Alaska Laws and Requirements for Homeschool
Alaska provides several flexible options for homeschooling families while requiring parents to follow basic guidelines to meet the state’s compulsory education laws. Here's an overview:
Homeschooling Options in Alaska
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Homeschool as an Independent Family
- No reporting to local school authorities or state approval is required.
- Parents take full responsibility for their child’s education, including selecting and teaching a curriculum.
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Enroll in a Public Correspondence Program
- Families can enroll in state-funded public homeschool programs (e.g., IDEA, Raven, or CyberLynx).
- These programs often provide resources, funding for curriculum, and educational support, but may require periodic progress reports.
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Operate as a Private School
- Parents can establish their homeschool as a private school.
- They must submit a notice of operation and maintain basic school records.
Compulsory Attendance
- Alaska requires children between ages 7 and 16 to be enrolled in school unless they are homeschooled or attending a private school.
Curriculum Requirements
- There are no specific subject requirements or state-mandated curricula for independent homeschoolers.
- Parents are free to design a curriculum tailored to their child’s needs.
Assessments and Testing
- Independent homeschoolers are not required to participate in standardized tests.
- Students enrolled in public homeschool programs may need to meet specific assessment criteria set by the program.
Record-Keeping
- Record-keeping is optional for independent homeschoolers but recommended to demonstrate educational progress.
- Parents in public programs may be required to keep attendance and submit work samples.
Graduation and High School Diplomas
- Alaska does not issue state diplomas to homeschooled students.
- Parents may issue a diploma for their child. Public correspondence programs may offer diplomas to their enrolled students.
Homeschooling Benefits in Alaska
- Homeschoolers in Alaska benefit from high flexibility and access to state programs offering support and funding for educational materials.
- State-run homeschool programs often provide opportunities for extracurricular activities and specialized courses.
Resources for Alaska Homeschoolers
- Alaska Homeschool Association (AHA): Provides advocacy, community support, and resources for families.
- Alaska Homeschool Network: Connects homeschoolers across the state for advice, activities, and curriculum sharing.
- Public Correspondence Schools: Check with programs like IDEA, Raven Homeschool, or CyberLynx for tailored support.
Alaska’s homeschooling laws allow families the freedom to create educational programs that suit their lifestyles and goals while providing state-sponsored options for support.