How to Homeschool in Alaska

The state recognizes several options under which a child may be educated in his or her home and meet the Alaska compulsory enrollment law. Alaska Stat. §14.30.010.

The Alaska home school statute states that compulsory attendance is met "if a child is being educated in the child's home by a parent or legal guardian." Alaska Stat. §14.30.010(b)(12).

Alaska statutes that address other alternatives to attending public school include:
1) attending a home school that meets legal requirements qualifying it as a "religious or other private school";
2) tutoring by a certified teacher;
3) enrolling in "a full-time program of correspondence study approved by the department"; and
4) participating in a school board approved educational experience requested in writing by the child's parents or guardian for excuse from school attendance. Alaska Stat. §14.45.100-14.45.200, §14.30.010(b)(1)(B), §14.30.010(b)(1)(C), §14.30.010(b)(10)(B); §14.20.020, §14.30.010(b)(11).

Initial and Renewal Applications

Parents intending to homeschool their children are not required to register with the state or their local school district. Additionally, there are no requirements to notify, seek approval, test, file forms, or have any teacher qualifications. Alaska Stat. §14.30.010(b)(12). See also, State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Frequently Asked Questions.

If the parent chooses to homeschool through the use of a private tutor that individual must have a teacher certification. Requirements for issuance of a teacher certificate in Alaska include finger printing. Alaska Stat. §14.30.010(b)(1)(B), §14.20.020.

If the parent chooses to homeschool through establishing the home school as a private or religious school option, forms or reports are required for the following: affidavit of compliance; corporal punishment policy; private, religious or other private schools enrollment; school calendar; enrollment reporting for school district; immunization; standardized testing; and academic achievement. Alaska Stat. §14.45.100-14.45.200.

Assessment and Diplomas

No testing requirements are set for a home school unless it is operating as a private or religious school. If this is the case, then the parent must administer any nationally standardized achievement test for English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics. Assessment is required of students in grades four, six, and eight. Alaska Stat. §14.45.120.

See also, State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development's Guide for Establishing a Private or Religious School.

Public School Access

Beginning July 1, 2013, homeschooled students have the opportunity to participate in school sports and interscholastic activities held at public schools. Alaska Stat. §14.30.365.

You can find information about the different ways to educate from home on the Alaska Alternative Schooling Options and the Alaska Homeschooling Resources webpage.

Web Resources

• Alaska Homeschooling Resources
• Alaska Alternative Schooling Options
• State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (EED): Forms and Grants
• Alaska Administrative Code

Contact Information

Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
Suite 200
801 West 10th Street
P.O. Box 110500
Juneau, AK 99811-0500
Phone: 907-465-2800
Private Schools, Forms Assistance: 907-465-8724
Fax: 907-465-4156
TTY: 904-465-2815
Website: http://www.eed.state.ak.us/

Source: United States Department of Education - Alaska State Regulations

The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development provides little information about homeschooling.

You can find information about the different ways to educate from home on the Alaska Alternative Schooling Options and the Alaska Homeschooling Resources webpage.

Alaska Home Schooling Links

• Alaska Homeschooling Resources
• Alaska Enrollment Reporting Form​
• Alaska Affidavit of Compliance
• Alaska Corporal Punishment Policy

Source: Alaska Department of Education