Frequently Asked Questions

What to do when dealing with Truant/Attendance Officers

DEALING WITH TRUANT/ATTENDANCE OFFICERS

Now, this may not be something that anyone does have to deal with, but on the occasion, you never know who may show up.  In my personal experience home educating via the cover of a church school, I have never been bothered by anyone from the B.O.E.

Should you happen to find yourself in the situation where you have a truant officer or attendance officer at your door you should take some simple steps to send them on their way.

The first thing you should do is ask them if they have checked with your local county superintendent's office for a copy of your church school enrollment form.  Should they tell you no, recommend they go to super’s office, after all, that’s where all enrolled church school students CSEF is sent!

If they persist ask them if they would like you to send another copy of the CSEF to the super’s office?

If they continue to ask you for any other documents besides the CSEF, advise them that the law is clear and they cannot request anything further. If they ask for anything else give them our number, email and to direct their request to you and to Alabama Church School in writing, direct all contact with the Administrator.

Be sure to contact your local super’s office and make sure they still have a copy of your CSEF on file. If they have it in their office let them know their truant officer has been out bothering your about your CSEF. Why don’t they check with the super’s office first to verify the existence of the form?

Remember, they’re not required to see or request anything but your CSEF. To send all other requests in writing to both yourself and to the Administrator at Alabama Church School.

Make sure to always ask for a business card, ID#, and their name. Make sure you know what the law is so you know what is required by you as the parent/home educator.

Remember to NEVER give up your rights in any way, if you do so we’ll no longer be able to cover you should serious legal issues arise.

Not one person is entitled to a copy of CSEF, this includes teachers, counselors, and principals. They are NOT legally entitled to a copy! Once you’re enrolled with Alabama Church School you are no longer under that school’s policy and you aren’t required to give them anything. This includes our handbook or any paperwork from your child(ren)’s enrollment.  Always but respectfully be firm with their requests.

Lastly, you must always keep a copy of your CSEF in a safe place this is a requirement because you should be able to find it if you need it!

How can I contact someone from ACS

You can call, email, text, and send postal mail.  We don't usually meet with anyone because we're simply signing your forms for your enrollment. Offering Administrative Assistance for homeschooling under an umbrella/cover school.  We've never had to meet anyone since ACS was established. There is no real need for us to meet. You can enroll fast using the online option or you can enroll via postal mail.

Alabama Church School
833 Ewell Rd
Slocomb, AL 36375
(334)553-3444
admin(at)alabamachurchschool(dot)com

Thanks
ACS Admin

Can I use a website to track my child’s grades & attendance?

Yes of course! We use other sites like Time4Learning there you can keep track of hours, days and all the grades. I love using that site.  We will still require the Absentee Report if your child(ren) has missed any days during the year.  If your child(ren) are learning every day like a lot of our kids, you shouldn’t have any problems. But I recommend you keeping track of as much as you can for hours and days.

Is there a special curriculum that I need to use?

No, this is your choice, you decide what works best for your children. Alabama Church School (ACS) does NOT provide you with any curriculum. You can use any online curriculum you chose or do it all the old-fashioned way on paper. You can also mix the two, which is what we do here at home! Us, as Parents, established a church school in our home! Yes, we’re a home educating family as well!

What about curriculum, do you have to teach exactly what’s taught in public/private school?

The law says that all schools, but not church schools are required to follow a specific curriculum, basically.  Church schools aren’t included in, those rules! You have the right to teach and educate your child as you see fit! Although, it’s important to learn reading, math, history, science, etc. But how and what you teach is your choice!

This is what the law says:

• Private schools, but not church schools, are required to use the English language in giving instruction. Code of  Alabama 1975 §16-28-1(1).
• Private schools, but not church schools, are required to offer instruction in “the several branches of study required to be taught in the public schools.” Code of Alabama 1975 §16-28-1(1).

State Regulation of Private Schools—Alabama

• Private schools, but not church schools, must provide a physical education program that conforms to the program outlined by the Alabama Department of Education. Code of Alabama 1975 §16-40-1.

