Where to Begin?
1. Is your student at least 6 years old?
​No. Do nothing. Alabama's compulsory age of attendance is 6 years old by September 1 of the current school year. ​
See Note at the bottom of this section.
Yes. Go to step 2.
2. Is your student currently enrolled in public or private school?
​No.
A little bit less work for you to do! Move on to step 3.
Yes.
Follow your school's procedures for withdrawal. These procedures are generally found in the school handbook. Gather as many of your student's records and transcripts as possible before notifying your school of withdrawal. It is an unfortunate fact that although most teachers and administrators want only what is best for your student, there are those that do not agree with home-schooling and may attempt to make your transition difficult. It is in your best interest to remain polite and respectful at all junctures. It is not necessary to inform anyone of your reasons for withdrawing and very often such information will hinder the process.
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Once your student is withdrawn, move on to Step 3.
3. Notify your local Superintendent of your intent to home-school.
Please note that many sources do not believe this step to be a requirement. However, it is your best interest to be polite and courteous at all times and to maintain open communication with those within you local school system.
In the Cullman City School District:
1. Fill out private school or church school enrollment form. If you are enrolling in a "traditional" private school or cover school, the organization will most likely complete this step on your behalf. If you are creating your own private school to homeschool without a cover, you will need to complete this step yourself.
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2. ​Remit letter to
Cullman City Board of Education
301 1st St NE #100, Cullman, AL 35055
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Or Email:
If mailing, it is advised to mail certified and to save your delivery receipt.
In the Cullman County School District:
1. Fill out private school or church school enrollment form. If you are enrolling in a "traditional" private school or cover school, the organization will most likely complete this step on your behalf. If you are creating your own private school to homeschool without a cover, you will need to complete this step yourself.
​​
2. ​Remit letter to Superintendent Shane Barnette
at the Cullman County Board of Education
Location: 402 Arnold St. NE., Cullman, AL 35056
If mailing, it is advised to mail certified and to save your delivery receipt.
Notify your Superintendent of private or church school enrollment as soon as possible after withdrawal. Make copies of any form turned in. Forms may be delivered by certified mail in order to obtain confirmation of receipt or hand delivered. Should you choose to hand deliver, make note of the name and title of individuals spoken with.
4. Relax, Breath & Move Forward
Congratulations! The scary part is over. Now your family can decompress from the stresses of traditional school or jump right in to figuring out cover schools, co-ops, curriculum, pacing, standards, extracurriculars.
A note on what age to begin school
1. 1. AGE REQUIRED TO ATTEND
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 such child complies with enrollment and reporting procedure 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 such rules and regulations as the board may prescribe.
The parent, legal custodian, or guardian of a child who is six years of age, may opt out of enrolling their 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.
Authority: Code of Alabama (1975) §16-28-3 2.
2. ​MINIMUM AGE FOR ADMISSION
a. A child who is six years of age on or before September 1 (2)* or the date on which school begins in the enrolling district shall be entitled to admission to the public elementary schools at the opening of such schools for that school year or as soon as practicable thereafter.
Authority: Code of Alabama (1975) §16-28-4
*Report of Attorney General of Alabama
October-December 1963
Volume 113, page 20
b. A child who becomes six years old on or before February 1 may, with the approval of the local board of education, be admitted at the beginning of the second semester in school systems having semiannual promotions of pupils.
Authority: Code of Alabama (1975) §16-28-4
c. A child who is five years of age on or before September 1 (2)* or the date on which school begins in the enrolling district is entitled to admission to the Kindergarten program at the beginning of the school year or as soon as practicable thereafter.
Authority: Code of Alabama (1975) §16-28-4
*Interpretation based on Report of Attorney General of Alabama
October-December 1963, Volume 113, page 20
d. Kindergarten or Grade 1 students who were enrolled in an Alabama private school, church school, or were being tutored in accordance with the Code of Alabama (1975) and who seek admission to Kindergarten or Grade 1 in the public schools must meet the age requirements for admittance as of September 1 (2)* or the opening date of school in the enrolling district.
Authority: Code of Alabama (1975) §16-28-4"
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-Alabama School Attendance Manual
NEXT STEPS
Do you want a bit of structure to guide you along? From as little oversight as possible to full-featured corporate offerings, you can find exactly what you need.
You know why you want to homeschool.
​So now what do you home-school?
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Build your own schedule of classes and sports offered through great local resources.
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Is it that hard to home-school high school? We'll help guide you through transcripts, graduation requirements, and taking those first steps across the stage.
