How to start homeschooling in Alaska

Homeschooling is a big decision; taking the first step can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Alaska offers one of the most supportive environments in the country, with flexible laws, funding options, and plenty of community resources to guide your journey.

This guide will help you understand your legal options, explore helpful tools, and create a homeschool plan that fits your child’s needs and your family’s lifestyle.

Legal pathways for homeschooling in Alaska

Alaska offers four distinct legal homeschool options, each with its own guidelines. Families can choose the approach that best fits their educational goals and needs:

Option 1: Homeschooling under Alaska’s homeschool statute

If you're a parent or legal guardian, you can teach your child at home without needing to notify the state or obtain approval. Under this option, there are also no testing, reporting, or credential requirements.

Option 2: Homeschooling with a certified private tutor

This option allows families to hire a tutor with a current Alaska teaching certificate. Instruction must be comparable to what’s taught in public schools.

Option 3: Homeschooling through school board approval

You may request an exemption from school attendance by submitting a written proposal to your local school’s principal or administrator. They can approve if the board agrees that your child receives an equivalent education via another educational experience.

Option 4: Operating as a private or religious school

Families may establish a private or religious homeschool by following a set of administrative and recordkeeping requirements:

1. Submit an annual private school enrollment form to your district superintendent before the first day of the school year.
2. The Alaska Department of Education requires enrollment and calendar forms for private and religious schools to be filed by October 15 each year.
3. Keep monthly attendance logs to document 180 instructional days annually.
4. Maintain permanent student records, including immunizations, academic performance, test results, and physical exams. You must also submit an affidavit confirming compliance.
5. If your homeschool includes students from multiple families, submit a corporal discipline policy to the state.
6. Do not accept government funding to remain eligible for this exemption.
7. Administer standardized tests in grades 4, 6, and 8, and retain those results for review if requested.

Who can homeschool in Alaska?

Homeschooling in Alaska is open to any parent or guardian who wishes to educate their child at home. There are no parent education requirements, and you do not need to hold a teaching license to homeschool independently. Children between the ages of 7 and 16 are subject to compulsory education laws, and homeschooling fulfills that obligation.

Alternative learning options in Alaska

Before you decide on a homeschooling path, knowing what public-supported learning models are also available is helpful. These alternatives to full independent homeschooling offer flexible ways to meet Alaska’s education laws while still learning at home. These options provide structure and support while maintaining the flexibility many families value.

Not all families want to homeschool entirely on their own. Alaska offers several flexible alternatives that blend home education with public support:

Correspondence schools

In Alaska, correspondence programs, sometimes referred to as correspondence schools, are often classified as public charter schools. These district-run public programs support homeschooling families with flexibility, certified teacher guidance, and access to curriculum and learning resources.

Part-time public school enrollment

Some Alaska school districts allow homeschooled students to enroll part-time in public school while continuing their core instruction at home. This flexible option gives families access to specialized classes or extracurriculars that may be difficult to replicate independently, such as lab-based science courses, band, choir, art, or athletic programs. It’s a useful way to enrich a homeschool education while controlling most of your child’s schedule and curriculum.

Hybrid and microschool models

Some families participate in learning communities that combine at-home education with small-group instruction or shared resources. These models are often community-driven and may not be formally recognized by the state. In Alaska, some are supported through correspondence programs, while others are formed independently by groups of families who coordinate teaching schedules, locations, and curriculum to create a collaborative learning environment. They offer the social benefits of group learning with the customization of home education.

These options offer structure and support while maintaining the flexibility many families value.

How do I get started?

