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Alabama Homeschool Laws

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Last Updated On
byM Lycurgus

Alabama has no separate homeschool law. Instead, families choose one of three legal options. First, you can enroll your child in a church school. Second, you can start a home-based private school or join an existing one. Third, your child can learn from a private tutor who holds an Alabama teaching certificate. Children ages 6 to 17 must attend school. However, parents may delay a 6-year-old’s start to age 7 with written notice to the local school board. Notice rules differ by option. A church school family files a one-time enrollment form with the local superintendent. A private school reports its students to the superintendent five days after public school starts. A private tutor files a statement before teaching begins.

Day to day, Alabama gives families a lot of freedom. The state requires no tests and no portfolio reviews. Church schools and private schools may also set their own rules for subjects and school days. Still, you will need to keep an attendance register for every school day. Private schools must also teach physical education and ask for proof of immunization. Only the private tutor option requires a teaching certificate. Sports access depends on your local school district. In addition, eligible homeschool students may qualify for CHOOSE Act funds. For full details on each topic, open the sections below.

Ages 6 to 17 (Ala. Code § 16-28-3).

A parent of a 6-year-old may opt out of enrolling the child until age 7 by notifying the local board of education in writing.

Children attending a church school are exempt from compulsory attendance once they turn 16, provided they followed the church school enrollment and reporting procedures.

None required by the state under any of the three options. A church school or private school may set its own testing policy.

Church school: None set by the state; follow your church school’s policies.

Private school: None, except a “good faith” program of physical education (Ala. Code § 16-40-1).

Private tutor: The same branches of study required in the public schools, taught in English for at least 3 hours a day, 140 days a year, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Ala. Code § 16-28-5).

Yes. The type of notice depends on the option you use.

Church school: When your child first enrolls, the parent files a church school enrollment form with the local public school superintendent. The form is countersigned by the church school administrator. It does not have to be filed every year. If the child stops attending, the church school notifies the superintendent (Ala. Code § 16-28-7).

Private school: At the end of the 5th day after public school opens, the private school reports the names and addresses of all enrolled school-age children to the city or county superintendent. After that, it reports at least weekly any newly enrolled children and any unexcused absences (Ala. Code § 16-28-7).

Private tutor: Before instruction begins, the tutor files a statement with the city or county superintendent listing the children, the subjects, and the proposed schedule (Ala. Code § 16-28-5).

Yes. The principal teacher of a church school or private school must keep an attendance register for every school day of the year (Ala. Code § 16-28-8). A private tutor must keep a daily register of hours of instruction and attendance.

Only for the church school option, where the child must be enrolled in a church school operated as a ministry of a local church, group of churches, denomination, or association of churches that receives no state or federal funding (Ala. Code § 16-28-1). The private school and private tutor options do not require affiliation.

None for the church school or private school options. Under the private tutor option, the tutor must hold an Alabama teaching certificate.

Possibly. Alabama has no state law giving homeschoolers access to public school classes or activities, so it is up to each local school district. Since 2016, Alabama High School Athletic Association bylaws have allowed homeschool and other “non-traditional” students to play interscholastic sports with public schools, subject to a number of eligibility requirements. Contact your local school for its policy.

Private school: Yes. Private schools must require proof of immunization, but medical and religious exemptions are allowed.

Church school and private tutor: Not required.

Church school protections (Act 2014-245): Under Ala. Code § 16-1-11.3, the state does not license or regulate church, private, or other nonpublic schools. They, along with home-schooling entities, must still follow the school attendance law, the Alabama Child Protection Act, and the criminal background check law. A home may be the place where a church school or private school student is taught.

CHOOSE Act education savings accounts: The CHOOSE Act (Act 2024-21) created education savings accounts run by the Alabama Department of Revenue. For the 2026-27 school year, a homeschool student, including one enrolled in a church school or co-op, can receive $2,000, with a cap of $4,000 per family. Students at participating accredited schools receive $7,000. For 2026-27, eligibility was limited to Alabama residents in grades K5-12 with household income up to 300% of the federal poverty level, and applications closed March 31, 2026. Under the Act, the income limit no longer applies starting with tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027. Funds are spent through the ClassWallet platform on approved expenses such as curriculum, tutoring, and educational therapies.

Last reviewed: October 31, 2026

*The information on this page is for general use only. It should not be taken as legal advice. It is believed to be accurate however state and federal laws change every year. Homeschool.net recommends joining an organization such as the Home School Legal Defense Association before your homeschooling adventure begins. HSLDA can provide complete, accurate, legal advice and services for homeschooling families.

Update History

  • October 31, 2026
    • New law: Added the CHOOSE Act education savings accounts, which give $2,000 per homeschool student with a $4,000 family cap and drop the income limit starting in 2027 (Act 2024-21, HB129).
    • Regulatory action: Added that church school and co-op students count as homeschool students for the CHOOSE Act, based on the Department of Revenue’s rules (Ala. Admin. Code ch. 810-28-1).
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