Does Alabama Church School provide books and curriculum every year?

No, we are simply here to give you, the parent, the freedom of home educating.  You can find all kinds of curriculum online or in groups. You can use websites like Time4Learning (we used T4L and loved them, the records are remarkable), KhanAcademy, ReadingEggs, Red Apple Reading, K5Learning, etc.  A simple search in google brings up a world of education at your fingertips.

Also, if you need directions for almost anything, youtube has it all! Need to know how to explain what 4th cousin twice removed is? Search it on youtube! Want to know how to do science projects for kids, youtube! Videos make everything easier in our household.  Youtube has everything you can think of! I as an adult have used it to learn how to do recipes, DIY projects and so much more!

Is there a specific enrollment time?

You have to register once a year, you need to enroll/re-enroll between June 1st & August 15th.  You may, however, enroll at any time of the year.  So, no worries! We do NOT stop anyone from submitting enrollment. As we understand things can happen during the school year that changes. So, feel free to contact us or just submit enrollment at any time of the year.

Just be sure to Re-enroll by August 15th. This is only if you're a previous enrollment. All others who haven't even enrolled can enroll at any time! No Late Fees! I am removing them because there is no point in charging for late fees! Enroll at any time of the year for the same price. If you're a New enrollment paying via Check/Paypal/Debit/Credit Card it's $99 the first year, per family! Re-Enrollment is $69 each year after!

How many days per year does my child have to attend school?

From my understanding, it’s 180 days per year, however, we believe that learning happens 365 days a year! So, every day is a learning day and there shouldn’t really be any missed days. But we still require attendance at the end of the school year if your child(ren) have missed any days that need to be explained.  At Parent's Discretion, if you feel your child missed days and it should be reported, by all means, turn in the attendance form.

How many hours a day should I home educate my children?

I’d say about 3 hours, but we I don’t always make it sit down for 3 hours to do the work. Sometimes it’s mixed throughout the day, which makes learning more than 3 hours, but no one notices that. Except for me! 🙂 See our Helpful Websites link here or it can be found in the Menu for more ideas about this!

What happens if I don’t re-enroll by August 15th each year?

We will notify the B.O.E. and report that your child hasn’t been re-enrolled by August 15th and has been dismissed.  If this happens and you still want to enroll, you'll have to enroll as a New Enrollment!

If you can't re-enroll by that date, Please contact Shannon M. Baker and talk to her.  We do not start sending dismissals for 7 days after the 15th, just to be safe. We understand if something comes up. So, talk to Shannon, she's always there to help!  You can email, text, and call, whatever you prefer.

Are there any specifics about hours or days of home educating?

We do not have anything specific set forth. We expect that as parents you’ll do what’s right and teach your child(ren). The public school requires 180 days, our school year starts August 15th and through June 1st. We push for 160 days per year for home-educating.  You have a lot of days to home-educate and have fun! Our school year is all year long! Enjoy life!

Do you have to use our dates to start home-educating? No! It's up to you and how you decide to make it work. Just be sure to Re-enroll by August 15th. This is only if you're a previous enrollment. All others who haven't even enrolled can enroll at any time! No Late Fees! I am removing them because there is no point in charging for late fees! Enroll at any time of the year for the same price.  $99 for first year per family! Re-Enrollment is $69 each year after! NO per child fees! Enroll all of your children.  

When does ACS’s school year start and end?

Our school year begins on August 15 and ends on June 1st.

Do you have to use our dates to start home-educating? No! It's up to you and how you decide to make it work. Just be sure to Re-enroll by August 15th. This is only if you're a previous enrollment. All others who haven't even enrolled can enroll at any time! No Late Fees! I am removing them because there is no point in charging for late fees! Enroll at any time of the year for the same price.  $99 the first year per family! Re-Enrollment is $69 each year after! NO per child fees! Enroll all of your children.  

Enroll in a Church School Before you Withdraw from Public School.

When you're going to withdraw your child from Public School, you should ALWAYS enroll them in a church school FIRST. That way you're under another school's policy and you're no longer required to follow the previous school's policy.

