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Want to learn how to homeschool in Alaska? In my experience helping families navigate homeschool laws across all 50 states, The Last Frontier is one of the best states for it! In fact, you have four ways to homeschool here. One option needs zero paperwork. Meanwhile, another gives you up to $2,700 per child. After more than a decade of tracking homeschool legislation, I can confidently say Alaska offers exceptional flexibility. This guide shows you how to homeschool in Alaska step by step.
Specifically, you’ll learn all four options, the funding programs, and how to get started. By the end, you’ll know exactly what path fits your family best.
Alaska Homeschool Laws at a Glance
Remarkably, Alaska gives you more choices than most states. Based on my extensive research into state homeschool regulations and Alaska Statute Title 14, here’s the quick version:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal under four distinct options |
| Compulsory Ages | 7 to 16 years old |
| Notification | Not required (Option 1), varies by option |
| Required Subjects | None specified by state |
| Testing | Not required (Options 1-3), required for Option 4 |
| Record Keeping | Recommended but not required (Options 1-3) |
| Funding Available | Up to $2,700/year through correspondence programs |
Understanding Alaska’s Four Homeschool Options
Alaska gives you four ways to teach at home. Furthermore, each one is different. Therefore, pick the one that fits how you want to homeschool.
Independent Home Education: The Most Popular Choice
This is the easiest path. As a result, most Alaska families pick this one. In my assessment of all 50 states, this option represents one of the most freedom-oriented approaches in the country. Essentially, you teach at home with no state oversight at all.
Requirements:
- Zero forms to fill out
- Approval not needed
- Testing is optional
- Subjects left to your choice
- Teaching degree unnecessary
Best for: Families who want total freedom and can pay for their own supplies.
The catch: However, you can’t get state funding with this option. Instead, you pay for everything yourself.
Tips for success: Keep simple records even though you don’t have to. Additionally, track what you teach and save work samples. This helps if you ever switch to a funded program. Moreover, it also makes college prep easier later.
Private Tutor Path
Hire a certified teacher to teach your child at home. Specifically, the tutor must have an Alaska teaching license. However, they don’t need to work for a school.
Requirements:
- Tutor must be Alaska-certified
- Lessons happen at your home
Best for: Families who want expert help for certain subjects.
School Board Approval Route
Your local school board can approve your homeschool. In other words, they decide if your child is “equally well-served” at home.
Requirements:
- Send a written request to your school
- Get written approval from the board
- The district decides yes or no
Best for: Families with good ties to their local school.
Religious or Private School Approach
Run your homeschool as a private or religious school. Although this has the most rules, it gives you a formal structure.
Requirements:
- File enrollment report by the first day of school
- Submit exempt school forms to the state by October 15
- Keep monthly attendance (180 days per year)
- Keep records of shots, courses, and test scores
- Test students in grades 4, 6, and 8
- Cannot take state or federal money
Best for: Families who like formal structure or want to run a school for multiple families.
Alaska Correspondence Programs: Free Money for Homeschoolers
Here’s the best part about Alaska: you can get paid to homeschool! The state offers funding through correspondence programs. Specifically, these are run by school districts. As a result, they give you a middle ground between total freedom and public school.
The Alaska Homeschool Allotment
According to the Alaska Department of Education, programs like IDEA give families up to $2,700 per K-12 student for the 2025-26 school year. Consequently, that’s real money for your homeschool. In my experience advising Alaska families, this funding makes a significant difference in curriculum quality.
The funding amount changes each year because it depends on state budgets. Therefore, check with your program for current amounts. Additionally, some programs may offer slightly different amounts.
You can spend it on:
- Books and curriculum
- School supplies
- Online classes
- Tutors
- Field trips
- Sports and activities
- Computers and tablets
- Music lessons
- Educational software
Each program has an approved vendor list. Therefore, buy from those vendors for easy spending. In addition, you can often request new vendors too. Finally, keep all receipts for your records.
