Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Alaska
This is general guidance based on Alaska law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.
Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in Alaska. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.
What happens to your child's services
If your child needs ongoing special education services, consider enrolling in an Alaska correspondence program rather than independently homeschooling. Correspondence programs are public school programs that maintain IEP rights and provide a funding allotment for educational expenses.
Independently homeschooled students lose IEP services. Students in correspondence programs (public school programs) may retain access to special education services through the sponsoring district.
Primary source: IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144
How to access services while homeschooling
Dual enrollment
Correspondence students are public school students and retain IEP rights through the sponsoring district.
How to request: Enroll in a correspondence program (e.g. IDEA, AKCA, FOCUS)
AS 14.45.100
Child Find
Federal requirement for districts to identify and evaluate children with suspected disabilities, including independently homeschooled children.
How to request: Contact local school district
IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(3); 34 CFR 300.111
Equitable services
Independently homeschooled children may receive proportionate share services as parentally placed private school students under IDEA.
How to request: Contact local school district
IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144
Therapy access
- Speech therapy:
- Available through correspondence program if enrolled; otherwise limited to proportionate share or private
- Occupational therapy:
- Available through correspondence program; otherwise limited
- Behavioral therapy:
- Limited; primarily private providers
Correspondence programs provide student funding allotment that can cover educational expenses including some therapy costs. Recommended pathway for service continuity.
Before you withdraw
We recommend these steps for any family withdrawing a child with an IEP:
- 1
Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.
- 2
Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional but can provide valuable information.
- 3
Your state does not require filing a notification to homeschool. You can begin homeschooling once you withdraw.
- 4
Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.
If you want to re-enroll
Homeschooling is not a one-way door. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.
Re-enrollment processes vary by state and district. Contact your local school to ask what evaluation or documentation they require. Keep copies of all IEP records. They will help the district determine placement and next steps.
Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need these if you re-enroll.
Who to call
You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations help families with special education questions.
COPAA
copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you
Wrightslaw
wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia
Common questions
Can I homeschool a child with an IEP in Alaska?
What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Alaska?
Related guides
Get your personalized compliance checklist
Our wizard generates a step-by-step plan for your family, including IEP-specific guidance for your chosen pathway.
Start the Alaska wizardRequirements sourced from AS 14.30.010(b)(12). Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026