Homeschooling is an educational option that allows parents to teach their children at home instead of sending them to school
According to Wikipedia, it is also known as home education or elective home education (EHE), it is the education of school-aged children at home or a variety of places other than a school. Usually conducted by a parent, tutor, or an online teacher.
By teaching from home, parents have the freedom to choose their own curriculum, customize their school schedule to fit their family’s needs, and even take learning on the road and many homeschool families use less formal, more personalized and individualized methods of learning that are not always found in schools.
There are a lot of different opinions out there about homeschooling. Some people think that it is an amazing way to get an education, while others believe that it is not effective. So, which opinion do you think is the truth?
Research has shown that children who are homeschooled can succeed academically, especially when given support and resources from their parents. It is a method that more people are opting for when choosing their children’s education.
When you contemplate whether or not you should homeschool your child, imagine how wonderful it would have been as a child to learn every day having your loving parents available, teaching you with so much patience from breakfast through lunch, spending the afternoon playing with friends at the neighbourhood, and spend the evening as a family with no homework (because you finished it all that morning)? Interesting right?
The quality of a child’s homeschool experience depends almost entirely on the parents’ dedication to providing a functional, nurturing environment with optimal conditions for education and healthy child development.
Many parents choose to homeschool to avoid the constraints of the conventional classroom and to embrace education in a broader, often more pluralistic way.
Different schools have different rules and regulations when it comes to homeschooling, If you want to homeschool your children, one of the most important first steps is reviewing your state’s homeschooling laws
Alabama law allows parents to educate their children at home through enrollment in a church school or private school, or under the state’s private tutor law and in this article, we will give you a full guild to all you need to know.
Understanding Homeschooling Laws In Alabama
There are a few different options that families have to legally homeschool in Alabama and you will have some options to choose from
- Enrol in an Alabama Church School. This option gives the church a right to your child’s education, the church school handles all records of enrollment and attendance of the homeschool.
- Set up your homeschool as a private, non-public school: This option became available in 2014 due to changes in the previous education law and has released homeschoolers from previous regulations they were subject to in the state. With this option, you can decide what you want to do with your child and how many days you want to teach, however, you must have to register with the state.
- Hire a Private Tutor: first of all, to be a certified private tutor in Alabama, they must be certified. Tutors are required to teach a minimum of three hours a day for 140 days each calendar year. They must have to follow the same curriculum as the public schools and they are mandated to comply with the state’s reporting and record-keeping requirements.
Alabama Homeschool Law/State Code – The 2018 Code of Alabama, Section 18, Education Law, does not include specific homeschool education laws.
Compulsory Attendance Requirement – Children between the ages of six and 17 are required to attend school in Alabama, with a few exceptions that include certain physical/mental conditions and regular employment. Parents can decide to make exceptions for their children by writing to the school board saying that they want their child to enrol at 7 years
Number of Classroom Hours Required – This is only applicable in public schools, Church schools and private schools are not required to conform to a specified number of classroom hours.
State-Mandated Subjects – Alabama does not mandate a required list of core subjects for non-public schools.
Assessment Requirements – There are no requirements in terms of assessment, Alabama education law does not require the administration of standardized tests for homeschoolers.
Immunization Requirements – Only Private School is subject to
Read More: Guide To Homeschooling In Oklahoma
Parental Responsibilities
School Withdrawal Process –before you withdraw your child that is already in a public school, inquire about the right steps to take to officially withdraw the child from school
Homeschool Notification – Alabama requires that a private school enrollment form be sent to the local county or city superintendent of schools.
Record-Keeping Requirements- Record-keeping helps you keep track of your child’s progress. Therefore, attendance reporting and student progress portfolios are highly recommended but not required.
Teacher Certification – the only qualification you need as a teacher is to be a certified tutor in Alabama
Preparing For Homeschooling In Alabama
There are different types of homeschooling you need to know, After choosing to homeschool in the first place, the second major decision homeschool parents face is selecting a homeschool method for their family to pursue. They are listed and explained below
1. Traditional Homeschooling
Traditional homeschooling is more like a public school classroom, with teachers dispensing knowledge to the homeschooled student.
This method involves textbooks, well-organized lessons, and tests. There may be desks, a chalkboard, and posters on the walls. Thus, this method naturally provides parents with a high level of structure and accountability.
This style is generally what people imagine when they think of “homeschooling.” It’s considered the most structured of the homeschooling styles, and it is the option that most closely mirrors that of traditional school.
2. Unschooling
Unschooling is a style of homeschooling. It is often called child-led learning, as children pursue their interests independently without the teacher’s supervision. Parents take over the supervision according to their child’s interest.
It is a more relaxed homeschool method that emphasizes following not just a child’s interests but his/ her passions, and curiosities.
When your child self chooses subjects, it will also develop a sense of responsibility and accountability in them. It makes your children conscious of their own decisions and education.
3. Unit Studies
A unit study is any topic that you focus on for an extended period of time in your homeschool.
The objective of unit studies is to allow students to delve deeply into a given topic so that they can gain mastery of it. By exploring a subject from multiple angles, information is more likely to be retained.
The primary benefit of this interdisciplinary approach is that it demonstrates to students that subjects aren’t confined boxes to be studied in isolation. This encourages students to view subjects in relation to each other, look at the world holistically, and make connections between what they learn.
Why Time4Learning Is The Leading Homeschool Curriculum In Alabama
Time4Learning is a great homeschool and afterschool partner because it offers each child their own learning path, with animated lessons, interactive activities, unit assessments, and integrated printable worksheets for reinforcement.
For families homeschooling in Alabama, an online curriculum is an increasingly popular option.
When it comes to time4learning, Your subscription gives you access to the grade below and above your registered level in grades 1-7 so you can review or even accelerate where needed.
With the time4learning curriculum, No need to purchase a large package of unnecessary materials you may or may not use. Time4Learning’s monthly subscription model allows you to use the program as much and as long as you need.
Read More: Guide To Homeschooling In Oregon
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeschooling have to be accredited in Alabama?
In compliance with Alabama law, a homeschooled student must be registered as such through the local city or county board of education.
Does Alabama require a letter of intent to homeschool?
Yes. The law requires parents who choose to homeschool their children to notify the local education agency of their intention to homeschool.
Can you Unschool in Alabama?
Yes, Alabama doesn’t have many homeschooling regulations.
4. Does the University of Alabama accept homeschoolers?
Yes, only if they present certified transcripts at the completion of their programs.
Conclusion
By choosing to customize your children’s education, you’re setting them up for success and ensuring that they receive an education that meets their individual needs and interests.
In conclusion, we’ve covered everything you need to know to get started with homeschooling in Alabama, including the different types of homeschooling in Alabama, how to comply with state laws, and tips for transitioning from public school.