Alabama Homeschool Requirements Checklist
Everything you need to do to homeschool legally in Alabama, based on Ala. Code 16-28-1; Ala. Code 16-28-7. Alabama is classified as Low regulation.
This is the general checklist for Church School / Cover School / Umbrella School, the most common of Alabama's 3 pathways. Our free wizard customizes this for your family, including grade, pathway, enrollment status, and IEP.
Your compliance checklist
Do first
File your Notice of Intent
Submit to umbrella school (which files with local superintendent). Deadline: Upon initial enrollment in the church school.
Deadline: Upon initial enrollment in the church school
More details
Individual families do not file directly with the state. The parent files a one-time enrollment form (provided by the superintendent) signed by both the parent and the church school administrator. This form is filed once at initial enrollment — there is no annual re-filing requirement under the statute. If the child leaves the church school, the school notifies the superintendent.
Withdrawal letter recommended
A formal letter isn't required, but it is recommended if your child is enrolled in school. Send it to public school.
Deadline: Before you start (if enrolled)
More details
Enroll with an umbrella school FIRST, then notify the public school in writing of withdrawal and request records. Provide documentation (e.g., letter from umbrella school) confirming enrollment. Without proof of alternative educational placement, the child may be considered truant under Ala. Code 16-28-12.
Ongoing
Keep basic records
You must maintain: attendance records.
More details
The umbrella school must maintain enrollment and attendance records. Church schools are explicitly exempt from the weekly reporting requirements that apply to private schools. Families should independently maintain attendance logs, curriculum records, work samples, and high school transcripts (grades 9-12) for college admissions.
Good news
No specific subjects required
Alabama statutes do not prescribe specific subjects for church schools. Curriculum is at the discretion of the family and umbrella school. In practice, most families teach core subjects (reading, math, science, history, language arts). Some umbrella schools may set their own curriculum expectations as a condition of enrollment.
No instructional time minimums
No minimum hours or days of instruction required.
No testing or assessment required
No standardized testing or assessments required under this pathway.
Education savings: CHOOSE Act Education Savings Account
CHOOSE Act Education Savings Account: $7,000/student (participating school enrollment); $2,000/student (home education, capped at $4,000/family) — Alabama residents ages 5-19 (up to 21 for IDEA/504), family income at or below 300% federal poverty level (~$93,600 for family of four), lawfully present in U.S. Priority given to students with special needs, then prior-year awardees, then by income level.
More details
Effective for 2025-2026 school year. Funds disbursed via ClassWallet for approved educational expenses. Church school (homeschool) students receive $2,000/student (not the $7,000 school amount). Cannot combine with Alabama Accountability Act scholarships. About 24,000 students awarded in first year.
Filing requirements
- What to file
- simple notice
- Send to
- umbrella school (which files with local superintendent)
- Deadline
- Upon initial enrollment in the church school
- How often
- one time
Individual families do not file directly with the state. The parent files a one-time enrollment form (provided by the superintendent) signed by both the parent and the church school administrator. This form is filed once at initial enrollment — there is no annual re-filing requirement under the statute. If the child leaves the church school, the school notifies the superintendent.
Ala. Code 16-28-7 (church school enrollment form filed once with local superintendent)
Ongoing requirements
Recordkeeping
- ✓Attendance records
The umbrella school must maintain enrollment and attendance records. Church schools are explicitly exempt from the weekly reporting requirements that apply to private schools. Families should independently maintain attendance logs, curriculum records, work samples, and high school transcripts (grades 9-12) for college admissions.
Ala. Code 16-28-7 (church school must maintain enrollment and attendance records)
What you don't need to worry about
No specific subjects required
Alabama statutes do not prescribe specific subjects for church schools. Curriculum is at the discretion of the family and umbrella school. In practice, most families teach core subjects (reading, math, science, history, language arts). Some umbrella schools may set their own curriculum expectations as a condition of enrollment.
No instructional time minimums
No minimum hours or days of instruction required.
No testing or assessment required
No standardized testing or assessments required under this pathway.
Education savings: CHOOSE Act Education Savings Account
CHOOSE Act Education Savings Account: $7,000/student (participating school enrollment); $2,000/student (home education, capped at $4,000/family) — Alabama residents ages 5-19 (up to 21 for IDEA/504), family income at or below 300% federal poverty level (~$93,600 for family of four), lawfully present in U.S. Priority given to students with special needs, then prior-year awardees, then by income level.
Other ways to homeschool in Alabama
This checklist covers Church School / Cover School / Umbrella School, the most common pathway. Alabama offers 3 different ways to homeschool, each with different requirements:
- •Church School / Cover School / Umbrella School(this checklist) : You enroll with an umbrella school (also called a church school or cover school), which handles all state reporting on your behalf. Alabama does not mandate specific subjects, hours, or testing for families under this pathway — your umbrella school may set its own policies. This is by far the most popular homeschool pathway in Alabama.
- •Private Tutor : You hire a tutor who holds a valid Alabama teaching certificate to provide instruction at least 3 hours per day for 140 days per year. The tutor files a written statement with the local superintendent and must cover the same subjects taught in public schools. This pathway is rarely used because of the teaching certificate requirement.
- •Private School : You operate your home as a private school, filing annual enrollment reports with the Alabama State Department of Education and complying with fire, health, and safety codes. You must teach state-prescribed subjects and operate for approximately 180 days per year. This pathway involves more administrative overhead than the umbrella school option and is uncommon for individual families.
Our wizard helps you choose the right one. Compare all pathways for Alabama
Education savings available
Alabama offers CHOOSE Act Education Savings Account. Learn about ESA programs
Related guides
Get your personalized checklist
This is the general checklist for the most common pathway. The wizard customizes it for your family's specific situation, including grade, pathway, and IEP status.
Get your Alabama checklistRequirements sourced from Ala. Code 16-28-1; Ala. Code 16-28-7. Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026