Homeschooling in AlabamaNotice, Teach, Assess, Succeed
AdaptiPath helps Alabama families create amazing homeschool lessons while staying compliant with state requirements. No stress, no guesswork - just great education for your kids.
Stay Alabama Compliant
Alabama requires a notice of intent, 180 school days, five subjects, and annual assessment. We help you stay organized and meet all requirements easily.
State Requirements Met ✓
Meets Alabama curriculum requirements
Grade-appropriate skill building
Hands-on learning activities
What You Need to Know About Homeschooling in Alabama
Alabama has reasonable requirements that are easy to follow. Here are the facts in simple terms.
Notice of Intent
RequiredFile a Notice of Intent with your local school superintendent before starting or by September 1st. This tells them you're homeschooling.
180 School Days
RequiredProvide instruction for at least 180 days per year. You choose which days and can take breaks whenever your family needs them.
Five Required Subjects
RequiredTeach math, language arts, social studies, science, and career/technical education (life skills). You choose the curriculum and methods.
Annual Assessment
RequiredEach year, give your child a standardized test OR have a certified teacher review their work (portfolio evaluation). You choose which method.
Record Keeping
RequiredKeep records of attendance (school days) and academic progress. Simple records showing what your child learned work fine.
No Inspections
OptionalAlabama doesn't send officials to inspect your homeschool or curriculum. Your privacy is protected once you're properly registered.
Key Things to Remember for Alabama Families
File your Notice of Intent by September 1st each year - don't wait until the last minute
Annual assessment gives you two choices: testing or portfolio review by a teacher
Career/technical education can be practical life skills like cooking, budgeting, or job skills
Keep simple attendance records - a basic calendar marking school days works great
Alabama has a strong homeschool community with lots of local support groups
Your 180 days can include field trips, online learning, and hands-on activities
Testing companies often offer group discounts through homeschool associations
Don't Worry - You've Got This!
Thousands of families in Alabama are successfully homeschooling their kids. The requirements might seem overwhelming at first, but they become routine quickly. AdaptiPath helps you stay organized and compliant so you can focus on what matters most - your child's education.
How to Start Homeschooling in Alabama
Follow these simple steps to get started. Don't worry - it's easier than it seems!
File Notice of Intent
Before September 1stImportant!Contact your local school superintendent and submit a Notice of Intent to homeschool. Include your name, address, child's information, and statement that you plan to homeschool.
Plan Your Five Subject Areas
Before startingOrganize how you'll teach math, language arts, social studies, science, and career/technical education. You can integrate subjects or teach them separately.
Set Up Your School Calendar
Before startingPlan which 180 days you'll do school. You can follow the public school calendar or create your own schedule that works for your family.
Choose Assessment Method
Early in school yearDecide whether you'll use standardized testing or portfolio evaluation for your annual assessment. Research options and costs in your area.
Begin Record Keeping
From day oneStart tracking attendance and your child's academic progress. Keep samples of work throughout the year for your records or portfolio.
Start Teaching!
When readyBegin your homeschool journey. Remember that it takes time to find your rhythm - be patient with yourself and your child.
Complete Annual Assessment
End of school yearImportant!At the end of the year, complete your chosen assessment method (test or portfolio review). Keep the results with your records.
Congratulations! You're Ready to Homeschool in Alabama
Once you've completed these steps, you're officially homeschooling! Remember, you don't have to be perfect from day one. Every homeschool family learns and improves as they go.
Helpful Tips for Alabama Families
- Homeschool Alabama (founded 1988) provides legal advice and supports homeschool freedom statewide
- Alabama is described as very homeschool-friendly with no mandatory testing beyond what you choose for assessment
- Birmingham Homeschool Directory offers no-fee support to connect metro area families for information sharing
- Birmingham Zoo offers homeschool science classes for grades 1-12 tied to Alabama Course of Study standards
- Mobile area families can join Southwest Alabama Home Educators (SAHE) for Christian support in Mobile/Baldwin Counties
- Huntsville homeschoolers have Discovery Academy (secular), Creekside Academy Learning Co-op, and Lion's Gate Christian School
- Birmingham Homeschool Fair and Alabama Homeschool Expo (Montgomery) provide curriculum and vendor opportunities
- SMIC Academy in Birmingham provides church school oversight for families preferring that structure
- Portfolio evaluations are often less stressful than testing for younger children - certified teachers review work samples
- Career/technical education is very flexible: life skills, computer skills, crafts, business skills, or job-related training
- Academy Days Co-op starting Fall 2025 in Montgomery will serve 45 families at Dalraida Baptist Church
How AdaptiPath Helps Alabama Families
- Creates lesson plans that meet Alabama requirements automatically
- Tracks attendance and progress for state compliance
- Provides grade-appropriate curriculum for all required subjects
- Saves you hours of planning time every week
"Remember, you don't have to figure this out alone!"
Join thousands of Alabama families who are already homeschooling successfully. Most parents are surprised by how much they enjoy teaching their own kids once they get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling in Alabama
Here are the questions we hear most from Alabama parents who are thinking about homeschooling.
Still Have Questions About Alabama Homeschooling?
We're here to help! Our team understands Alabama homeschool laws and can guide you through getting started.
Alabama Homeschool Resources
For the most up-to-date information about Alabama homeschool laws, we recommend checking with these trusted sources:
- • Your Alabama Department of Education website
- • Local Alabama homeschool associations and co-ops
- • HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association)
- • Alabama homeschool Facebook groups and online communities
Choose YourPerfect Plan
Scale with your family's needs. Start with personalized lesson plans for every child with our Small Family plan and upgrade as your homeschooling journey grows.
Perfect for small families
Great for growing families
For large homeschooling families