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Alaska Homeschool Laws

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Last Updated On
byM Lycurgus

Alaska has a dedicated homeschool law, and HSLDA rates it as a no-notice state. Families can choose from four legal options. First, you can teach your own child at home under the homeschool statute. Second, your child can learn from a private tutor who holds an Alaska teaching certificate. Third, you can ask your local school board to approve another education plan. Fourth, you can run your homeschool as a religious or other private school. School is required from age 7 to 16. Under the homeschool statute, you do not have to notify anyone. The private school option has yearly reports instead.

Day to day, the homeschool statute asks very little. There is no required testing, no list of subjects, and no set number of school days. You do not need a teaching license. Still, it is wise to keep good records of your child’s work. However, private schools must keep attendance records for 180 days. They also test students in grades 4, 6, and 8. In addition, many families choose a public correspondence program instead. These programs can give each student a yearly allotment for school costs. For full details on each topic, open the sections below.

Ages 7 to 16 (HSLDA: Compulsory School Age in Alaska; AS 14.30.010).

A 6-year-old who is already enrolled in 1st grade in a public school must keep attending, unless the parent withdraws the child within 60 days of enrollment. A child withdrawn after 60 days falls under the compulsory attendance law and must follow a legal homeschool option (HSLDA).

Homeschool statute, private tutor, and school board approval: None required by the state.

Religious or other private school: Standardized testing is required in grades 4, 6, and 8. The parent may choose any nationally standardized achievement test that measures English grammar, reading, spelling, and math. Results must be available to the Department of Education on request (HSLDA: How to Comply with Alaska’s Homeschool Law).

None under the homeschool statute. The state does not mandate subjects for homeschoolers (HSLDA: Alaska Homeschool Law).

Homeschool statute: No. You do not have to notify the state, seek approval, or file forms.

Private tutor: HSLDA lists no filing requirement for this option. The tutor must hold an Alaska teaching certificate.

School board approval: You submit a written request to the principal or administrator of your child’s school and receive a written excuse from attendance.

Religious or other private school: File the annual Enrollment Reporting Form with the local superintendent by the first day of public school. File the Exempt Religious and Other Private Schools Enrollment and School Calendar forms with the Department of Education before October 15 each year. Forms are on the Department of Education forms page (HSLDA).

Homeschool statute: No.

Religious or other private school: Yes. Keep monthly attendance records showing 180 days of school each year (HSLDA).

None under the homeschool statute. Families may choose to enroll in a public correspondence program instead, but that is a public school option, not homeschooling under the statute (Alaska DEED: Correspondence Schools).

None under the homeschool statute. Under the private tutor option, the tutor must be an Alaska-certified teacher (HSLDA).

Limited. Under AS 14.30.365, a full-time high school student in an “alternative education program” may join interscholastic activities at a public school if the student meets the school’s and association’s eligibility rules and provides transcripts and other records. The law’s definition of alternative education program includes a “home school program that is accredited by a recognized accrediting body” and statewide correspondence schools. It does not mention unaccredited homeschools (HSLDA: Public School Access for Homeschoolers in Alaska).

Homeschool statute: None.

Religious or other private school: You must keep, and certify to the Department of Education that you keep, permanent records of immunizations and physical exams, using the department’s Affidavit of Compliance (HSLDA).

Religious or other private school extras: Keep permanent records of courses, standardized testing, and academic achievement. If your school teaches children from more than one family, file a corporal discipline policy with the Department of Education. Private schools may not take direct state or federal funding (HSLDA).

Correspondence programs: In Alaska, “homeschooling” means schooling with no school district affiliation. Correspondence programs are district-supported public school options at home (Alaska DEED). Each district program and its student allotment vary (Alaska State Library: Homeschooling Resources). In March 2025, the Alaska Supreme Court reversed a lower court ruling that had struck down the allotment statutes. The court left open whether allotments may pay private school tuition (State v. Alexander).

Records: Even past compulsory age, records can help with a driver’s license, military enlistment, college applications, or Social Security benefits (HSLDA).

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
    • Judicial action: Added the Alaska Supreme Court’s 2025 decision reversing the ruling that struck down correspondence allotments, and noted the open question about private school tuition (State v. Alexander).
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