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Can someone explain to me the laws for home schooling in Alabama? I understand that you can hire a tutor or you can enroll your child in some sort of church. I am not really interested in either option as I can not afford them. Is there any way to get around these two methods? Can I simply use a curriculum from a home schooling company such as A BEKA or Saxon? Does anyone know of any mother support groups for home schooling in the Huntsville area? Any help would be appreciated.
AL code does not specifically address homeschooling. It is understood that the practice is unofficially allowed under the guise of enrolling in a "church school." However, the state does not define "church" (thank goodness!) and so far no one has officially disputed the concept/practice of a home church. Therefore, if you view your home as a domestic church (and certain Churches do support that concept), then you can simply file the appropriate form with your city or county to inform them that your children are "attending" a school under the auspices of "Boomer Church" (or whatever name you choose.)
If you do some web searches, you'll find that there are (or at least were - we're past the homeschooling stage) support groups for all sorts of folks in AL and not just evangelical Christians. I recall a pagan group in the Huntsville area, as well as a nondenominational group. Unless you strongly agree with the religious sentiments of the leadership, I'd suggest avoiding the large faith-based groups. They can be both expensive and difficult, and do very little (IMHO) to enhance your learning experience. You need not buy a school-in-a-box from a company, either. It's fine (in fact, for most folks it's preferred) to create your own curriculum using materials that best suit each child.
Before moving to AL, we'd homeschooled in other states that were considered far more homeschool-friendly. Once I got over the worry induced by fear-mongerers (such as those who wanted to collect $$$ from me every year just to review a log book), I realized that AL is actually a great place to homeschool. My children were elementary school age when we moved to AL, and they're now about to graduate from college with honors.
Thank you for the post. It was very informative. For those who do not what to create your own church or pay lots of money to a tutor, I was also given this link: Welcome to DaySpring Academy
You know, you might want to get in touch with MOMS' Club. I actually spoke with several of the ladies that lead various chapters of MOMS' Club around Huntsville/Madison. One of these moms, I believe Madison's MOMS' Club president, had a 3 yr old she was planning on homeschooling. In any case, these clubs have diverse groups of moms and homeschooling is a growing trend so I'm sure someone could hook you up with someone with homeschooling info. Just do a search on the web for MOMS Club Huntsville or Madison, and some email addresses and phone numbers will come up.
FWIW -- In order to home school in Alabama, you must be under the covering of a church school.
A church school, for purposes of the law, must operate as a non-profit organization - and while you may use a "home church" as a covering, unless that home church has filed the proper paperwork (articles of incorporation, 501 (c), etc), it is not a non-profit organization (see: church school) in the eyes of the law. Though the chances that someone will call you on it are slim, there is still the chance. I found it best, in home schooling, to make sure all my "i"s were dotted and my "t"s were crossed, but everyone has their own style.
Still and all, would be worth the time to double check with the HSLDA.
Churches in Alabama are not required to be incorporated, nor are church schools. H$LDA is the last place I would go for advice. That group sells a type of legal insurance, but is selective about to whom they will sell. Please don't let anyone make homeschooling complicated for your family. If you take the time to do some online searches you'll find information about independent homeschoolers in AL.
Former Alabama Attorney General Bill Pryor issued several letters regarding church schools and the state's lack of control over them. A.G. Pryor made it plain that parents need only inform the appropriate city/county official that their child will no longer attend public school in his area and that attendance records must be maintained. You can find copies of his letters on the state's website.
Some folks in AL like being held accountable to another adult for their choices in education, down to very detailed lesson plans. That is their perogative, and if it suits you then you can find plenty of groups that will gladly accept your money in return for whatever peace of mind you might get from that relationship. Most are honest enough to state that you're on your own legally should you ever have a problem with an over zealous truant officer, and some even advise parents to keep their children indoors during public school hours out of fear of being questioned.
Our experience homeschooling in Alabama was mostly positive. The only real negatives we encountered were with certain faith based groups whose leadership and members did not want to associate with people of other beliefs. For example, my children attended homeschool PE at a YMCA (not in Huntsville) where they were befriended until it became known that we didn't share the religious beliefs of the other families, at which point invitations were withdrawn and they were shunned. On the other hand, we had great experiences with many other groups and my children enjoyed both visiting and volunteering at several museums and other places that welcomed them.
A few months before we learned we were moving to AL, we happened to visit Huntsville and spent a morning at Constitution Village where the staff was all very positive about homeschooling. Folks at the McWane science museum & Challenger center were especially appreciative.
Except for one stressful year, we were unschoolers (ages 5 - 17.) My children could be found exploring Monte Sano or Oak Mountain on a cool fall day when other kids were in school, yet no one gave us any grief. They preferred to do more of their studying when it was >90 (all summer) or <32 and they enjoyed spending time at a zoo or botanical garden when the weather was pleasant.
Other states have testing requirements and various other hoops for homeschoolers to jump through, but we in AL are free from such hassles. So far, at least, the state of AL still acknowledges that children are not the property of the state.
My apologies if this has veered too far OT for such a forum. As someone who once feared that a move to AL might mean an end to homeschooling, I want to make sure that other families don't suffer needless worry. At 17, my children were accepted at various private and public universities and offered multiple academic scholarships. Only one public university requested excessive documentation, and it later made numerous overtures after receiving the second round of ACT/SAT scores.
I am a homeschooling mom in South Alabama and I have my children enrolled in a "Church School". I just like knowing everything is taken care of. They send the information to the state for us. We pay only $100 per year for all children being taught. They do require HSLDA, which just means that if a truency officer ever did come (God forbid) you have a lawyer already paid for. With our group discount is $95 per year. The only thing the school requires is a copy of your report card, and that you SAT test them every other year. Starting in the forth grade. Which I like too. So you have an idea what is going on. All of the Church Schools are not the same. Every one I called had different requirements. So if one didn't sound good the next one might. Easy going, low cost, support does still exist. My covering knows that it is up to us to teach our children and just provide a way to do it. Without all of trouble. We don't even have to go to the "Church School" but once a year for their manditory meeting. Than mail in the report card at the end of the year.
Thats $195 per year and books and supplies. Which is the price for the whole family. I mainly buy math and bring everything else together for their complete education. Over all I believe that Alabama is a home school friendly state.
I hate to say this but I am actually thinking about buying my children one set of uniforms. When we leave during school hours no one looks at you cross eyed when they don't look sick, and aren't at least dressed for school. I do carry my HSLDA card with me so if anyone ever asks I have it on hand to prove it. You know there is always someone that thinks that your business is their business.
My sister is "homeschooling" her three children. The only problem is...she nor her husband are at home during the day. They expect the children to use the books and "learn" it themselves. What can I do to help these children?
My sister is "homeschooling" her three children. The only problem is...she nor her husband are at home during the day. They expect the children to use the books and "learn" it themselves. What can I do to help these children?
Report them (anonymously) to the state Department of Human Resources.
It may take more than one call or letter. DHR social workers are overwhelmed in some counties. There should be an office in your county or a neighboring one that serves your county.
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