Maine Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Maine Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: Yes

1 Option for Homeschooling: Home Instruction

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 6-17

Record-Keeping Requirements: No

Assessments or Evaluations Required: Yes

Proof of Immunization Required: No

How to Start Homeschooling in Maine

Homeschooling is known as “home instruction” in Maine. When you begin homeschooling in Maine, you’ll need to do the following:

• File an initial written notice of intent your first year. In subsequent years, file a notice of intent to continue and an assessment of your student’s progress over the last year.
• Provide at least 175 days of instruction per year.
• Include the required subjects in your curriculum.
• Complete an annual assessment using an approved method.

Find more information about each of these requirements below.

Notice of Intent to Homeschool in Maine

Parents must file an annual written notice of intent with the local school superintendent’s office. You can use the Home Instruction Online Portal system found here or send a letter with the required information. Learn more about the information needed for a letter of intent here.

Initial Notice of Intent

Provide your initial notice of intent by September 1st of the year you plan to begin home instruction. If you’re withdrawing your child from public school in the middle of the academic year, file your notice within 10 calendar days of starting home instruction.

Subsequent Annual Notice of Intent

For every year that you continue to homeschool, file your notice of intent by September 1st. Include a copy of one of the approved forms of annual assessment with your notice. (See below for more details.)

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Mandatory School Age in Maine

Maine requires children to attend school or receive home instruction from the day they turn 6 until they turn 17. Parents may begin instruction earlier if they like, but once the child turns 6, they must follow home instruction laws.

Maine Homeschool Subject Requirements

Maine law requires you to provide instruction in the following areas each year: 

• English and language arts
• Math
• Science
• Social studies
• Physical education
• Health education
• Library skills
• Fine arts

TIP: You must include Maine studies in your curriculum at some point between 6th and 12th grade. At some point between 7th and 12th grades, students must demonstrate proficiency with computers.

Maine law gives home educators complete freedom to choose their curriculum programs and educational materials. Although homeschool parents may wish to use the Maine Content Standards for guidance, they aren’t required to.

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Maine Homeschool Attendance Requirements  

Maine requires at least 175 days of home instruction per year. The state does not specify the number of hours per day, and families are free to set a schedule that works best for them.

Maine Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

Aside from the annual assessment provided as part of your notice to intent, Maine law doesn’t state any specific records homeschoolers must keep. However, it’s best to keep an attendance record to prove you’re meeting the instructional days requirement. You should also keep an academic record of the curriculum covered each year to show you comply with subject requirements.

Since Maine home instruction parents are responsible for providing their own transcripts and diplomas, it’s a good idea to maintain detailed records showing your child’s accomplishments. This could include (but is not limited to) a list of courses taken and grades received, a portfolio of work samples, and assessments or evaluations of their progress.

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Maine Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

To ensure home instruction students progress appropriately for their age and abilities, the state requires homeschool families to submit a yearly assessment to the local school superintendent. Your assessment can be any one of the following:

• Standardized achievement test
• Test developed by local school officials
• Review by a person who holds a Maine teaching certificate (can be through a local homeschooling group)
• Review by a local advisory board selected by the school superintendent

Learn more about each of these options here.

Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Maine

Maine’s immunization requirements do not apply to homeschool students unless they participate in public school classes or extracurriculars.

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Homeschool Groups and Co-ops in Maine

Homeschooling families often seek opportunities to enhance their children’s education, promote socialization, and empower their homeschooling journey. 

Families can achieve this by joining homeschool groups, co-ops, or larger associations. These connections can provide valuable resources and opportunities for homeschooling families to engage with other like-minded individuals, share ideas, and learn from each other.

Here’s a popular option to get you started:

• Homeschoolers of Maine (HOME): This non-profit ministry has educational resources, curriculum consulting services, and local and statewide events including an annual convention and more.

See more Maine homeschool groups at The Homeschool Mom.

Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Maine

Maine home instruction students can take classes at local public schools and participate in school sports and extracurriculars with the superintendent’s permission. If you’re interested, contact your local school to learn more.

Looking for other homeschool sports options? Ask your local homeschool group or co-op about homeschool sports leagues or look into community sports programs, which welcome homeschoolers to join. Here are some sports options in Maine:

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Maine Homeschool Field Trips 

Field trips are one of the best parts of home instruction since families can schedule adventures to match their curriculum programs and interests. 

TIP: When you plan field trips with other homeschoolers, you may qualify for group discounts and special programs.

Maine has 48 state parks and historical sites to explore, and the Passport Program gives you prizes just for visiting. STEM lovers can head to the Portland Science Center for hands-on learning experiences. Into art? The Maine Art Museum Trail includes nine museums stretched across the state. History buffs should plan a trip to the Maine Historical Society in Portland, while the Children’s Museum & Theatre offers lots to see, including family-friendly productions.

Special Education Homeschoolers

Maine has some of the most complex homeschooling laws in the country, and their approach to providing special education services to homeschooled students is no different.

Maine school districts follow the Maine Department of Education’s stance that students cannot access special education services unless they take classes at the public school. This significantly limits families who are homeschooling students with special needs.

However, many homeschooling families have their homeschool approved as a Recognized as Equivalent Private School (REPS) by the Maine Commissioner of Education. Since enrollment in this type of program then classifies the attendees as private school students, access to federal funding through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) opens up.

Maine law is complex enough that families homeschooling students with special needs should consult with local homeschool law associations that can guide them. 

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Maine Homeschool FAQ

Is Maine a homeschool-friendly state?

While Maine parents need to provide yearly notification along with proof of their child’s progress, there’s still plenty of freedom in the state’s home instruction laws. As long as you include the required subjects, you can choose any curriculum or instruction method. 

Maine homeschool families can set a school schedule that works for them. Home-instruction students can take classes at public schools and participate in sports and extracurriculars with the superintendent’s approval. Though home educators are responsible for all homeschooling costs, Maine is a friendly state for homeschoolers.

Can Maine home instruction students receive laptops or other equipment through the Maine Learning Technology Initiative?

No, Maine homeschoolers are not eligible to participate in this program. Parents are responsible for all educational technology costs.

How do Maine homeschoolers receive diplomas or transcripts?

Home educators are responsible for issuing diplomas and transcripts for home-instruction students. Keeping detailed academic records can help you prepare transcripts for college applications and other purposes.

Is unschooling legal in Maine?

As long as families otherwise comply with Maine home instruction laws, unschooling is legal in Maine.

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