How to homeschool in Alaska

Options for homeschooling

: 4

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: Depends

ESA Option

: No

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Alaska's homeschooling laws and options

Homeschooling in Alaska is simple and offers families several flexible options to educate their children. Children aged 7 to 16 must be educated, but homeschooling families are exempt from public school enrollment if they follow state rules. In Alaska, there are four primary options for homeschooling:

Homeschooling under Alaska's homeschool statute - Parents can homeschool independently without enrolling in a public or private school.
Enrollment in a homeschool correspondence program - These are state or district-sponsored programs like IDEA or Raven Homeschool, which offer curriculum and support.
Private school enrollment - Parents can establish their homeschool as a private school by following specific requirements.
Tutoring by a certified teacher - A certified teacher may provide instruction to the student.

Requirements to homeschool in Alaska:

Parents are not required to file a notice of intent to homeschool in Alaska, making the process straightforward and hassle-free. However, it is considered good practice to notify the school in writing, informing them of the decision to homeschool to avoid confusion or issues with truancy.
No mandatory standardized tests or specific subject requirements.
Alaska does not impose any specific education requirements for parents who wish to homeschool their children. It’s recommended to teach core subjects like math, reading, writing, science, and social studies for a well-rounded education.

For more detailed information on Alaska homeschooling laws and requirements, visit the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in Alaska

Alaska's state requirements make it so easy to start homeschooling.

Notify your school district (optional): It's not required in Alaska, but letting your local school district know you’re homeschooling can help avoid any confusion.
Gather school records (optional): Request things like transcripts or IEPs from your child’s school to support your homeschooling.
Choose Time4Learning courses: Time4Learning offers a full curriculum, electives, and foreign languages, designed to make homeschooling easy and flexible.
Keep records: Track your child’s work, attendance, and progress. Time4Learning provides tools like a transcript template to help.
Provide regular instruction: Alaska doesn’t set specific hours, but consistent learning is key. Use Time4Learning’s Activity Planner to stay organized and plan extra activities.

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Alaska's graduation and diploma requirements

Homeschoolers in Alaska have the flexibility to set their own graduation requirements. However, it's beneficial to align with the general requirements of high school graduation in Alaska to ensure your child is prepared for post-secondary education or the workforce. Generally, this includes completing coursework in English, math, science, and social studies. Parents can issue a homeschool diploma once they believe their child has met their educational goals.

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Standardized Test Requirements for Alaska Homeschoolers

While Alaska does not mandate standardized tests for all homeschoolers, students homeschooling in affiliation with public schools (such as the option to homeschool through a public charter or district) must comply with testing requirements.

Some families opt into standardized testing to get valuable feedback on their children's progress and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, standardized tests can be useful for students who plan to attend college, as they help meet entrance requirements.

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Applying to Alaskan colleges as a homeschooler

Many Alaskan institutions, including the University of Alaska system, actively welcome homeschooled students with flexible admissions policies. Homeschoolers in Alaska have several pathways to pursue college education. To ensure a seamless transition to higher education, we recommend connecting with admissions offices early to fully understand the requirements and prepare accordingly. Here are some key ways homeschoolers can make their applications stand out:

Academic transcript. Maintain a detailed transcript that includes coursework, grades, and credit hours. As a Time4Learning member, you’ll be able to download a transcript template from our parent portal.
Homeschool portfolio. Consider creating a portfolio to highlight your unique homeschooling experience. This can include passion projects, volunteer experience, and any awards or recognitions.
Letters of recommendation . Strengthen your application with letters of recommendation to highlight your educational background and achievements.

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Using an ESA for financial aid in Alaska

Alaska offers several financial aid options and support for homeschooling families. Some public homeschooling programs provide funds for educational materials, curriculum, and extracurricular activities.

The Alaska Education Savings Account (ESA) program is another great resource, allowing families to allocate funds for various educational expenses, including tutoring, online courses, and other learning tools. Additionally, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education offers resources for homeschoolers planning to continue their education after high school. It's worth exploring these options to enhance your homeschooling experience.