Alabama Homeschool Documents & Templates

What to file

simple notice

Send to

umbrella school (which files with local superintendent)

Deadline

Upon initial enrollment in the church school

How often

one time

Individual families do not file directly with the state. The parent files a one-time enrollment form (provided by the superintendent) signed by both the parent and the church school administrator. This form is filed once at initial enrollment — there is no annual re-filing requirement under the statute. If the child leaves the church school, the school notifies the superintendent.

Ala. Code 16-28-7 (church school enrollment form filed once with local superintendent)

Status

Not required, but recommended to prevent truancy concerns

Send to

public school

Enroll with an umbrella school FIRST, then notify the public school in writing of withdrawal and request records. Provide documentation (e.g., letter from umbrella school) confirming enrollment. Without proof of alternative educational placement, the child may be considered truant under Ala. Code 16-28-12.

Ala. Code 16-28-12 (reporting requirements; enrollment and attendance)

• ✓Attendance records

The umbrella school must maintain enrollment and attendance records. Church schools are explicitly exempt from the weekly reporting requirements that apply to private schools. Families should independently maintain attendance logs, curriculum records, work samples, and high school transcripts (grades 9-12) for college admissions.

Ala. Code 16-28-7 (church school must maintain enrollment and attendance records)

This page covers Church School / Cover School / Umbrella School. Alabama offers 3 different ways to homeschool, and each may require different documents:

• •
  Church School / Cover School / Umbrella School(this page): You enroll with an umbrella school (also called a church school or cover school), which handles all state reporting on your behalf. Alabama does not mandate specific subjects, hours, or testing for families under this pathway — your umbrella school may set its own policies. This is by far the most popular homeschool pathway in Alabama.
• •
  Private Tutor: You hire a tutor who holds a valid Alabama teaching certificate to provide instruction at least 3 hours per day for 140 days per year. The tutor files a written statement with the local superintendent and must cover the same subjects taught in public schools. This pathway is rarely used because of the teaching certificate requirement.
• •
  Private School: You operate your home as a private school, filing annual enrollment reports with the Alabama State Department of Education and complying with fire, health, and safety codes. You must teach state-prescribed subjects and operate for approximately 180 days per year. This pathway involves more administrative overhead than the umbrella school option and is uncommon for individual families.

Our wizard helps you choose the right one and generates the correct documents. Compare all pathways for Alabama