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Alaska · Light-touch
Alaska does not ask you to file anything before you begin. Here is what the state does expect, and what it leaves entirely to you.
VerifiedMarch 2026
Written from Alaska's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.
Withdraw from the school your child attends now
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.
There is no notice to file
Alaska does not ask you to notify anyone before you begin. You can start the day you are ready — no form, no permission, no waiting.
Choose what to teach
Alaska does not name required subjects, so your curriculum is your own decision. Most families still cover reading, writing, and math daily, and let interest lead the rest.
Keep a light record as you go
Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. Alaska does not require you to keep records, but a simple folder of work samples makes transcripts and college applications far easier later on.
Source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) — correspondence program oversight; no oversight of Option 1 independent homeschoolers — lam.alaska.gov/homeschooling. Checked March 2026.
Nothing to file
Alaskadoes not require a notice of intent, an application, or the state's permission. You do not need to wait for a reply from anyone, because there is no one to write to. There is no ongoing reporting either.
Source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) — correspondence program oversight; no oversight of Option 1 independent homeschoolers — lam.alaska.gov/homeschooling. Checked March 2026.
No yearly assessment
Alaskadoes not require a standardized test or an evaluator's review. Plenty of families still keep a folder of work through the year — not because the state asks, but because it makes a transcript or a college application far easier to put together later. A note from the state: No testing under Option 1 (Homeschool Statute — independent homeschool) Standardized testing grades 3–10 required under Option 2 (Correspondence Program) Option 4 (Private School): testing after grades 4, 6, 8
Source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) — correspondence program oversight; no oversight of Option 1 independent homeschoolers — lam.alaska.gov/homeschooling. Checked March 2026.
Source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) — correspondence program oversight; no oversight of Option 1 independent homeschoolers — lam.alaska.gov/homeschooling. Checked March 2026.
Source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) — correspondence program oversight; no oversight of Option 1 independent homeschoolers — lam.alaska.gov/homeschooling. Checked March 2026.
No program on file yet
We do not have a verified Alaska education savings account, scholarship, or tax credit for homeschooling families on file. That may mean the state has none, or it may mean we have not confirmed one yet — we would rather say so than point you at something we have not checked. State programs change often, so it is worth asking Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) — correspondence program oversight; no oversight of Option 1 independent homeschoolers directly.
Is homeschooling legal in Alaska?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Alaska. Alaska is considered one of the easiest states for homeschoolers — minimal regulation, no notice required, and maximum family freedom.
Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in Alaska?
No. Alaska does not require families to file a Notice of Intent before beginning homeschooling. You may start at any time.
How many instruction days are required in Alaska?
Alaska does not mandate a minimum amount of instruction time.
What subjects are required by law in Alaska?
Alaska does not mandate specific subjects, giving families complete freedom to design their own curriculum.
Does Alaska require annual assessment for homeschoolers?
No. Alaska does not require formal annual assessment. Families may voluntarily track progress for college application purposes.
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Alaska?
No. Alaska does not require parents to hold a teaching certificate or any specific educational credential to homeschool their children.
Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in Alaska?
Yes. Alaska has a law (sometimes called a "Tim Tebow" law) allowing homeschooled students to participate in public school extracurricular activities. Alaska homeschool students enrolled in Option 2 correspondence programs have access to extracurricular activities and sports through their correspondence school affiliation. Independent homeschoolers (Option 1) may participate in public school activities at district discretion. Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA) rules vary by district.
Source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) — correspondence program oversight; no oversight of Option 1 independent homeschoolers — lam.alaska.gov/homeschooling. Checked March 2026.
Alaska offers four homeschool pathways with widely varying requirements. Option 1 (independent homeschool statute) is the most permissive — no notice, no testing, no subjects, no hours, instructor must be the parent or legal guardian. Option 2 (correspondence programs) provides significant funding ($2,500–$4,500/year allotment) in exchange for program participation, annual plans, monthly teacher contact, and testing. IDEA Alaska is the most widely used correspondence program. Most Alaska homeschool families choose Option 2 for the financial support.
Source: Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) — correspondence program oversight; no oversight of Option 1 independent homeschoolers — lam.alaska.gov/homeschooling. Checked March 2026.
Everything below works whether or not you ever pay us a penny. Use what helps with Alaska's requirements and ignore the rest.
This page was written from Alaska's published rules and last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) — correspondence program oversight; no oversight of Option 1 independent homeschoolers. This is information for families, not legal advice.