Alaska

Alaska has one of the most minimal homeschool statutes in the country. The 1997 homeschool law provides complete freedom with virtually no state oversight.

Key Statutes

Historical Context

• 1997: Homeschool statute passed — one of most minimal in nation
• 2013: AS 14.30.365 "Equal Access" law for sports took effect
• 2024: Court ruling challenged allotment use for private school tuition (ongoing)

Alaska offers multiple legal pathways for homeschooling.

Option 1: Independent Homeschool (SIMPLEST)

The compulsory education law does not apply if a child "is being educated in the child's home by a parent or legal guardian."

Requirements: NONE — No notification, no approval, no testing, no forms, no teacher qualifications, no curriculum requirements, no hours requirements.

Trade-off: No state funding, limited sports access.

Option 5: Correspondence Program (POPULAR)

Enroll in a state-approved correspondence school that provides curriculum, support, and funding.

• Receive ~$2,700/year allotment for educational expenses
• Work with assigned certified teacher (advisory role)
• At least 50% of work in core subjects
• May qualify for sports access

For Option 1 (Independent Homeschool)

Step 1: Decide to homeschool. Step 2: Begin teaching.

That's it. There are literally no legal steps required.

Recommended (but not required): Keep records of curriculum and progress, maintain portfolio, document attendance informally, prepare for college applications.

For Correspondence Programs

1. Research available programs (IDEA, Raven, Connections, Denali PEAK, etc.)
2. Contact program and complete enrollment
3. Work with assigned teacher to plan curriculum
4. Use allotment for approved educational expenses
5. Meet program requirements throughout year

Side-by-Side Comparison

What Alaska Does NOT Require (Option 1)

No notice of intent, no registration, no approval, no specified subjects, no curriculum requirements, no hours or days, no testing, no portfolio, no teacher qualifications, no evaluations, no reporting.

Important: Failure to educate is NOT included in Alaska's definition of neglect (AS 47.17.0290(11)).

Alaska's correspondence programs are a unique feature providing state funding to homeschool families.

How It Works

1. Enroll in an approved correspondence program
2. Receive allotment (~$2,700/year for 2025-26)
3. Work with certified teacher (advisory role)
4. Spend allotment on approved educational expenses

Eligible Expenses

Curriculum/textbooks, educational supplies, technology, online courses, tutoring, music/art lessons, educational field trips, classes at approved providers.

NOT Eligible

• Religious or faith-based materials (constitutional restriction)
• Full private school tuition (per 2024 court ruling—ongoing litigation)

Major Programs

IDEA Homeschool (Galena), Raven Homeschool (Yukon-Koyukuk), Connections (Mat-Su), Denali PEAK, PAIDEIA (Anchorage), and 30+ more statewide.

No State Requirements

Alaska does not impose graduation requirements on independent homeschoolers. Parents determine required courses, grading standards, and when the student graduates.

Parent-issued diplomas are considered valid in Alaska.

University of Alaska Admission

"UAA welcomes applicants from home school environments. UAA can accept transcripts from home schools that meet the requirements of their state."

Submit: official transcript with homeschool name, course titles/credits/grades, graduation date, parent signature.

Alaska Performance Scholarship

Homeschool students may be eligible if they meet curriculum requirements and achieve qualifying ACT/SAT/WorkKeys scores.

Alaska has an "Equal Access" law (AS 14.30.365), but eligibility is limited to students in accredited programs.

Critical Limitation

The law defines "alternative education program" to include only "a home school program that is accredited by a recognized accrediting body."

This means independent homeschoolers (Option 1) are generally NOT eligible unless they:

1. Enroll in an accredited correspondence program, OR
2. File as a private school and seek ASAA membership

Eligibility Requirements (for accredited programs)

• Enrolled in accredited alternative education program
• "Full-time student" (5 classes grades 9-11, 4 classes grade 12)
• Meet all ASAA eligibility requirements

Practical Options

Correspondence program (like IDEA or Raven), private school option, community/club sports, homeschool sports organizations.

Compulsory Attendance Ages

Ages 7-16 — Kindergarten and pre-K are NOT required. Ages 17-18: Compulsory only if continuing in educational program with intent to graduate.

Special Education

Homeschooled children may be eligible for services through local school district: evaluation services, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and more.

Dual Enrollment

Homeschool students can take classes at local public schools (with approval), community colleges, or University of Alaska system.

Military Families

Alaska has significant military presence. Homeschool families on military installations are still subject to Alaska state law. Option 1 remains available, correspondence programs available statewide.

Alaska offers maximum freedom for homeschoolers who choose Option 1.

Unique Advantages:

1. Complete Freedom (Option 1): No notification, no testing, no approval, no oversight whatsoever
2. Correspondence Funding: ~$2,700/year allotment available
3. Multiple Pathways: Choose your level of structure and support
4. Remote Learning Culture: Robust distance learning infrastructure

Key Trade-offs

Comparison Table

*Texas requires notification only when withdrawing from public school