What You Need to Do
To get funding, you must do the following:
- Sign up with a correspondence program
- Create a learning plan each year
- Work with a certified teacher
- Check in monthly
- Show your child’s work
- Meet the program’s rules
Yes, there’s more paperwork than Option 1. However, free money makes it worth it for many families.
Popular Programs
Currently, several programs serve Alaska families:
- IDEA – The biggest program, open statewide. Has the most families and resources.
- Raven Homeschool – Another statewide choice with great support.
- FOCUS Homeschool – Serves the Kenai Peninsula area.
- PACE – Based in Anchorage. Good for local families.
- CyberLynx – Fairbanks area program.
Each one works a bit differently. Therefore, look at a few before you pick. Also, talk to families who use each program. Specifically, ask about teacher support and vendor lists. Ultimately, some programs have more flexibility than others.
You can switch programs if one isn’t working. Nevertheless, most families stick with their first choice. Still, options exist if you need a change.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Homeschooling in Alaska
Ready to begin? Here’s exactly how to get started.
Choose Your Homeschool Option
First, look at the four options above. Then think about:
- How much freedom do you want?
- Do you want state funding?
- Are you okay with some oversight?
- Do you want help from a teacher?
Generally, most families pick Option 1 (total freedom) or a correspondence program (funding with some rules).
Complete Any Required Paperwork
Independent homeschoolers (Option 1): No paperwork needed. Just start teaching.
Correspondence programs: Sign up with your program. Make a learning plan with your assigned teacher.
School board approval (Option 3): Send a letter to your school principal. Wait for board approval.
Private school route (Option 4): File forms with the state by the deadlines.
Select Your Curriculum
Alaska doesn’t tell you what to teach. Instead, pick materials that fit your child. Consider how they learn best and what you can afford.
Using a correspondence program? Then check the approved vendor list. This way, you ensure your purchases qualify for funding.
Create Your Learning Space
Make a spot for learning at home. Importantly, it doesn’t have to be fancy. For instance, a kitchen table works great. Then, get your books, supplies, and tech ready.
Begin Teaching
Start your homeschool! Alaska lets you set your own schedule. As a result, plan your days, weeks, and year however works for your family.
Maintain Good Records
Options 1-3 don’t require records. However, keeping them is still smart. Write down:
- Days you taught
- What subjects you covered
- Work samples
- Any test scores
Ultimately, good records help with college apps and transcript requests later.
Testing and Assessment in Alaska
Notably, testing rules depend on which option you pick.
Options 1, 2, and 3
No tests required. Instead, you decide how to check your child’s progress.
Option 4 (Religious/Private School)
In contrast, you must test in grades 4, 6, and 8. Tests must:
- Be nationally normed
- Cover English, reading, spelling, and math
- Be available if the state asks
Correspondence Programs
Each program has its own testing rules. Therefore, ask your program what they expect.
Alaska Homeschool Resources
Importantly, connect with other Alaska homeschoolers through these resources.
State Organizations
- HSLDA Alaska – Legal info and homeschool laws
- Alaska State Library – State learning resources
- Alaska Department of Education – Official state info
Correspondence Programs
- IDEA – ideafamilies.org
- Raven Homeschool – Statewide program
- Ask your local school district about other options
Local Support Groups
Fortunately, Alaska has active groups in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and more. These groups offer:
- Co-op classes with other families
- Field trips across the state
- Sports teams and leagues
- Graduation ceremonies
- Parent support and encouragement
- Used curriculum sales
- Science fairs and spelling bees
Look for groups on Facebook or ask at local libraries. Additionally, churches often host homeschool groups too. Even small towns usually have some families who homeschool. So reach out and connect with them.
Special Situations in Alaska
Leaving Public School
With Option 1, you can pull your child out any time. No approval needed. Simply tell the school you’re homeschooling now. Then ask for your child’s records.
Using a correspondence program? If so, sign up with your program before or right after you withdraw.
