Empowering Education in Alabama

We represent and advocate for Non-public school education programs in Alabama which include:

• Home education programs
• Private schools
• Church schools (a ministry of a church)
• Parochial schools (may or may not be a ministry of a church)
• Micro-schools (a private school label conveying small class sizes)
• Hybrid Schools (a private school label conveying the program type)
• Tutor programs
• “Cover or Umbrella” Schools (a private school)
• Homeschooling Cooperatives
• Other educational businesses

Stated Goals and Agenda:

Our simple goal is to bridge a gap between the Non-Public School community and our Legislators in Montgomery.  To have a voice and a vote in the direction for our community.

The reason I founded Aegis Education Alliance of Alabama is because I firmly and passionately believe you cannot make sound decisions for your business, group, or your family without having the facts. Telling the people the truth shouldn’t be so hard, but yet misinformation is abundant in our state. Without the truth and facts, you (nor I) can be expected to make sound decisions. 

Unfortunately, legislative law changes in 2014 have resulted in much division and chaos in our state.  A lot of this is due to misinformation presented by organizations who stand to profit from you living in fear of the government coming after you for homeschooling or attending some other non-traditional education program.  There simply is no excuse for this except greediness and the desire to keep power and control. AEAAL opposes this.

With the onset of the Choose Act, there are a lot of activities happening behind the scenes which creates a need for you to have a voice in the direction of the NPS status in our state.  There are many with hidden agendas.  These people, groups and entities DO NOT have your best interest in mind. They DO have powerful lobbying arms, deep pockets and they also have an unwavering desire for greed, power and control. 

This is why the AEAA was created.  If we stand a chance at keeping our freedoms and maintaining the power and control over non-public school education programs we were afforded in 2014, we are going to have to unite and fight to keep it. 

The Alabama legislature and our elected officials have clearly stated we need to better unite if we want a voice.  We won’t always agree on everything, we are only human after all.  My promise with AEAAL is to create the pathway for advocacy to retain our freedoms.

With all of this said, I want to make the intentions very clear, so you have NO doubt about what AEAAL is about.  There are no hidden agendas. AEAAL will always be open and honest at all times!

At a minimum, we are seeking partners who believe in the following:

1. To give ALL Non-Public Schools a voice in Alabama.
2. This group is largely not represented in Alabama and when we are, it is almost 100% those who seek power and control, and or are represented by lobbyists and those who stand most to profit from homeschoolers and other educational entities in our state.  It is the goal to serve our state in a way that represents all non-public school education programs in our state.
3. Advocate for access to public services for students without families and non-public schools being impacted by burdensome regulations and requirements. This doesn’t mean there won’t be requirements, this means we will fearlessly advocate for them to be minimum.  Ex: if a student wants to participate in band, the school typically requires them to take 1 class.  That has been found to be acceptable in the homeschooling community.  
4. To empower community leaders and educators to start programs and offer services that serve the needs of students in Alabama.
5. The state law under Act 2014-245 SB 38 Autonomy of Non-public Schools states and confers that Alabama doesn’t regulate non-public schools and there is nothing to report at any time to anyone.

What we need: Volunteers for the following areas

• Stakeholders in Alabama who believe in the mission to keep NPS free from burdensome regulations
• Stakeholders in Alabama who have knowledge, experience and acumen in how the political world works in Montgomery
• You know who to contact and have the skillset to navigate red tape to obtain answers
• You have a desire and strong will to get AEAA a seat and voice at the table and to be heard.
• Homeschool Advocate and Liaison - this role will aid homeschoolers who are having difficulty withdrawing from or enrolling in a public school. 
• Information Campaigns - We need individuals with creative skills to put together various pieces to advertise and market the correct NPS information, create presentation outlines
• Spokespersons - Individuals who are charismatic and enjoy being in the spotlight. Someone who enjoys and is well versed in public speaking.
• Stakeholders who want to have input in the direction for the Alliance. Persons who already participate in various groups on social media who can see what the NPS sector needs.  The goal is to be able to come up with and respond as quickly as possible to any and all prospective issues arising in our communities. 
• Stakeholders who can observe and report nationwide trends.  Ex: Watch for legislation being introduced in other states that could prospectively be introduced into ours by entities who seek to regulate and control non-public school education programs, especially homeschooling.
• Stakeholders to assist in building out additional framework for the alliance.
• Stakeholders who can assist in the development of educational guidelines for parents.
• Stakeholders who can assist in coaching parents on educational opportunities at all levels up to and including trade programs or college programs.

Stakeholders must be even tempered as to avoid an US vs THEM persona.

Act 2014-245 SB38: Autonomy of Non-Public Schools

At Aegis Education Alliance Alabama, we represent the true intent of the Alabama Law

This is the law all non-public school programs fall under. 

This is the law that we will work diligently to defend.

In Alabama, state law requires that children of compulsory school age be enrolled in an educational program. 

Alabama has also codified into law a parent’s legal right to direct their child’s education.

The two pathways to achieve compliance:

1. Public School – This includes traditional brick-and-mortar schools, charter schools, and virtual public schools. Note: Programs like Alabama Connections Academy and K12 are public school-at-home programs, not homeschooling programs.
2. Non-Public School – This category includes private schools, church schools, parochial schools, private tutors, and independent homeschool education programs.

Non-Public School Autonomy:

Alabama law does not regulate non-public schools. Under Act 2014-245, often referred to as the “Private School Law,” states that non-public schools, including homeschool programs, operate independently and without state oversight.

Zero Reporting Requirements for Non-public Schools:

Simply stated: There is nothing to report at any time to anyone.  There is no prohibition from voluntary participation of reporting information to State and Local governments regarding the non-public school education program. However, there is no legal basis or requirement to do so.

Non-public Schools including Homeschool: you are not required to:

• Notify or report information regarding your program including homeschooling status
• Submit letters of intent. (Homeschool)
• Follow a specific curriculum or notify anyone of the curriculum you use
• Track the number of school days or hours.
• Maintain portfolios or educational plans.
• Provide nor submit any medical information such as immunizations to any state or local government entity.
• Notify anyone of students enrolled in your school (or when they are removed from your program)
• There are no testing requirements

Who oversees Non-public school compliance in Alabama?

There is no state or local official tasked with monitoring non-public school compliance. This autonomy means there is no legal framework exists to hold non-public school education programs including homeschoolers accountable to any regulations including that of public-school standards, such as attendance requirements or curriculum approval. Truancy officers, for example, cannot enforce public school attendance laws on non-public schools.

Important note on withdrawing from public school:

If your child is transferring from a public school to a non-public school education program, you must formally withdraw them from the public school system. Failure to do so may result in a truancy investigation.

Restrictions on Local Public Schools:

Subdivisions of the state including Local public schools and school districts are prohibited by law (Act 2014-245) from creating their own regulations for non-public schools. For example, they cannot require an NPS to:

• Provide a notice of intent to homeschool.
• Provide list of enrolled students
• Report their curriculum.
• Submit attendance records.

Exceptions to Autonomy:

The autonomy of non-public school education programs may be affected when they accept public funds. For example, private schools and vendors participating in taxpayer-funded programs administered by a governmental agency, such as the child nutrition program or Choose Act ESA programs, may be subject to specific regulations tied to those funds.  The burden is generally placed upon the vendor providing the services more so that the party receiving the services.

We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities through education and resources. Join us in our mission to create a better future for all.

How we support our nonprofit: Aegis School