Remember, once you're enrolled in ACS you no longer have to go by their policy, and NO one but the Board of Education is legally permitted to see your CSEF.  So, even if a truant officer/public school official come to your home and as for a copy, you're not required to give them one,  However, see the Important FAQ on DEALING WITH TRUANT/ATTENDANCE OFFICERS. It's the first FAQ on this page.  So, just scroll up and you'll find it at the top.

Being fully enrolled consists of submitting your CSEF to your local Board of Education.

Will ACS Prorate the Cost for half a year or Refund Partial Year Enrollments?

NO! We do not prorate any prices at all! If you enroll in January it's the same price as if you enrolled on August 15th!  No prorating of the year!

NO, we will NOT issue partial refunds because you withdraw your students early or for any reason.

NO REFUNDS! If you initiate a refund through Paypal we'll submit all the work we done and show them proof that services were rendered.  Remember, we're a nonprofit and we help other people with part of the money paid in for enrollments.

We are keeping our prices low and affordable.

Thanks, ADMIN.

Will The Board of Education or Superintendent of County Schools Verify My Enrollment After I Submit My Church School Enrollment Form?

NO! The school system/board of education will absolutely NOT contact you to tell you they have received your church school enrollment form.  If you call them they'll probably say they don't have it, but they do.  The Superintendent has these files, not just anyone in the office! So, if you go calling them, make sure you talk to the SUPERINTENDENT! Not just any old office person.  Super's are busy, so don't expect too much time from them on the phone, if they even call you back to confirm something you know was sent into their office.

Who is REQUIRED to Report My Children’s Enrollment to the Superintendent?

It's the parent's responsibility. We used to fax the forms directly for the parent, but we've been asked to allow parents to mail or bring in the forms. That the parent is required to do so. So, with that being said we NO longer fax your church school enrollment forms to the county superintendent. The law is clear it is YOUR the parent's responsibility.  I would love to fax them for you like I was doing, but I'm not allowed to anymore.

It's also the parent's responsibility to report attendance as far as missed days that are unexcused. You only have to report those unexcused absences. You would report UNEXCUSED missed days to your local county school superintendent.

What is the address to mail forms to?

Alabama Church School
833 Ewell Rd
Slocomb, AL 36375

Are you a cover school?

Yes, We cover the entire state of Alabama.

Do I have to keep grades?

We do not require any grades to be turned in to ACS, however, if the student is in High School you should absolutely be keeping grades, hours, etc. It's very important that way you can request transcripts for college along with receiving a diploma.

We don't require primary or junior high school grades either. However, you should keep track of something for your student's just in case something legal happens for some reason. You can prove and show what your student has learned and is being taught.  One of the reasons I recommend Time4Learning.com because they keep complete records with subjects, dates, times and everything!

What is the cost to enroll a New family?

Annual Enrollment: The cost of new enrollment is $99 per family for the first year and $69 each year after that. Payable via check/money order/Debit/Credit/Paypal.  We use Paypal as our payment processor so no matter how you make your payment unless it's via check/MO it will go through PayPal's Website!

We also take Cash App: $ALChurchSchool
If you use Cash App and you're a new enrollment please send $99 If you're re-enrolling please send $69 and also include the email address in the memo/notes so I know who you have enrolled or are re-enrolling!

What is the cost to Re-Enroll?

The cost of re-enrolling is $69 if paying via Check/MO/Debit/Credit

Do you have to use our dates to start home-educating? No! It's up to you and how you decide to make it work. Just be sure to Re-enroll by August 15th. This is only if you're a previous enrollment. All others who haven't even enrolled can enroll at any time! No Late Fees! I am removing them because there is no point in charging for late fees! Enroll at any time of the year for the same price.  $99 for first year per family! Re-Enrollment is $69 each year after! NO per child fees! Enroll all of your children.  

What’s the cost to enroll late for New and Re-Enrollments?

