Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in Alabama

Here is exactly what Alabama requires to homeschool legally - how to notify (if needed), what records to keep, testing rules, and how to get started.

Last updated June 2026

Notice required
Required
Instructional days
Regular instruction
Portfolio
Not required
Testing / evaluation
Not required

Alabama homeschool requirements

  • Notification: Enroll under a church school cover or private tutor program. No state notification required if under a church school umbrella.
  • Required subjects: Cover Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Health.
  • Teacher requirement: None (under church school umbrella)
  • Portfolio / records: No portfolio is required by the state, though keeping records is recommended.
  • Testing / evaluation: No standardized testing is required by the state.
  • Recordkeeping: No retention period is set by the state; keep records organized year to year.

Key dates & deadlines

At the start of the yearFile your required notification with the district or state.
AnnuallyRenew your notification.

Getting started in Alabama

  1. File your required notification with your district or the state (see requirements above).
  2. Set up simple records: a log of instruction and samples of your child’s work.
  3. Choose curriculum covering Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Health.
  4. Check your eligibility for Parents' Choice Scholarship, and start keeping receipts for anything you buy for school.
  5. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in Alabama

Alabama homeschool families may be eligible for Parents' Choice Scholarship. Programs like this reimburse or directly fund approved purchases - curriculum, tutoring, testing, and often therapies - against categories the program sets, and every claim has to be documented with receipts. Application windows and award amounts change year to year, so check the official program page before you plan around them.

  • Parents' Choice Scholarship - Administered by Alabama State Department of Education. Typically covers curriculum & educational materials, private school tuition & required fees, tutoring services, educational technology, testing & assessment, educational therapies. Every claim needs a receipt, and some categories need approval before you buy. Official information: https://www.alabamaparentschoice.com/

Official resources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in Alabama?
Enroll under a church school cover or private tutor program. No state notification required if under a church school umbrella.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
None (under church school umbrella)
Is standardized testing required?
No - Alabama does not mandate standardized testing.
How long should I keep records?
No retention period is mandated, but keeping thorough records is strongly recommended.
Is there scholarship or ESA funding for homeschoolers in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama runs Parents' Choice Scholarship. Eligibility, award amounts, and application windows are set by the program and change year to year, so confirm the current rules on the official page before you rely on them.
What subjects must I teach in Alabama?
Alabama requires you to cover Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Health. Beyond that the choice of curriculum and approach is yours.
How many days or hours of instruction does Alabama require?
Alabama does not set a specific hours or days requirement for homeschoolers. Keeping a simple record of instruction is still worthwhile if your circumstances change.
Track all of this automatically

Beyond My Books logs your Alabama instructional days, required subjects, portfolio, and deadlines - and warns you before anything is due.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change - verify current requirements with your Alabama department of education or county superintendent.