Legal Requirements for
Homeschooling in Alaska

Alaska
"Alaskans home school their children at three times the national rate. More than 11,000 Alaskan children, some 9 percent of the school-age population, are signed up with one of the state's 30 official home-school programs. That's a minimum number, not counting the families who home-school independently. And the number is growing." (Anchorage Daily News 5/1/2016). 

I love this entire Anchorage Daily News article - it makes me want to homeschool in Alaska and it highlights so much that is wonderfully different about homeschooling in general.

Alaska is a very homeschool-friendly state

Independent Homeschooling in Alaska

Vaccinations Required?:     NO  
Part-time Enrollment in Public School?     YES
Participation in Extracurricular Activities:   NO - must be "accredited" to participate. 


The following does make me smile:)
Requirements for home schooling in the State of Alaska:

  1. Notification:          None
  2. Qualifications:      None
  3. Days or Hours:      None
  4. Subjects:               None
  5. Bookkeeping:      None
  6. Assessment:         None
  7. Intervention:         None

Parents intending to homeschool their children are not required to register with the state or their local school district.  Additionally, there are no requirements to notify, seek approval, test, file forms, or have any teacher qualifications.

Furthermore, failure to educate is not included in the State’s definition of neglect, meaning that homeschool parents who fail to educate their children cannot be prosecuted for child neglect.  (The above is from https://www.responsiblehomeschooling.org/policy-issues/state-by-state/alaska/ and The U.S. Department of Education.)

Freedom is clearly valued in Alaska when it comes to education.  But not when it comes to playing sports.  Children who are independently homeschooled (not affiliated with state funding) are not allowed to participate in "Interscholastic Activities" (programs provided by larger Public Schools).

Two Additional Ways to Home School without having to enroll in a  publicly funded education program:

1)  You can hire a certificated teacher to educate your children.  2) You can register yourself as a Private School (filling out proper forms).   Since 1997 and the passage of the Homeschool Statute, this option is used less frequently.  Parents trying to establish special education services sometimes create a private school in an effort to access state funding.  A discussion of  Special Education services in Alaska can be found here.  Information as to how to register as a Private School in Alaska is provided here.

A very helpful website regarding independent homeschooling in Alaska is titled exactly that:  Homeschooling in Alaska.

Homeschooling with Public Funds in Alaska

Alaska  calls publicly funded schools for homeschooling Correspondence Schools.  "Correspondence study program" refers to any  federally funded home school educational program.  This includes charter school programs and  state supported homeschooling programs.   Correspondence Schools  are schools in which parents and child  connect monthly or every other month with a state  certificated teacher who is assigned to the child.  Students quarterly (minimally) turn in sample work to their assigned teacher.

There are no vaccination requirements when registered with Correspondence Schools  if a student ONLY attends by correspondence and never PHYSICALLY takes any classes at a school site nor participates in organized school activities.

Students who physically attend correspondence schools and/or participate in organized school activities must meet Alaska immunization requirements or fill-out a waiver.  See below.

More About Correspondence Study Programs

List of active Correspondence Schools in Alaska (There are thirty as of 10/18/2017).

Correspondence study programs:

  • must each year develop an individual learning plan for every enrolled student.  It is created with the input of  the student, parents/guardian, and certificated teacher who is assigned to the student.  The plan provides for a course of study consistent with the state and district standards considered appropriate to the child's grade level.  Parent (at least one), student and assigned teacher will, also,  sign an agreement of compliance to abide by  the individual learning plan.
  • usually provide an annual fund account (often called "allotment") to the family of a student enrolled in their program for the purpose of meeting instructional expenses of the student.
  • allow the parent or guardian to use the allotment to purchase non-sectarian (non-religious and non-political) services and materials from a public, private, or religious organization ... if the services and materials are required for the course of study in the individual learning plan developed for the student.  Textbooks, services, and other curriculum materials are to be approved by the school district as appropriate for the student.  They are to align with Alaskan state standards.
  • Note:    The prior requirement in no way precludes a correspondence study student, or the parent or guardian of a correspondence study student, from privately obtaining or using textbooks or curriculum material not provided by the school district.  This notation comes from the Alaskan Department of Education's website.
  • require students to participate in the statewide student assessment  program.
  • respond to a student who does not meet the set standards on the most recent statewide assessment, by  identifying strategies to move the student forward to meet the unmet standards in the specific subject area of concern.  These actions are noted in the learning plan.
  • are required to insure that at least 50% of a student's work is within core classes, which include math, English, social studies, science, world languages, and technology (as well as any IEP*** requirements).  High school seniors can be exempt of this 50% core requirement.

*** -  An IEP stands for Individual Education Plan.  An IEP is the process that is required for a child to receive special education services.  It is a legal document that clearly identifies a student's learning needs, the services that the school will provide to meet those needs, and how progress in the pursuit of effective learning will be measured.  You can read more about an IEP here.

