The next state in my blog series of state requirements for homeschooling is the great state of Alaska, the state flower is the gorgeous “Forget-Me-Not” and how could we forget a state that has not one, not two, but FIVE different options for homeschooling your children!
The following summary of information regarding homeschooling options comes from the Home School Legal Defense Association’s website www.hslda.org.
Required school age is between 7 and 16. (A child who is six years old and enrolled in the first grade in public school is subject to the compulsory attendance law. A parent may withdraw such a child from public school within 60 days of enrollment, and the child will not be subject to the compulsory attendance law until age 7.)
OPTION 1:
LEGAL OPTION: Establish and operate a home school
After this, there are no requirements for attendance, subjects, qualifications, notice, record keeping, or testing
OPTION 2:
LEGAL OPTION: Use a private tutor
ATTENDANCE: 180 days per year
SUBJECTS: Comparable to those offered in the public school
QUALIFICATIONS: Teacher Certification
There are no requirements for giving notice, record keeping, or testing
OPTION 3:
LEGAL OPTION: Enroll in a state department of education approved full time correspondence program
ATTENDANCE: 180 days per year
SUBJECTS: Comparable to those offered in the public schools
There are no requirements for qualifications, notice, record keeping, or testing.
OPTION 4:
LEGAL OPTION: Request School board approval to provide an equal alternate educational experience
ATTENDANCE: 180 days per year
SUBJECTS: Comparable to those offered in the public schools
There are no qualifications, notice, record keeping, or testing requirements.
OPTION 5:
LEGAL OPTION: Qualify as a religious or other private school
ATTENDANCE: 180 days per year
QUALIFICATIONS: None
NOTICE: File a “Private School Enrollment Reporting Form” with the local superintendent by the first day of public school; also file a “Private and Denominational Schools Enrollment Report” and a “School Calendar” with the state department of education by October 15 each year
RECORD KEEPING: Maintain monthly attendance records; also maintain records on immunization, courses, standardized testing, academic achievement, and physical exams
TESTING: Administer a standardized test in grades 4, 6, and 8
Alaska’s state motto is “the last frontier” but you do not need to feel alone in this beautiful frontier.
Some homeschool groups exclusive to Alaska are:
• Alaska Private and Home Educators Association (APHEA)• Christian Home Educators of Kodiak (C.H.E.K.)
• Interior Distance Education of Alaska (IDEA)
A couple of interesting ideas for educational field trips for your homeschooler in Alaska:
• Anchorage Museum of Art and History
• The Imaginarium – Alaska’s only hands-on science discovery center located in Anchorage
Resources for Alaksa Homeschool Families:
• Alaska Department of Fish and Game Teacher Resources
• SLED (Statewide Library Electronic Doorway) Resources for teaching your kids about Alaska)
So many wonderful things to see and do in Alaska! I hope that this blog will enlighten you as you embark on the Alaska homeschooling frontier.