Alabama Homeschoolers Could Gain Access to Public Career Tech Classes by 2026
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A new proposal by Rep. Susan DuBose, R-Hoover, aims to allow Alabama homeschoolers to enroll in public school career technical classes starting in the 2026-27 school year. DuBose’s initiative, House Bill 61, seeks to address discrepancies that currently prevent many homeschooling families from accessing these valuable courses.
DuBose emphasized that homeschoolers contribute to the Education Trust Fund through property and sales taxes and deserve the same opportunities as public school students. “Every student that they can make room for needs to be allowed to participate,” she stated.
The proposed bill builds on a previous unsuccessful attempt, incorporating a provision that would permit the use of education savings accounts (ESAs) to cover expenses associated with career tech classes, such as lab fees. Under the new legislation, eligible homeschoolers can access ESAs of up to $2,000, or $4,000 per family, for approved educational expenses.
If passed, the bill would require local boards of education to adopt policies allowing homeschoolers to enroll in these classes as nontraditional students, contingent on available space. While career tech centers aren’t mandated to accept homeschooled students, they would have the option to do so.
Concerns have been raised about the potential reduction in local control over enrollment decisions, with some school officials suggesting that current policies already allow for homeschool participation. DuBose maintains that while local guidelines are essential, they shouldn’t be used to entirely exclude homeschoolers.
She highlighted the positive intent of homeschoolers seeking additional educational opportunities, saying, “These are not the troublemaker types… they’re hard workers, and they’re asking for more work and some more opportunity. So let’s give it to them.”
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