Hi Folks what are Alaskas home school laws (Fairbanks, Palmer: student loans, homes)

[berries]

any problems homeschooling in Alaska. I wouldnt think so but then again sometimes what I think and what is done differs more greatly than I care to admit!!!

Cheers

[Arcticthaw]

Originally Posted by berries

any problems homeschooling in Alaska. I wouldnt think so but then again sometimes what I think and what is done differs more greatly than I care to admit!!!

Cheers

I know of a few that home school. Try below for more infromation. part of State of Alaska Home Page

Department of Education and Early Development
907-465-2800
Commission on Postsecondary Education (Alaska Student Loans)
Division of Libraries, Archives & Museums
SLED (Statewide Library Electronic Doorway)
State Council on the Arts
Office of the Commissioner

[Marty Van Diest]

We have been home schooling our children for 17 years now. The oldest in at the University now.

The current law states that if you teach your own children at home, you are exempt from all the education laws. You don't have to report to anyone, take any tests, or file any paperwork at all.

There were so many people teaching thier children at home that one remote school district saw an opportunity. The Galena School District, (a little village on the Yukon River), set up a distance learning program. People could sign up with their school district and receive monetary assistance to buy books and school supplies, including a computer and receive help from a teacher. This is called the Interior Distance Education of Alaska, (IDEA), program.

They were the first to come up with the "idea" and now there are many copycats all over the state. Almost every school district has a program to try to capture homeschoolers. That is because the state gives the school districts about $8K plus per student.

Most homeschoolers took the bait, (including us), and so now most homeschoolers are signed up with one of those programs. We have one with IDEA and one with the local coorespondence program and one in Palmer High School. Any child in one of these programs is really in public school and they do have to meet the normal school laws.

But the independent homeschoolers are completely exempt.

If you count the people signed up with these early distance people, there are so many home schoolers in the Mat-Su Borough that they would need to build 5 new schools if they all suddenly went back to a brick and mortar school.

[Blueberry]

I'm one of the independent homeschoolers. Marty's great post gives the basic information. There are lots of ways to homeschool in this state. You can even get free curriculum directly from the state and remain an independent homeschool. (At least I think that's right.) Because of many remote locations and lack of schools, the State of Alaska has always supported home education.

The Homeschool Legal Defense Association is a great place to find information on homeschooling. The following link will take you to their page that has access to the current laws and latest legal issues facing homeschoolers in every state. Just click on the state you wish to view.

HSLDA | Home Schooling-State

[berries]

in wisconsin. Always thought about moving to alaska for the warmer weather. Not many can say that but where I live in wisconsin all your coastal cities actually have more mild winters, Fairbanks would be cooler but more similar. I hate the heat in the summer and ALaska has the perfect climate to me. Just dont think I will be able to ever make the move!!!!

[rotorhead]

I read in the local paper that the amount the local school district pays a homeschooling parent just went up. If I'm not mistaken it's something like $1600 for elementary and middle school age, and $2k for high schoolers, but then I may be wrong. I do know that it's nowhere near the entire amount that the district is reimbursed for each student enrolled in the program, but then I suppose thats normal for the state from what I've read.

[Music_Man]

Let us know how you like it after the first -50f day. If you still like it, welcome to Alaska and you should stay.

[stiffnecked]

Another 8 year old post....

[grandma4mom5]

and another with no knowledge on the outcome ...