The cost of late but, new enrollment is the normal price of $99 Check/MO or $99 online, there are not any late fees.  We accept students all year round for your convenience!  You may see the processing fee in other places, but no more fees are added. It's just $99 online or via check I can't seem to find all the places where I put it on the website. 🙂 

If you need to re-enroll after August 15th, you'll simply sign up under a new enrollment again, unless otherwise discussed. New Enrollment Fees are as follows: $99

We do NOT prorate prices!

Re-enroll between normal time and it's $69

What constitutes a late enrollment?

For New Enrollments after August 15th and before June 1st is considered a late enrollment. However, no penalties are applied. Life happens and we understand that! However, if you enroll in February, March, or anytime before June 1st is a late enrollment. If you choose to enroll, be aware you will be required to re-enroll again between June 1st - August 15th.

If you've been previously enrolled and it's time to enroll again, you MUST re-enroll by August 15th each year. If you enroll after August 15th you'll need to enroll as a New Enrollment!

If you can't re-enroll by that date, Please contact Shannon M. Baker and talk to her.  We do not start sending dismissals for 7 days after August 15th, just to be safe. We understand if something comes up. So, talk to Shannon, she's always there to help!  You can email, text, and call, whatever you prefer.

What if I have 8 children? Can I enroll them all?

Yes, when you download and complete forms there will be space to include everyone and their DOB’s. There is no cost for Extra Children. You can enroll your family as long as you’re their parent or guardian. You will require a Church School Enrollment Form (CSEF) for each child enrolling.

How can I pay for my enrollment?

You can pay via Check/Money Order via Snail Mail or PayPal/Debit/Credit Card.  As for Snail Mail with check/money order please allow 10 business days for processing.

Do I need a statement of Faith to enroll my children in Alabama Church School (ACS)?

Absolutely NOT! We do not require a statement of Faith!

Is Alabama Church School (ACS) an online School?

No, Alabama Church School (ACS) is not an online school. We’re a church cover/umbrella school which supports the parent's right to home educate their children in the state of Alabama.

Again, you can use any type of curriculum you decide, but you have to legally be registered in a church cover school to do this in the state of Alabama.

Where do I take my child for their classes?

You’re the teacher, you teach them yourself. You can use whatever curriculum you want to use. This is your choice and you can do it online, on paper, orally, etc.  Again, this is 100% your responsibility!

What if I was already enrolled in another church cover school?

That’s okay! you simply fill out the same forms like everyone else does to enroll. Then submit your withdrawal to the previous church school. You do not have to show them anything. They will report that you didn't re-enroll, but you'll be fine because you simply switched church schools and you're 100% allowed to do that.

I want to make a point to say you should enroll into your new school whatever type (Public, Private, Private Tutor, or Church School) before you submit your withdrawal to your previous school.

What are the basics to get this completed fast?

We now offer online enrollment. You can have your signed forms emailed back to you within 24-48 business hours.  You normally will receive an email back pretty fast within an hour or two, but we reserve the right to a time frame of 24-48 business hours to send the signed forms back to you.

(Business Hours 9 am to 5 pm CST, however, we're not always available)

I’m moving do I need to do anything with the B.O.E.?

Yes, you will need to submit your updated & SIGNED(by Alabama Church School (ACS)) Church School Enrollment Form to the new County’s B.O.E./School District.

Is there a cost to me if I move and have to redo all my forms?

No, you have already paid your dues. Sometimes in life, we have to move, right? 🙂 Just go fill out our Church School Enrollment Forms one for each student. Then Fill out ONE Family information form include all students that were previously already enrolled and the new student(s) being added. Submit them and we'll get them back to you via email ASAP but usually within 24 to 48 hours.

Can I send my forms Certified via USPS?

Actually, Yes! 

However, you have to be sure to not require an agent to be there to sign for it in front of the carrier, though. All mail to Alabama Church School goes directly to a Post Office Box inside of the Post Office. So, your mail is safe doing it this way.  When sending it certified, just remember that just a signature and not one of the admins have to be there to sign in front of the carrier. We are a nightshift family, so, our arrival is usually after business hours. This way you can feel safe about it being signed for and I don't have to arrive there during business hours to receive your enrollment forms or any other documents you may send in.

