Homeschooling in Alaska: Opportunities, Resources, and More
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Alaska is home to short summers, long winters, beautiful scenery, and some pretty great homeschooling opportunities too. Learn what you need to know about homeschooling in Alaska.
Hey there, I’m Meghann, a wife, homeschool mama of three in Alaska, and most importantly a lover of Jesus! I am looking forward to sharing about our homeschool experience in Alaska, along with some resources and support for those interested in homeschooling in the 49th state.
Homeschooling in Alaska
I consider Alaska to be one of the most homeschool-friendly states – the support here is truly remarkable. There is a well-established homeschool community (it was popular here before it was trendy!). I grew up homeschooling for part of my education and now I am enjoying homeschooling our children.
We live in the Matanuska Susitna Valley so this information will be centered around resources in this area, although much of it applies statewide.
Alaska Homeschool Requirements
Alaska does not require participation or enrollment in a homeschool program, although it is required to receive education funding. An allotment is offered for homeschool families who choose to enroll. Many require basic standardized testing and quarterly grades/samples submitted from parents.
The allotment is sizable – nearing $3,000 per child depending on grade level. Unused allotment rolls over to the following school year. Reimbursements are available for sports, music, learning resources, secular curriculum, and home internet. I have found our contact teacher and finance department to be very helpful in finding beneficial reimbursements for our family, which is a blessing.
If you use the correspondence school option there are some records to be kept and requirements to be met. At least 50% of the student’s instructional time must be spent on core classes which include math, language arts, social studies, science, world languages, and technology. Parents are required to develop an independent learning plan each year, and they must submit quarterly progress reports. Assessments are required in grades 3 through 10, and students in grades 10-12 must pass all sections of the High School Graduation Qualifying Exam to receive a diploma.
Alaska Learning Opportunities
Alaska offers many exciting outdoor learning activities, most are accessible out the front door.
We are a bit limited on indoor field trips, although there are a few good options. The Sealife Center in Seward is a neat learning opportunity, as is the Imaginarium found within the museum in Anchorage. We are blessed with a beautiful, new library in Wasilla and most communities have libraries available.
Our family homeschools through Mat-Su Central School. We have found the staff to be supportive, but not intrusive. Submitting grades is easy and help is available when needed. We have had no issues with purchasing our Christian curriculum and submitting samples of work using the Christian curriculum. Some schools have a reputation for being a bit pickier when it comes to Christian work samples. IDEA is a homeschool program available in many parts of Alaska and is well-loved by many homeschool families.
Twindly Bridge is another neat option available in the Matsu Valley. They offer classes one day a week in person and lovely support, they are especially loved for the younger years. Mat-Su Central also offers classes on campus for various grades. Most programs have a vendor list of certain businesses and individuals in the community who are approved to teach various specialties. For example, our local fishing shop is an approved vendor and offers fly tying and rod building classes. A couple of ladies we know offer piano lessons.
Another helpful addition to choosing to enroll in a homeschool program is available devices. Students can use their allotment for a computer, laptop, or iPad to be used for schooling.
For families of older students, there are great opportunities to play sports for public school and to take up to two in-person classes while still being enrolled as a homeschool student.
Traditional graduations are often hosted by homeschool programs and students receive a diploma.
Support and Resources for Homeschoolers in Alaska
Homeschooling resources and support in Alaska are abundant because so many families here do it. Social media is a great place to look for local groups so that you can find groups close to your area. The Alaska Homeschool and Private Educators Association is a good place to start if you haven’t yet found a group near you just yet. This organization holds conferences and events throughout the year, and they offer online resources and support groups as well.
There are various private homeschool co-ops and Classical Conversations has at least two groups that I am personally aware of, one in Wasilla and one in Anchorage.
Homeschooling in Alaska: Follow the Seasons
Rather you are a seasoned homeschooler planning to move to Alaska, or a mama considering homeschooling as an option for your family, I hope you feel encouraged! Homeschooling in Alaska makes sense. The support is great and perhaps best of all, it allows you to build strong connections with your family and instill the most important values in your children.
Another Alaska-specific favorite of ours is following the seasons. Since our summer is short we structure our year to be able to fully enjoy the warm, light months. The flexibility of homeschooling is a tremendous advantage. We do our best to enjoy the many learning opportunities we have handed us by living in such a beautiful and unique state.
Homeschool Encouragement
I would like to leave you with my favorite homeschool verse. The Lord has used it to encourage me many times. Although the context is financial, I consider homeschooling to be a good work in which God’s sufficiency and grace have met me again and again.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV
I would love to hear from you: are you homeschooling in Alaska? What tips or advice would you give to other families homeschooling in this state? Drop a comment below!
And if you’d love to have a printable resource to use to keep track of state homeschool requirements, key organizations, activities and field trip plans, and curriculum notes, grab a copy of my Curriculum & Activity Planner below (it’s free!):
Interested in learning about homeschooling in another state? Check out the Homeschooling in 50 States Series.
About the Author
Meghann Lipse
Meghann is a wife and homeschool mama of three in Alaska, and most importantly a lover of Jesus! You can connect with her on Instagram where she posts about Christian family life, homeschooling, and Bible study. She also creates Bible-based homeschool curriculum for her family, which is available at Lamp and Light Merchandise.
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