Homeschooling Regulations by State: Alaska

by Christina Yeager

​If you are considering homeschooling your children in Alaska and don’t have a clue how it works, then you have come to the right place. For starters, you will need information regarding both the resources and the curriculum. This post is aimed to guide you through what route to take when considering homeschooling in Alaska.

Each state is the U.S. has a very specific set of regulations for homeschooling. If you are thinking about teaching your child at home, you'll need to know the ins and outs of what needs to be done beforehand and during. In this series, Homeschooling Regulations by State, we'll explore information to help with the decision, what to do to get started and what to do correctly to continue.

Compulsory School Age	It is mandatory for all children falling in the age bracket 6-17 years to attend the public school in their district in every school term. ​In cases the parents feel that it is too early for their child to attend school, they have to submit a written application to the Local Board of Education stating that their child will be starting a year later than 7 years of age. ​
Homeschooling Choices	The state of Alaska offers children both public and private school programs. In fact, it allows for dual enrollment in both. It is a unique chance to let people savor in the advantages of homeschooling. Homeschooling in Alaska is a simple procedure owing to the absence of strict legal requirements for the homeschoolers by the state of Alaska. You do not have to fill out or submit any forms - unless you choose a religion based education. The primary options available to you are: Homeschool Statute You may educate your child/children in your home. You must be the parent or legal guardian to do so. There are no teacher qualifications, forms to fill out, no testing, requirements or approval you have to seek. ​ Private Tutor ​This involves the child getting an academic education by a certified tutor (certified teacher standards), which is equivalent to that offered by the public schools in their area.​ Church/Cover School In addition to the traditional approach towards education, if you are seeking religious based teachings then Church schooling is for you. To enroll you need to fulfill their requirements of following a particular curriculum and a religious path. School Board Approval If you decide to go for this option, you do not have to register with the state of Alaska to homeschool your child. You simply submit an educational curriculum to the principal of your area public school and if it's satisfactory, they will pardon the public school attendance.
Formally Withdrawing From Public School	If you intend to pull out your child from the public school system you will have to give in a written notification to the respective authority or local public school superintendent.
Other Important Things To Consider	Attendance An attendance record for every child homeschooled is maintained. Instruction The governed attendance rule of 180 days of instruction is suggested.

Are you a homeschooler (new or veteran) seeking to share insight? Read our guidelines and then reach out introducing yourself to obtain blogging credentials! And if you're a homeschool parent, be sure to follow the Homeschooling Heroes page on Facebook for tons of resources and insight, and join the Unschool Homeschool group to expand your horizons as to what homeschooling is/can be. And finally, if you're looking for activities to join, we have a group with New Orleans-based activities, which will be expanding to an area near you - so join our group! And be excited about that, because we offer tons of exceptional educational and extracurricular activities for homeschoolers and parents, and can't wait to include you.