Getting started can feel overwhelming, but Alaska's flexible laws make the process relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to guide you:

1. Decide your legal pathway: Choose the option that best fits your family’s needs: independent homeschooling, a state-funded correspondence program, a private tutor, or establishing a private school. Each has different levels of oversight, flexibility, and support. If you're unsure, contact local homeschoolers or programs to learn more.
2. Withdraw your child from public school (if applicable): If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, submit a formal withdrawal letter to the school’s office. This ensures your child isn’t marked truant. Include the date, your child’s full name, and a statement that you will homeschool under Alaska law.
3. Choose your curriculum and schedule: Independent homeschoolers do not have a required curriculum. This allows you to customize your child’s education to what fits their needs best. Many families start with core subjects like reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Consider your child's learning style and your teaching preferences before making a decision on what curriculum to use.
4. Connect with a support network: Homeschooling doesn’t have to be isolating. Alaska has a strong homeschool community. Join local Facebook groups, co-ops, or associations. These communities offer group classes, field trips, curriculum swaps, and invaluable advice from veteran homeschoolers.
5. Set up a system for recordkeeping: While independent homeschoolers aren’t required to submit records, it’s wise to track attendance, subjects covered, work samples, and any assessments. This can be helpful if you ever decide to re-enroll in public school or apply for scholarships. A simple binder, digital portfolio, or spreadsheet can do the trick.
6. Ease into your routine: Give yourself time to adjust. The first few weeks might feel bumpy—that’s normal. Start with a flexible schedule, test out your materials, and focus on building positive learning habits. Many families use the rhythm of the Alaskan seasons to structure their year, taking more breaks in summer or using winter for more indoor learning.
7. Stay informed: Keep updated about Alaska homeschool laws, program updates, and new resources by subscribing to Alaska Department of Education updates or joining statewide newsletters.

Homeschooling in Alaska allows you to tailor your child’s learning to your family’s values, lifestyle, and goals. You can build an effective and rewarding education with the right plan and support system.

What resources are available for homeschool families in Alaska?

Homeschooling in Alaska has many support tools and communities to help you. Below are key resources grouped by type to guide, enrich, and support your family’s learning experience.

State education resources

The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) offers official information on homeschooling laws, downloadable forms for private school options, and a directory of state-approved correspondence programs.

Correspondence programs

Many families choose to homeschool through correspondence programs. These programs are designed to support home educators with academic planning and financial resources. A significant feature is the allotment system, which provides public funds for approved non-sectarian educational expenses such as curriculum, online courses, PE, supplies, and subscriptions. Requirements and amounts vary by district and are administered through the local program.

Statewide homeschool associations

These organizations, including faith-based groups, offer advocacy, conferences, updates on legislation, and community connections for homeschoolers across Alaska.

Local groups & co-ops

Found in regions like Anchorage, Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, and Juneau, these groups coordinate group classes, field trips, curriculum swaps, and seasonal events to keep homeschool families connected.

Curriculum tools & digital sources

Alaska homeschoolers can choose or create a curriculum that aligns with their educational goals and their child’s learning style. Many families use a combination of printed materials, digital tools, and online classes. The flexibility of homeschooling in Alaska allows for both structured programs and interest-led learning. The Alaska State Library and SLED (Statewide Library Electronic Doorway) also provide all residents access to research databases, online learning resources, and homeschool-friendly tools.

Can homeschooled kids in Alaska go to college?

Absolutely! Homeschooled students in Alaska have the same opportunities to pursue higher education as their peers in traditional schools. Here are the key components of a successful college-bound homeschool path:

Diplomas

Parents who homeschool independently can issue diplomas upon the student’s high school completion. Families using a correspondence program may receive an official, district-issued diploma through that program.

Transcripts

Maintaining a thorough transcript listing all courses completed, grades earned, and credit hours is essential. Many homeschoolers use transcript templates or software, while others model theirs on local high school formats. Be sure to include extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or independent projects.

Standardized testing

Most colleges and universities require SAT or ACT scores for admission. Research the requirements of the college your student is interested in applying to. Homeschoolers in Alaska should register early for these exams and consider preparing with test prep courses or practice exams.

College admissions

Alaska homeschoolers apply to college using the same application portals as traditionally schooled students (like Common App). They may need to submit a parent-generated transcript, test scores, and sometimes a portfolio or personal statement. Some schools may request additional documentation or verification, so keeping detailed records is helpful. Reach out to colleges your student is interested in applying to and ask if they have an admissions counselor specialized in working with homeschooled students. 

