Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Alabama
What happens to your child's special education services when you homeschool in Alabama, and how to reach the services that remain available.
What happens to your child's services
When you withdraw your child from public school in Alabama, the IEP does not follow your child, and Alabama law does not provide part-time public school enrollment for special education. Your district must still identify and evaluate children who may have a disability, including church and private school students, so you can request an evaluation in writing.
Primary source: Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.01, 290-8-9-.02, 290-8-9-.10(8); Ala. Code 16-28-1
How to access services while homeschooling
Child Find
Your school district must identify, locate and evaluate all children in its area, birth to 21, who may need special education, including children in private and religious schools (Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.01). The district needs your written consent before an initial evaluation.
How to request: Request an evaluation in writing from your local school district's special education office.
Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.01, 290-8-9-.02; 34 CFR 300.111
Dual enrollment
Not provided by Alabama law. No Alabama statute or special education rule gives church school, private school or private tutor students a right to enroll part time in public school for special education services.
Equitable services
Unsettled in Alabama. Church schools can include home programs (Ala. Code 16-28-1), and districts provide equitable services to children whose parents enroll them in private, including religious, schools (Ala. Admin. Code r. 290-8-9-.10(8)). No Alabama law or State Department of Education guidance says whether a church school student taught at home counts. Private tutor students are not covered. Where equitable services apply, they are not an individual right; the district decides which services to offer.
Before you withdraw
- 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.
- 3
File your homeschool notice as your state requires. Our wizard prepares it for you.
- 4
Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.
Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need them if you re-enroll.
Special education help
COPAA
copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you
Wrightslaw
wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia
Common questions
What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Alabama?
Can my child still get special education help from the school if we homeschool in Alabama?
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Start the Alabama wizardRequirements sourced from Ala. Code 16-28-1; Ala. Code 16-28-7. Last reviewed October 2026