Remember to make sure the USPS understands that the box below that is not checked, you don't want it to be. That way it simplifies things for me.  Thank you!

What’s the fastest method of contacting the Administration office of Alabama Church School (ACS)?

Email or text is the quickest way to get a response, but you can call anytime during the day up to 10 PM CST.  You can find contact info on our contact page. You can message us on our Facebook page too!

Please Note: You can call anytime, that doesn't mean someone is always available for a phone call.  Which is why text and email are the fastest contact method. But if you call please leave a voicemail, that way I can call you back. We get a lot of spam calls, I mean a lot! So, sometimes I give up answering and they don't leave messages. Thanks for understanding. 

Alabama Church School (ACS)
833 Ewell Rd
Slocomb, AL 36375

(334) 553-3444 ~ Call anytime if no one answers leave a message so someone can call you back!

Are there any specific requirements for religious education?

No, not with ACS, but other church schools may have different policies. Most of us already have our kids in church learning and some of us have church at home.

Do you have to be a certain faith or is the church school open to all homeschoolers?

Some require certain things, you are not required to be a specific faith or religion.

Are any memberships required to join a church school?

Some church schools require memberships to HSLDA, but this is their policy, it’s NOT a requirement for us. No membership is required to HSLDA to enroll with ACS. However, we recommend joining HSLDA, for your own safety and security.

Do you have to attend any specific church to be a member of a church school?

Some do require membership, but from my understanding most churches that offer in-house cover require membership.  We do NOT require the parent to be a member of any specific church. Anyone can enroll that has the desire to home educate and keep their kids at home, where they’re safe!

Are there regular meetings to attend?

Some church schools have them, but we cover the whole state.  So, it would be a little bit hard to have meetings. We do not require any regular meetings to enroll or home educate with ACS.

Do you have to pay per child or per year to enroll in a church school?

Each church school is different, some do charge a set price and a small per child fee.  We, however, only charge per family, per year. So, if you have one child or 10 it’s still the same price for all of them. You have to fill out a CSEF for each child you’re enrolling.

What does the law say about home educating under the cover of a church school?

The law requires your child(ren) be registered one of four ways: public school, private school, instructed by a private tutor, or a church school. church school option gives you a lot more control, a private school option you still have a lot of requirements as per the government. So, your child(ren) must be registered in one of the above four types of schools, by age seven.

Is the church school accredited?

Most church schools aren’t accredited. The law doesn’t require church schools to be accredited.

Do you have to be certified to teach your child(ren) under the cover of a church school?

No! Absolutely not! If you’re under the cover of a church school you are NOT required to be certified. Here is exactly what the law says: Teachers instructing in private schools, but not church schools, must hold certificates issued by the state superintendent of education. Code of Alabama 1975 §16-28-1(1)a, (2)

What age does a child have to be enrolled in school by law?

Every child between the ages of seven and 16 is required to attend a public school, private school, church school, or be instructed by a private tutor certified by the state of Alabama, for the entire length of the school term in every scholastic subject under the compulsory attendance law. Code of Alabama 1975 §16-28-3.

What do you need to do to home educate under the cover of a church school?

The first thing you need to do is to enroll in a church school.  Enrolling in most church schools is usually an easy process to complete. You just have to print, fill out forms and send in the appropriate fees. The church school administrator will sign the main form, the most important form, the church school enrollment form also known as a CSEF. That will probably be the only form sent back to you.  The rest are usually for the school to keep on file.

This is what the law says about registration and who is supposed to inform the Board of Education your child(ren) are enrolled in a church school:

At church schools, enrollment and attendance must be reported to the local public school superintendent by the parent or guardian on a form (CSEF) provided by the (church school) superintendent. The administrator of the church school countersigns the enrollment form. If a child leaves the church school, the church school will notify the local public school superintendent, by prior consent of the parent or guardian. Code of Alabama 1975 §16-28-7.

What does a church school do for you as a parent?