Dual enrollment opportunities

High school students can often take dual-credit courses that count toward high school and college through local colleges or correspondence programs. This can be a great way to transition into higher education.

Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS)

Homeschoolers are eligible for the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) if they meet academic requirements, including specific coursework and a qualifying SAT, ACT, or WorkKeys score. This scholarship can significantly offset the cost of attending in-state institutions like the University of Alaska.

With careful planning and consistent recordkeeping, homeschooled students in Alaska can access a full range of postsecondary opportunities—from trade schools and community colleges to competitive four-year universities.

What about socialization and extracurriculars?

Social connection and enrichment are essential parts of any child’s education, and Alaska homeschoolers have plenty of options to engage with peers and the broader community:

• Local co-ops and clubs: Many towns and cities across Alaska host homeschool co-ops where families meet for group classes, art projects, science labs, field trips, and parent-led workshops. These are great spaces for academic collaboration and social growth.
• Community sports and programs: Homeschoolers can join sports leagues, martial arts, dance, music, Scouts, 4-H, and more. Libraries and community centers often host homeschool days or educational events during regular school hours.
• Public school extracurriculars (grades 9–12): Under Alaska law, homeschoolers in grades 9–12 are allowed to participate in public school extracurricular activities—like sports teams, bands, drama, or clubs—as long as they meet the school’s eligibility criteria (such as academic progress and residency). Alaska Statute supports this with AS 14.30.365, which outlines access to interscholastic activities for students who are homeschooled or enrolled in private schools. Participation may require partial enrollment or coordination with the school’s administration.
• State and regional events: Organizations and local homeschool groups often host statewide or regional events that unite homeschool families, such as science fairs, spelling bees, theater performances, or outdoor education trips.
• Online interest groups: Many homeschoolers connect with others across the state via virtual clubs, game nights, or academic competitions on platforms like Outschool or Facebook Groups.

Frequently asked questions about homeschooling in Alaska

If you’re thinking about starting homeschooling in Alaska, you likely have a few questions about the process. Below are some of the most common questions families ask when getting started.

Do I need to register with the state to homeschool in Alaska?

Not if you choose to homeschool independently under Alaska’s homeschool statute. Some other options, like correspondence programs or private school filings, do require paperwork be filed with the State.

What’s the difference between independent homeschooling and joining a correspondence program?

Independent homeschooling gives you total freedom without reporting to a district. Correspondence programs offer support, resources, and funding, but come with more requirements.

Can my child participate in sports or extracurricular activities if we homeschool?

Yes, homeschooled students in grades 9–12 can join public school activities under Alaska law if they meet eligibility requirements (like academic progress and residency). For grades K–8, participation is not guaranteed. It varies by school district, so checking with your local school is best. Many community clubs, sports, and co-ops are also open to homeschoolers outside the public school system.

How do I prove my child’s education meets state requirements if I homeschool independently?

You aren’t required to submit records, but it’s a good idea to keep them. This helps if your child returns to public school or applies for scholarships.

What kind of curriculum do I have to use?

Alaska doesn’t require you to follow a specific curriculum. You can choose or design one that fits your child’s learning style and your family’s goals.

Can I homeschool multiple children at the same time?

Yes, many families homeschool siblings together. Depending on their needs, you can teach them together in some subjects and separately in others.

Your homeschooling journey starts here

Homeschooling in Alaska is flexible, empowering, and supported by a strong network of families and organizations. Whether you want complete independence or a more structured path with built-in support, Alaska offers options to meet your family's needs. You can confidently shape your child’s educational future with the right tools and community.

To supplement your homeschool plan, consider exploring live, online classes through Outschool. Outschool offers a supportive and flexible learning environment with various subjects for different ages, interests, and learning styles. It's a great way to personalize your child’s education while building confidence and connection with other learners.