by curriculum experts.

The freedom and flexibility of Homeschool+ extend to the Home Educator Tools, which include a progress tracker for each child and a lesson planner. 

The Lesson Planner lets you customize the Homeschool+ curriculum by adding, removing, or moving lessons to meet the unique needs of your homeschool. Complete Lesson Plans support offline learning, providing three levels of exploration to take learning into the real world.

Your passion for homeschooling plus our powerful mastery curriculum can help your child build a strong foundation for success.

Learn more about the Homeschool+ Curriculum programs and how they can help your homeschoolers learn and grow.

Homeschooling in Alaska FAQ:

Does Alaska pay you to homeschool? What is the Alaska Allotment? 

No, Alaska doesn’t pay families to homeschool. However, it does offer what’s known as the Alaska Allotment to families who choose to use correspondence courses offered or accredited by the state. The allotment pays for the correspondence course and any additional educational materials like textbooks, school supplies, technology, field trips, and more. 

Independent homeschool families not participating in the correspondence course program aren’t eligible for the Alaska Allotment. All education costs are the responsibility of the home educator.

How can Alaska homeschoolers get a diploma?

Those who participate in state-approved correspondence programs will receive a diploma upon meeting graduation requirements. 

All other homeschoolers do not receive a diploma from the State of Alaska. They may receive a diploma from a homeschool group or curriculum program, or parents may issue their diplomas to students. Independent homeschool students do not need to meet any requirements to graduate.

How are Alaska homeschool correspondence programs different from independent homeschooling?

Can you homeschool a foster child in Alaska?  

Both parents and legal guardians can homeschool under Alaska law. However, foster parents may wish to talk with their child’s caseworker before changing their education path.

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