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What are the rules here in Alaska?
Alaska's Compulsory Eduction law does not apply to those homeschooling independently. There are no set number of instruction days, no curriculum limitations, no immunization requirements, and no lesson plans. Under this law, you are not required to register or communicate with the state in any way.
--> View Alaska Law
--> HSLDA's Legal Analysis of Alaska Law
Alaska offers a wide-range of educating your child. You can determine the level of independence that you maintain in your home.
--> View your options
I've never homeschooled before, where do I start??
As you prepare to begin homeschooling, there seems to be an overwhelming list of things that need to be done, including joining a support group, choosing curriculum, whether or not to join the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). What should you do first and why? What do you need to do to satisfy Alaska's laws?
Because you are free to do what you like, we recommend that you join a support group so you don't have to forge new trails by yourself.
Military Update
There are no additional military requirements to homeschool in Alaska. No one on base needs to be notified about your decision.
Elmendorf
There are many resources on base to help you homeschool and most organizations have heard of homeschoolers.
- Arts and Crafts Building for monthly homeschool classes.
- Arctic Oasis offers exercise with childcare options, book clubs, play groups and ITT. Ft Richardson also has an area devoted to exercise equipment that is near an area for childcare.
- The BX offers “Make the Grade” reward booklets. Contact the BX Office for more info: aafes.com
- YES Program (Youth Employment Skills) - Teens can earn $1,000 toward College. Only youth of Active Duty Air Force members (grades 9-12) may apply. Call the Youth or Teen Center for application.
- Youth Center offers sports, music and drama lessons.
For more information on any service above, go to ElmendorfServices.com. Or, contact Ramona if you are interested in talking more about your military situation.
Ft. Richardson
Child and Youth Services provides a variety of activities for all ages.
Networks and Support
Local Support
ERCHA is a local support group in the Chugiak/Eagle River area. We offer encouragement, education, advice and fellowship for Christian families who have made the decision to educate their children at home. Also, we welcome inquiries from people who are thinking about beginning to home school. Since we want your children's education to be a positive experience for both parent and child, it is our goal is for you and your children to be successful.
Some ways we meet that goal are to provide field trips, support group meetings, various clubs and activities, an annual used book sale, a resource library, and a current monthly newsletter. We also alert members to pending legislation affecting their right to educate their children at home.
While the benefits of home education are many, some activities can only be done in a group (like soccer or public speaking). It is also our desire to provide a support system to assist parents and students in celebrating achievement and one that Christian parents can depend upon to help them through the difficult times.
Statewide Support
The Alaska Private and Home Educators Association (APHEA) is a membership-based coalition of parents and others who have banded together for the furtherance of educational excellence through alternatives to the government-operated public schools. Provides a means to foster contact between home school groups in Alaska through publications and the presentation of seminars. It also fosters and protects a climate of non-interference for home education in Alaska by direct involvement in the political process by providing information on issues and candidates and by acting as a liaison between home education and the Alaska legislature.
--> Find out more about APHEA
National Legal Support
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is a nonprofit advocacy organization established to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms. Through annual memberships, HSLDA is tens of thousands of families united in service together, providing a strong voice when and where needed.
--> Find out more about HSLDA
Cyberspace
There are several email lists available through Yahoo Groups.
While many groups are specific to a certain topic or area, there is one statewide group that has been around since 1996 called "akhomeschoolers". With over 300 members, it serves as a great resource and information exchange venue. Oftentimes, homeschoolers will join this for the combined wisdom and experience, plus another group more narrowly focused toward their specific needs.
For ERCHA Members, a Yahoo Group has been established as a tool to encourage communication and networking within our membership outside of our monthly meetings. It is also the primary notification system used by the board to announce events, classes and helpful information.
Homeschooling Helps
Methods
There are several ways to approach your education decision with no one being the "right" one. Here is a handy list of definitions that may assist your directional decision based on your own child's needs.
Links and Curriculum
We're in the process of compiling a list (by no means comprehensive) of "favorites" from our membership:
--> View links page
--> Deals and discounts from area businesses are also available to home educators.
ERCHA Library
We offer a lending library at each meeting. We currently have books, curriculum, videos, DVDs, CDs of other homeschool conventions. Browse at the meeting or check out to read at home. A list of our resources will soon be posted here.
Contact: Marsha G.
Assessment Tests
While independently homeschooled student(s) aren't required to take any standardized tests, there are several resources to allow you, as a parent, to measure how you are doing:
- P.A.S.S. test by Hewitt Homeschooling - A test that compares students to other homeschoolers and national averages.
- Stanford Achievement Test and the IOWA test for basic skills available at BJU Press
- Let's Go Learn reading assesment at Sonlight.
Homeschooling your high schooler
Mary T., provided some helpful information on homeschooling your high schooler. Also, our ERCHA library has for loan several related seminars on CD by nationally acclaimed speakers: click here for a list of programs.
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