Home school students can enroll  in Correspondence Schools at a part time level. The allotment levels reflects your level of participation.  For secondary students it is assessed by courses per semester, while elementary enrollment is defined by hours per day.  Full time is defined by four or more courses/hours.   .75 time (three courses/hours), .5 time (two courses/hours) and .25 time (one course/hour).  This allows tremendous flexibility in regards to how a parent might want to incorporate correspondence school' classes in their own curricula development.  You can even enroll simultaneously in different programs as long as you do not exceed full time status .  

Alaska's correspondence schools definitely allow quite a bit of freedom for the non-high school years of education.  A program that looks quite fun and flexible is R.E.A.C.H.  It covers grades K - 12 and has a strong emphasis on non-electronic curriculum (vs an entirely online education).  They refer to it as "old fashioned home school benefits".  There is much to be said of "old fashioned," hands-on exploration and discovery.

Working in the hands-on world of things that are real  is of great value - but it does require invested teaching.  There are many creative ways to help make this type of learning less labor intensive for parents.  Learn more.

As you pursue home schooling with correspondent schools in the upper grades, carefully investigate the school's high school level curriculum.   Find out how flexible your particular correspondence school program remains in 9th through 12th grade.  These are often years in which homeschooling can become more micro-managed by the state for students.  However, the breadth of criteria varies.

If it is believed that... elementary schools will be better managed by the governor and council, the commissioners of the literary fund or any other general authority of the government than by the parents within each ward, it is a belief against all experience.- Thomas Jefferson   

As much as I love states that have flexible financial "allotments," it is important that you as a parent or guardian find creative ways to avoid the exertion of the State's will in your child's life.  It is not worth it.  So much can be lost when students are forced to comply with a generic, non-responsive, often, non-empowering, curriculum criteria.  Supreme of which is truth.  Again and again, I find textbook' agendas dishonest when it comes to history and the phenomenal trajectory (growth) of health that Christianity has brought to human awakening.  Read a third grade Social Study textbook in the State of California - it is boringly committed to trying to get a child to "behave" according to some poorly-defined (and poorly established) criteria of "good person".  Right when a child should be falling in love with wonder and adventure, they are exiled to the land of "good citizens," with no clear foundation as to who or what it is exactly that is crafting the lugubrious (dismal) call to proper behavior in terms of social actions and consequences.  Some focus on expectations of good behavior is welcome.  Looking at how belief in a God who says that we are made in God's own image has grown conversations regarding human worth and its pursuit, is deeply inspiring; regardless of how far we have yet to grow. However, pedantic (no fun, simplistic, rule-oriented perfectionistic) article after pedantic article about children doing, subjectively defined,  "good things" around the earth, becomes imagination and possibilities-thinking crushing.  Beyond me...

Make sure that the allotment is worth anything that your child might be losing.  Especially in a wonderful wonder-filled state such as Alaska, in which there is tremendous freedom and precedence for independence of learning.

Vaccinations in Alaska

Alaska does not require vaccinations of children homeschooling under the Homeschool Statute.

If you physically attend  a Correspondence School or if you have registered as a Private School, then vaccinations are required.  

Religious Exemption Documentation Requirements are explained in detail here.

Of important note:

  1. The State of Alaska Religious Exemption form marked with a revision date of March 2013 is required for children whose parents/guardians claim religious exemption status.
  2.  Religious exemption forms are valid from July 1 through June 30 each year and must be renewed annually.
  3. Notarization of the form is required for all children with religious exemptions.
  4. Modification to wording of the state religious exemption form may invalidate the exemption. 
  5. Statements indicating philosophical or personal opposition to vaccines will invalidate religious exemption documentation. 

You can find the Waiver Form in this packet.  Questions regarding religious exemption requirements may be directed to the Alaska Immunization Program Helpline:  1-888-430-4321.

Alaska Vaccination Requirements: 

Per 4 AAC 06.055. Immunizations required. (a) Before entry in a state public school district or nonpublic school offering pre-elementary education through the 12th grade, or any combination of these grades, a child shall be immunized against (1) diphtheria, tetanus, polio, pertussis, measles, mumps, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and rubella, except rubella is not required in children 12 years of age or older; and (2) beginning July 1, 2009, varicella. (b) This section does not apply if the child (1) has a valid immunization certificate consisting of (A) a statement by a physician listing the date that each required immunization was given; or (B) a copy of a clinic or health center record listing the date that each required immunization was given; (2) has a statement signed by a doctor of medicine (M.D.), doctor of osteopathy (D.O.), physician assistant, or advanced nurse practitioner licensed to practice in this state, stating that immunizations would, in that individual's professional opinion, be injurious to the health of the child or members of the child's family or household; or (3) has an affidavit signed by his parent or guardian affirming that immunization conflicts with the tenets and practices of the church or religious denomination of which the applicant is a member.

