Homeschooling in Alabama

Regulation: Low

Three legal paths. Minimal state requirements; church school enrollment is most common.

Alabama offers three legal paths for homeschooling. Church school enrollment is the simplest and most common.

Option 1: Church School Exemption

Enroll under a church school umbrella. The church school provides the compliance structure.

How to start: Enroll your child in a church school. File an enrollment certificate with your local school superintendent (required by state law). Maintain attendance records per the church school's policies.
Parent qualifications: None required by state — the church school sets its own policies.
Required subjects: No state-mandated subjects. The church school may have its own requirements.
Testing: Not required by state.

Legal reference: Alabama Code §16-28-7

Option 2: Private School

Operate as or enroll in a private school. More administrative requirements than Option 1.

How to start: Notify the superintendent within 5 days of the public school start date with names and addresses of all enrolled school-age children. Maintain an attendance register and immunization records.
Parent qualifications: None required by state.
Required subjects: No state-mandated subject list. Provide a good-faith physical education program.
Testing: Not required.

Legal reference: Alabama Code §16-28-1

Option 3: Private Tutor

Hire an Alabama-certified teacher as a private tutor. Most regulated path.

How to start: Hire a tutor who holds an Alabama state teaching certificate. Submit a statement to the superintendent listing students, subjects, and the instruction schedule. Maintain detailed attendance and work registers.
Parent qualifications: Not applicable — instructor must hold an Alabama teaching certificate (state certification specifically required, not just a college degree).
Required subjects: Same subjects as public schools, taught at least 3 hours/day, 140 days/year, between 8am–4pm in English.
Testing: Not required.

Legal reference: Alabama Code §16-28-5

Getting started

Most Alabama families use the church school exemption (Option 1) — enroll with a church school umbrella organization and file an enrollment certificate with your local superintendent. The church school handles most documentation.

Requirements

Under Options 1 and 2, there are no state-mandated subject requirements or testing. Option 3 (Private Tutor) requires instruction in the same subjects as public schools, taught by an Alabama-certified teacher, for at least 3 hours per day over 140 days.

Keeping records

Keep basic attendance records regardless of path. Tracking courses and grades throughout high school makes college applications much easier, even though the state doesn't require it.

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Last reviewed: 2026-05