Parents in Alabama have significant legal rights regarding their children’s education, rooted in both state and federal laws, empowering them to direct and oversee their children’s schooling.
Fundamental Parental Rights in Alabama Education Law
Parents have a fundamental constitutional right to direct the upbringing, education, care, and control of their children. The government may only interfere if it meets a compelling state interest using the least restrictive means.
The Alabama Parental Rights in Children’s Education (PRICE) Act affirms parents’ rights to be involved in public, private, religious, and home-based education, seeking to prevent discrimination against those choosing nonpublic schooling options.
Rights to Information and Transparency
The Parents’ Right to Know Act (SB48/Act 2024-35) requires public schools in Alabama to post current adopted curricula online and allows parents to inspect instructional materials used in classrooms. Parents can file complaints if they find issues with curriculum content or instructional tools.
Special Education Rights
Parents of children eligible for special education services have rights to informed consent, participation in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and due process in case of disputes. Revoking consent for special education stops services but does not violate the child’s right to a free appropriate public education if properly handled.
Custody and Education Decisions
The law recognizes that custody arrangements influence education decisions, and sole legal custody grants one parent decision-making authority over education and welfare matters.
Educational Support and Funding
Parents must understand changes in post-secondary educational support laws, as Alabama courts currently do not mandate child support for education beyond the age of majority except when contractually agreed upon.
Parents in Alabama hold strong legal protections to guide their children’s education, from choosing the type of schooling and accessing curriculum information to involvement in special education services…