Homeschooling in Alaska.

Who this is for

Parents or legal guardians who teach their own child at home, outside any school district program.

The law

Alaska Statutes (AS) 14.30.010(b)(12) exempts a child from public school attendance while the child is “being educated in the child’s home by a parent or legal guardian.”

Ages covered

Compulsory attendance applies to children between 7 and 16 years old (AS 14.30.010(a)).

Notice or registration

None. You don’t file a notice, register or ask for approval from the state or your school district.

Leaving a public school

The law sets no withdrawal step for home schooling. Practical step, not law: if your child is enrolled now, tell the school in writing and keep a copy.

Subjects, days and hours

None set in the law.

Testing

Not required.

Records

None required. Practical guidance, not law: a simple log of subjects and a few work samples can help if your child later enrolls in a school or a correspondence program.

Parent qualifications

None. The law asks only that a parent or legal guardian educate the child at home.

Other legal options

Alaska also exempts children taught by a certified tutor, children in a private or religious school that follows AS 14.45, and children in a full-time, state-approved correspondence program. Each has its own rules.

What this is

A public school option, not the parent-led home school exemption. Your child enrolls in a school district’s correspondence study program and learns at home under that program’s rules.

Who teaches

Each course has a certificated teacher with primary responsibility, who assigns grades. You may add your own lessons using materials not bought with district or state money.

Learning plan

Each student has an individual learning plan (ILP), with an agreement signed by the teacher and at least one parent, and regular teacher reviews of the student’s work.

Testing

Students take part in the statewide assessment program, including the Alaska System of Academic Readiness (AK STAR) in English language arts and math for grades 3 to 9.

Coursework

At least half of a student’s coursework must be core courses taken through the program. Districts may waive this in limited cases.

The rules

Alaska Administrative Code (AAC) 4 AAC 33.405–33.490, plus each program’s own policies. Ask the program about its current requirements and any student allotment before you enroll.