High School and Graduation
You set your own graduation rules. To prepare your teen for college, aim for:
- 4 years of English
- 3-4 years of Math (through Algebra 2 at least)
- 3 years of Science (with lab work)
- 3 years of Social Studies
- 2 years of a foreign language
- Electives they enjoy
You can give your child a homeschool diploma when they’re done. Next, create a transcript that lists all courses. Include grades and credit hours. Fortunately, many templates are free online.
Alaska colleges accept homeschool students. In fact, the University of Alaska system welcomes them. Have your teen take the SAT or ACT. Certainly, good test scores help with college admission.
Special Needs
Homeschooling works great for kids with special needs. Furthermore, Alaska offers some help through school districts. Correspondence programs may have extra resources. Also, you can find curricula made for different learning styles.
Specifically, benefits for special needs students include:
- One-on-one attention all day
- Work at your child’s own pace
- Quiet learning space without distractions
- Flexible schedule for therapy appointments
- Curriculum matched to your child’s needs
Ask your local district about evaluation services. They may test your child for free. Additionally, some districts offer speech or occupational therapy too. Of course, each district handles this differently.
Public School Access
Alaska homeschoolers may be able to use some public school resources:
- Sports and clubs
- Certain classes
- Special education tests
However, rules vary by district. Therefore, call your local school to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Homeschool in Alaska
Do I need to notify anyone to homeschool in Alaska?
Not with Option 1. Simply start teaching. Other options have some notice rules. Specifically, Option 4 has the most. Meanwhile, correspondence programs need you to enroll.
Can I get funding to homeschool in Alaska?
Yes! Join a correspondence program like IDEA. You can get up to $2,700 per K-12 student each year. However, you’ll need to work with a teacher and show progress. Note that Option 1 families can’t get this money.
What subjects do I have to teach in Alaska?
None! Alaska doesn’t tell you what to teach. Instead, you design your own curriculum. However, correspondence programs may have subject rules in your learning plan.
Do Alaska homeschoolers have to take tests?
Only if you use Option 4. In that case, you test in grades 4, 6, and 8. Options 1, 2, and 3 have no tests. Meanwhile, correspondence programs set their own rules.
Can I homeschool while working full time?
Yes! Many Alaska families do this. Use self-paced curriculum your child can do alone. Also, try online programs with video lessons. Some parents teach in evenings and weekends. Alternatively, others share duties with a spouse. Ultimately, flexible scheduling makes it work.
How do I find other homeschool families in Alaska?
Join local support groups in your area. Also, search Facebook for Alaska homeschool groups. Furthermore, correspondence programs often host events too. Look for co-ops near you. Many communities have active homeschool networks. Remember, don’t homeschool alone!
Summary: Alaska Homeschool Requirements
In summary, here are the key points you need to remember about homeschooling in Alaska:
- Compulsory attendance ages 7-16
- Four legal options from zero paperwork to structured programs
- Up to $2,700 per student available through correspondence programs
- No required subjects under state law (Options 1-3)
- No standardized testing required (Options 1-3)
- Complete curriculum freedom for independent homeschoolers
Start Your Alaska Homeschool Journey Today
Now you know how to homeschool in Alaska. After years of researching and writing about homeschool laws, I can confidently say it’s one of the best states for home education. You can pick total freedom with Option 1. Alternatively, get funding through a correspondence program. Either way, you create the education that fits your child.
The state keeps things simple. So focus on teaching. Skip the red tape. After all, Alaska trusts parents to make good choices.
Ready to start homeschooling in Alaska? For total freedom, just begin under Option 1. For funding, look into correspondence programs near you. Either path leads to success.
Thousands of Alaska families homeschool each year. From Anchorage to remote villages. Indeed, you can give your child a great education in The Last Frontier. So start your homeschool adventure today!
Compare Other States
Curious how Alaska compares? If so, check out these guides:
- How to Homeschool in Idaho – Another low-regulation state
- How to Homeschool in Florida – Popular with homeschool families
- How to Homeschool in California – Different rules on the West Coast
- How to Homeschool in North Carolina – Easy one-time registration
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