Homeschooling in Alaska

Alaska offers FOUR distinct pathways to homeschool, with most families choosing Option 1 (Homeschool Statute) for maximum freedom — no notification, no testing, no curriculum approval, no teacher qualifications. Alaska has one of the highest homeschool participation rates in the country (estimated 16.15% during 2023-24). Alaska's correspondence programs (Option 2) provide up to ~$2,700-$4,500 per student annually in education allotments — a unique benefit nationally. Alaska homeschool law goes back to 1939 when the first correspondence program was created to address the state's vast remote regions. Compulsory ages 7-16.

Legal framework at a glance

Legal options: FOUR pathways — (1) Homeschool Statute (most popular), (2) Correspondence Program (state-funded), (3) Private Tutor (Alaska-certified teacher), (4) Private/Religious School.

Notification: Option 1: NO notification required. Option 2: enroll through a correspondence program (e.g., IDEA) before annual deadline. Option 4: annual private school enrollment reporting form to local superintendent by first day of public school..

Instructional time: No specific days/hours required under Options 1, 2, or 3. Option 4 (private school) follows public school calendar..

Required subjects: Option 1: NO state-mandated subjects. Option 2 (correspondence): at least 50% of education must focus on core subjects. Option 4 (private school): subjects required by the school's organizing documents..

Testing and evaluation: Options 1 and 3: no testing. Option 2 (correspondence): students take state assessments. Option 4 (private/religious school): standardized testing required after grades 4, 6, and 8 (results not submitted to state)..

What Alaska families need to know

**OPTION 1: HOMESCHOOL STATUTE** (most popular). Educate your child at home as long as you are the parent or legal guardian. NO requirements: no notification, no approval, no testing, no forms, no teacher qualifications. Maximum freedom. CANNOT receive state funding under this option.

**OPTION 2: CORRESPONDENCE PROGRAM** (state-funded with conditions). Public school correspondence programs designed for homeschooling families. Provides up to $2,700-$4,500 per student annually in education allotments. Statewide programs include IDEA (largest, statewide), Raven Homeschool, FOCUS Homeschool (Kenai Peninsula), PACE (Anchorage), CyberLynx (Fairbanks). Requirements: at least 50% of education must focus on core classes; students participate in Alaska's statewide assessments; quarterly progress reviews by assigned teacher advisor.

**OPTION 3: PRIVATE TUTOR**. Child is tutored at home by a tutor who is an Alaska-certified teacher. Tutor must hold valid Alaska teaching certification. The tutor's instruction must be 'comparable to that offered by public schools in the area.' No notification, attendance, recordkeeping, or assessment requirements beyond the teacher holding valid certification. Less common but works well if you hire a certified educator.

**OPTION 4: PRIVATE/RELIGIOUS SCHOOL**. Operate your homeschool as an exempt private or religious school. Most regulated option: file annual private school enrollment reporting form (Form 05-17-022) with local superintendent by first day of public school; if the school has children of more than one family, file a Corporal Punishment Policy with the Alaska Department of Education; maintain attendance records; standardized testing in grades 4, 6, and 8 (test results need not be submitted to state but must be made available upon request); cannot receive direct state or federal funding. Choose any nationally standardized achievement test in English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics.

**STATE PUBLIC EDUCATION ACCESS**: Alaska has a statute allowing all nonpublic students access to public school courses. These courses are publicly funded and unlimited — another unique Alaska benefit.

**INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES**: Alaska allows access to interscholastic activities for homeschooled students in grades 9-12. Participation rules vary by district.

**Idea Alaska Program**: provides up to $2,700 per K-12 student for the 2025-26 school year through the IDEA correspondence program. One of the most popular options.

**Records access** under Option 1: there are no required records. Many families voluntarily keep simple documentation (attendance log, curriculum records, work samples) for transitions or college prep.

**Withdrawal from public school**: notify the principal or school administrator in writing.

**Education allotment funding**: only available through correspondence programs (Option 2). Independent homeschoolers (Option 1) receive NO state funding.

**Special needs**: homeschooling children with disabilities requires no special permission. Some services may be available through correspondence programs or private providers.

Compulsory attendance: ages 7-16.

Always verify current requirements with the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) before filing any official paperwork. State rules can change.

Diploma recognition

Alaska homeschool parents (Options 1, 3, 4) issue their own diplomas. Correspondence program students (Option 2) receive school-issued diplomas. The state does NOT issue homeschool diplomas. Alaska public colleges (UAA, UAF, UAS) accept homeschool transcripts. Strong SAT/ACT scores significantly strengthen applications. Many Alaska homeschool graduates pursue dual enrollment to build documented academic credentials. The GED is available for graduates who need a state-recognized credential.

Getting started in Alaska

If you are new to homeschooling in Alaska, here is the practical sequence to follow:

1. Read the statute. Visit the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) website and read the current homeschool regulations in full. The summary on this page is a starting point, but the official statute is the final authority.
2. Choose your legal pathway. Alaska offers specific options described above. Choose the one that fits your family before you file anything.
3. Prepare your notification. Gather the information required for your notice or registration — child's name, date of birth, address, subjects, curriculum plans, and anything else your chosen pathway requires.
4. File before withdrawing. If your child is currently in public school, file your homeschool notification before you send the withdrawal letter to the school. See our withdrawal guide for the full process.
5. Set up your record-keeping system. Even in low-regulation states, keep attendance records, a list of curriculum used, and samples of your child's work. See our record-keeping guide for what to save and how.
6. Connect with a local homeschool organization. Alaska has active statewide homeschool organizations (listed below) and usually several local co-ops in each region. These are your best source of current, practical information.

Alaska homeschool organizations

The following organizations provide advocacy, support, and current information for Alaska homeschool families:

• Alaska Private & Home Educators Association (APHEA) — Largest statewide homeschool organization with legislative alerts and resources
• Alaska State Library Homeschooling Resources — State-supported library system providing extensive resources
• HSLDA Alaska — Legal defense and member support

Local homeschool co-ops often meet in libraries, churches, and community centers throughout the state. A search for "Alaska homeschool co-op [your city]" typically surfaces groups meeting near you. The statewide organizations listed above maintain co-op directories.

Beyond the legal requirements

Meeting Alaska's legal requirements is only the foundation. The day-to-day work of homeschooling — choosing a curriculum, teaching multiple children at different levels, building a transcript — is the larger task. Once your legal compliance is in order, explore the rest of this site:

Homeschool360 • Alaska State Guide