Starting a Private School in Alabama
Regulations, Resources, & Support
Simplify the path to starting a new school- we’ve listed the important information, links to governing bodies, and provided an in-depth guide. Check it out!
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See what else you need to know about starting a private school. From your curriculum to your marketing, and everything in-between.
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Alabama State Regulations
General Regulations
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Alabama revised its laws in 2013, removing all restrictions on private schools. The state does not have accreditation, licensing, or approval requirements for private schools, but does require they report student registration to the state.
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The specific 2013 legislation regarding private school regulation has been published on the AL Department of Education website.
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The US Office of Innovation & Improvement has assembled a summary of regulations for private schools operating in Alabama
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Alabama has no requirements or restrictions on home schooling environments, and home schools are exempt from reporting requirements.
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Alabama does not have specific insurance requirements for private schools
State Gunding Sources & Support
Alabama does not provide funding for private education.
Curriculum Requirements
The Alabama State Department of Education is not authorized to license or regulate any private, nonpublic, or church school offering instruction in grades K-12 or any combination thereof.
Teacher Certification & Hiring
All applicants and employees are required to undergo a criminal background check.
Food Services / Lunch
In Alabama, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Child Nutrition Programs division of the Alabama State Department of Education.
Length of School Year
The Alabama State Department of Education is not authorized to license or regulate any private, nonpublic, or church school offering instruction in grades K-12 or any combination thereof.
Recordkeeping & Reports
Schools must report the names and addresses of enrolled students to the state.
Healthy & Safety Requirements
The Alabama State Department of Education is not authorized to license or regulate any private, nonpublic, or church school offering instruction in grades K-12 or any combination thereof.
Transportation
A license tax or registration fee of $13.00 is imposed on motor buses owned by a church or a private school that are used only for the purposes of the institution.
Testing
There are no state policies in place regarding private school testing.
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters
Alabama State Resources
State & Regional Associations
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Alabama Independent School Association: The Alabama Independent School Association’s mission is to serve independent schools in the state of Alabama by providing its member schools with educational and corporate services and programs focusing on excellence in academics, accreditation, and athletics.
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Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS): The mission of SAIS is to strengthen member schools by providing high-quality accreditation processes, comprehensive professional growth opportunities, and visionary leadership development programs.
Government Websites
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Guide Quick-Nav
Introduction
We’ve developed these 10 topics to help you along the way. Take them all in at once, or start with the areas most relevant right now.
School Identity
There’s plenty you can do to develop your own brand, starting right from your personal ideals and goals for your school.
Curriculum
Our curriculum pages include ideas on where to go to find materials, and different associations and educational models you may want to consider.
Legal & Operating Requirements
You need to know the requirements at both the federal level and for your state. Here are the basic details for every state.
Funding & Finance
Here we share ideas for possible funding sources, and ways you might be able to start with less than you thought necessary.
Business Plan & Budget
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Facilities
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.
Staffing
How can you find and recruit the right talent for your school? What qualifications or certifications are required?
Policies & Procedures
Thinking about more than just a student handbook and conduct code, we've included recommendations & templates to help you develop your school policies & procedures
Marketing & Online Presence
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Associations
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.