Homeschool benefits and savings in Anchorage
Riders 18 and under ride People Mover buses in Anchorage free all year, instead of paying the $2.00 adult one-way fare. Eligibility is based on age alone, so a homeschooled child qualifies with no application, school ID, or pass. Other options include public school classes and services.
Anchorage People Mover free youth fare
Who qualifies
Is 18 or younger
The Anchorage Assembly made youth fares permanently free under ordinance AO 2025-69. Children under 5 were already free.
Shows ID if asked
Teens are encouraged to show a government-issued photo ID when boarding to confirm their age.
What the fare saves
People Mover's fare table lists what an adult rider age 19 to 59 pays for each fare type.
- Youth 18 and under, any ride
- Free
- Adult 1-ride ticket
- $2.00
- Adult day pass
- $5.00
- Adult 30-day pass
- $60.00
- Adult annual pass
- $660.00
Riders buying a ticket on the bus need exact change, so a parent riding along should plan for the $2.00 fare.
How to ride free
- Before you ride
Bring ID for teens
Have your teen carry a government-issued photo ID, such as a state ID or passport.
- At boarding
Ride free
Your child boards without paying. Plan trips with the BusTracker or the Transit App.
- At age 19
Start paying
Riders 19 to 59 pay the adult fare, starting at $2.00 for one ride.
What it includes
Included
- All People Mover bus routes
- Rides on school days, weekends, and summer
- Trips to jobs, parks, and programs
Not included
- Riders 19 and older
- A parent or guardian riding along
Who to contact about youth fares
People Mover Customer Service at 700 W 6th Avenue answers fare and route questions, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Anchorage School District part-time correspondence-class enrollment
Who qualifies
Is in a correspondence program
Students in an Anchorage School District correspondence charter school or another statewide correspondence program can request classes, and the cost comes out of the allotment.
Gets both principals' approval
The principal of the school where your child is enrolled and the principal of the receiving school both sign off. Students outside the district apply straight to the receiving school.
Finds an open seat
Full-time students at their neighborhood school get first priority, then part-time ASD students, then part-time students from outside the district. Full classes go to a waitlist.
What a class costs the allotment
The Part-Time Class Enrollment Form posted by Family Partnership (revised May 2024) lists what ASD charges a correspondence student's allotment for each class.
- Middle school class
- $475
- High school class
- $475
- King Tech High class
- $1,425
- Elementary art, music, or PE, once a week
- $110
- Elementary art, music, or PE, daily
- $530
The amount for each class is written on the form your advisor signs, and ASD gives no refunds after the first day of class.
From requesting to attending
- From August 1
Request fall classes
Submit the Part-Time Class Enrollment Request Form to your child's primary school with the courses and preferred times. Fall requests must be approved before the semester starts.
- By the 10th day of fall
Get a decision
Families hear whether fall requests are approved or denied by the tenth day of the semester.
- December
Request spring classes
The spring form opens before winter break, and requests are due no later than the tenth day of the spring semester.
- End of semester
Allotment is charged
Your correspondence program verifies enrollment and transfers the class cost from your child's allotment to the district.
What it includes
Included
- Middle and high school classes at ASD comprehensive schools
- King Tech High classes
- Elementary art, music, PE, and band
- Attendance at school events
Not included
- Choosing a specific teacher
- Bus service outside the neighborhood route
- Refunds after the first day of class
- A guaranteed yearbook spot
Who to contact about part-time classes
Your child's correspondence program office handles the request form, and the district office answers general questions about part-time enrollment rules.
907-742-4000 Part-time enrollment rules
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Alaska
You do not have to file a homeschool notice.
Alaska sets these rules:
- Subjects: Alaska does not require specific subjects or a particular curriculum.
- Testing: Alaska does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers.
- Records: Alaska does not require homeschool records.
- Teachers: Alaska does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.
Read the Alaska homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Alaska
Questions parents ask
- Are People Mover youth rides free only in summer?
- No. Youth summer fares used to be temporary, but the Assembly made free youth rides permanent and year-round starting July 10, 2025.
- Can my child ride People Mover to weekend activities?
- Yes. The Assembly approved free fares so young people can get to jobs, schools, parks, and community programs.
- Can my child take more than one ASD class?
- Yes, up to 1.5 credits a semester. Multiple classes must be scheduled back to back.
- Does ASD provide bus transportation to the class?
- Only if your neighborhood bus route at the start or end of the day lines up with the class schedule. Students who drive must buy a parking permit for that campus.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
A student fare helps with trips to classes and activities. We handle the learning at home, with lessons built around your child's interests and feedback on their work.
$149/month per child after the trial.
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