The Differing Voices Regarding Vaccinations 

Dr. Joseph Mercola's website in which he presents information questioning the efficacy of vaccinations and health concerns related to vaccinations.

Health Impact News - in which Dr. Kurt spends a good bit of time telling you why he  and his wife do not nor ever will vaccinate their children

National Vaccine Information Center - the oldest and largest consumer led organization advocating for the institution of vaccine safety and informed consent protections in the public health system.

The Immunization Partnership - a website committed to eradicate vaccine-preventable diseases by educating the community, advocating for evidence-based public policy and supporting immunization best practices.

Immunize for Good - a website that wants to "present up-to-date, well-studied information that will prepare you to make a confident, informed decision for your child's health".

Vaccine Information - by the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) in partnership with the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this website for the public presents straightforward information about vaccine-preventable disease and their vaccines.

How to Register as a Private School in Alaska

The State of Alaska allows homeschooling families to register as Exempt Private Schools.  In order to be classified exempt, a private school must comply with specific requirements in exchange for which they are then exempt from other state education requirements.  (However, they are not exempt from vaccination requirements).

Per HSLDA:  Families operating their home education program under the private school statute in Alaska should be eligible to receive both Federal IDEA and state funding for special education services.  (https://www.hslda.org/strugglinglearner/sn_states.asp; accessed 11/28/2017)

This opportunity may be a valuable means for accessing Individuals with Disabilities Act funds without losing other homeschooling freedoms.  As complicated as it seems initially, walking through the process may be the best path for your family's convictions and obligations.

The process required to register as a Private School  in the state of Alaska is:

  1. Establish a name for your school.  Maintain it for the duration of your school's existence.
  2. Designate a Chief Administrative Officer. Select a title, such as Director, Principal, Superintendent, etc.
  3. Use the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) site to look up the forms for items #4 - #7:   DEED Forms & Grants.  You will enter the Form Number for each form and submit your search.
  4. Form 05-01-020 is the Department of Education and Early Development (EED) Affidavit of Compliance.   In this affidavit you shall certify under oath that you will maintain permanent student records reflecting immunizations, physical examinations, standardized testing, academic achievement, and a list of the courses the student shall take at your School.  Note that this is in compliance with AS  14.45.100 - 14.45.130.  The affidavit must be notarized.  It will remain on file with EED.   The Affidavit of Compliance is required only in the initial year of the school.  This form is required to be filed upon the establishment of the school.
  5. Believe it or not - you will need to submit a form titled "Corporal Punishment Policy" in which your school adopts a written policy regarding the use of corporal punishment.  This form need only be filed once, unless your policy changes.  It is form 05-01-021.
  6. Form 05-01-022 is the "Private, Religious or Other Private Schools Enrollment Report".  This is an annual report of the number of students enrolled in each grade.  It must be submitted to EED by October 15th of each school year.
  7. Form 05-01-023 is the Proposed School Calendar.  It, too, needs to be submitted to EED by October 15th of each year.  You must show at minimum 180 days of instruction.
  8. Parents or guardians of children attending exempt schools must file an annual notice of enrollment with the local public school superintendent. The form must be signed by the parent or guardian and chief administrative officer of the exempt school and then submitted to the local public school superintendent by the parent. If the child withdraws, the exempt school must notify the public school superintendent within a reasonable time.  The form is titled "Private School Enrollment Reporting Form."   The bottom of  the form lists a site where you can  look up the name and address of your local school superintendent. It is to be filed every year.  You will need a form for each of your children.  The "PSERF" form is  found here.  
  9. Childcare and School Immunization Records.  Download this packet.  It provides information regarding vaccines and exemptions.  It tells you what documentation is needed for exemption and how to record such requests as a private school (pages 13 - 17).     Additionally, contact the  Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Health, Section of Epidemology; P.O. Box 240249, Anchorage Alaska  99524-0249 or  call them (907) 269-8000 to request that they mail you the Registration of Immunization Records form.  This must be mailed back to the Department of Health by November 15th.  This is an annual form.  After the initial year of registering, DHSS will automatically send you forms for the next year. 
  10. Standardized Testing Records - A religious or private school shall administer a nationally standardized test to all students enrolled in grades four, six, and eight at least once each year.  (AS 14.45.120)  Keep results of the test on file in the school.  Alaska never adopted the Common Core State Standards - and they canceled all of their testing in 2016-2017 due to technical difficulties.  Alaska has approved the PASS Test for state reporting (a, seemingly, far more meaningful testing option).  There is, also, Thurber's Educational Assessments.   The Homeschooling in Alaska website offers a clear and helpful article about homeschooling and testing which lists a variety of testing options.
  11. Keep Records of Achievement in agreement with your Affidavit of Compliance.  Exempt schools must maintain permanent student records reflecting immunizations, physical examinations, standardized testing, academic achievement, and courses taken.