Well, church schools aren’t usually a facility you take your child(ren) to for an education.  The purpose of a church school is to give you the cover REQUIRED to home educate your child(ren).

What does a church school expect from you, the parent?

A church school expects a parent to keep records of grades and subjects that are learned. Keep track of any missed days of school, as a parent and a teacher home educating, you shouldn’t have any missed days. At least most don’t because it’s so easy to make up days and the schedule.  But if you keep a very tight schedule and a student has missed a day or many, you must keep track of the days missed. If you have a high schooler, then you should really be keeping a good record of grades, subjects, credits, etc.

Why should you choose Alabama church school as your cover school?

Well, you can search the HSLDA website for groups and take a pick of anyone you chose! We pretty much all offer the same thing.  We offer administrative assistance, resources, and an occasional newsletter. You can pick any cover school of your choice, there are even a few I would recommend!

Responsibility

Parents are responsible for their child(ren)'s education.  ACS supports non-traditional academic activity schedules, eclectic, traditional philosophies of academic education, unschooling, and more.  You should read and research what fits yourself and your family's needs the best.

Where can I find ACS group discount code for my savings?

We recommend that homeschooling families join HSLDA. Even if you never experience legal trouble yourself, your HSLDA membership will help enable other homeschooling families to get the legal help they need and will help defend our right to homeschool here in Alabama. Membership in HSLDA also gives you personal access to the legal staff; HSLDA's experienced high school, special needs, and Toddlers to Tweens consultants; and discounts through HSLDA's PerX program. (For more information about HSLDA's many benefits, see www.hslda.org.) Alabama Church School members SAVE $15 on the HSLDA membership price when you enter our Discount Group Name: Alabama Church School  Discount Group code: 210333 on the HSLDA membership form!

Blended Family Church School Enrollment Forms

If you and your spouse/partner both have children, there is no problem adding them all to your enrollment.  Our only requirement is the proper parent sign for the student they are the legal guardian for.   So, if you have two children and your spouse/partner has one child, you can include them all. Just please inform us in the comments.

Each parent must sign their own child's CSEF! That is very important!

We have no problem with blended families, you are still one household!

Who is REQUIRED to Report My Children’s Enrollment to the Superintendent?

It's the parent's responsibility. We used to fax the forms directly for the parent, but we've been asked to allow parents to mail or bring in the forms. That the parent is required to do so. So, with that being said we NO longer fax your church school enrollment forms to the county superintendent. The law is clear it is YOUR the parent's responsibility.  I would love to fax them for you like I was doing, but I'm not allowed to anymore.

It's also the parent's responsibility to report attendance as far as missed days that are unexcused. You only have to report those unexcused absences. You would report UNEXCUSED missed days to your local county school superintendent.

Is a Homeschooling Diploma accepted for college?

The laws in Alabama state that Colleges that are state ran in Alabama cannot decline a homeschool student,  because they were taught at home if all other requirements for the college have been met.  You shouldn't have any problems as long as you meet requirements and pass tests. Homeschool Diplomas are Valid!

Can I enter the Military with a Church/Homeschool Diploma?

You're allowed to enlist in the military just like any other graduate with a high school diploma.

Visit link below for more information on this.

Armed Forces Finally Accept Homeschool Enlistees on Equal Terms

Policies and Procedures

Parents should be informed regarding our policies and procedures by reading the Policy and keeping up to date with any changes. We'll inform you of any changes that have been made to our Policy.

Does the church school require grades each year and transcripts?

We do not require grades each year, you should keep track of your child(ren) grades and subjects. You will need this for transcripts in high school years, you could just get into the habit of keep track of things. As far as transcripts, there is a fee required for those to be made via the subjects and grades are given by the parent.

What do you do with the church school enrollment form, after the church school administrator signed and sent back to you?

You have to send it to your local Board of Education. Keep a copy of the form on record for yourself. Not all church schools keep a copy but keep the other forms you signed. We do keep a copy of your CSEF, we feel it’s important to keep one on file.

Communication

We expect you, the parents to keep us informed of any and all changes in your contact information. Such as address, phone, email addresses.