The Code of Alabama on Education

Ages of children required to attend school; exemption for church school students; transfer students.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), every child between the ages of six and 17 years shall be required to attend a public school, private school, church school, or be instructed by a competent private tutor for the entire length of the school term in every scholastic year except that, prior to attaining his or her 16th birthday every child attending a church school as defined in Section 16-28-1 is exempt from the requirements of this section, provided the child complies with enrollment and reporting procedures specified in Section 16-28-7. Admission to public school shall be on an individual basis on the application of the parents, legal custodian, or guardian of the child to the local board of education at the beginning of each school year, under the rules as the board may prescribe; provided, a person who is under 19 years of age and on track to graduate from public school may not be denied admission to public school solely on account of his or her age. The parent, legal custodian, or guardian of a child who is six years of age, may opt out of enrolling his or her child in school at the age of six years by notifying the local school board of education, in writing, that the child will not be enrolled in school until he or she is seven years of age.

Age to Start Kindergarten: 5 years of age on or before September 1.

• Kindergarten attendance is not mandatory.

50-State Comparison: State K-3 Policies:  Education Commission of the States is a trusted source for comprehensive knowledge and unbiased resources on education policy issues ranging from early learning through postsecondary education.

There is not a simple one step process for returning students to public school after homeschooling, because each school system is different, each system has different requirements. The most common situation is when the public school wants to hold the student back and not promote them to the next grade because you did not use an "ACCREDITED"<link curriculum.  Public schools are using the "COMMON CORE"<link curriculum throughout Alabama.    It is our strong recomendation that you work with the guidence counselor at the school you are going to return to in order for the process to go smoothly as possible.  

1.  Enroll in a church school of your choice -  requirements will vary.

2.  Investigate the style of learning your child exhibits.

                    ON LINE RESOURCE FOR HOMESCHOOLING

3.   Develop a course of study and your Method.

4.  Create a schedule. Some things to keep in mind to work to your advantage:

     Are you a morning or evening family?  Large Family Schedule.

     Does someone in your family work an odd shift? Or odd days?

     Are all your children young or High School?

     Is a baby on the way?

     Donna Young has a free Homeschool Planner.

5.  Gather materials, books, resources, etc...

     Click link here  "resources-books-website".

6.  Choose outside classes, extracurricular activities and/or field trips.

     There are a lot of choices for homeschoolers today!  Outdoors.

Co-ops, McWane classes, zoo classes, art, writing classes and clubs, marine classes, science classes, 4-H, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, dance, gymnastics, scuba, karate, swimming, archery, music lessons, outdoor classes, Alys Stephen's Center, volunteering, community service, church activities, Lego club, start your own club.....

Rosewood Academy & High School

Providing a church school cover for families homeschooling in Alabama

updated 06/2023