Massachusetts Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Massachusetts Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: Yes

1 Option for Homeschooling: Home Education

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 6-16

Record-Keeping Requirements: No

Assessments or Evaluations Required: Yes

Proof of Immunization Required: No

How to Start Homeschooling in Massachusetts

Massachusetts law requires homeschoolers to seek advance approval of their proposed education program from their local school district committees. Each district committee has policies and procedures for homeschoolers, and they can vary across the state. If you decide to homeschool in Massachusetts, you must begin by contacting your local school committee.

The local school committee reviews homeschool plans and progress to verify that “instruction in all the studies required by law equals in thoroughness and efficiency, and in the progress made therein, that in the public schools in the same town.” In other words, you’ll likely be required to teach required subjects at a similar level to those offered in your local public schools.

You must renew your homeschool approval annually and will need to provide proof that your child is making adequate progress at home. Again, the required proof varies by district policy.

Notice of Intent for Homeschooling in Massachusetts

When you decide to homeschool, you must notify your local school district committee in advance and receive approval. Do not start instruction until your district provides this approval.

Start by sending a written notice of intent to homeschool your child to the local school district, including relevant contact information. They will respond by providing their policies and requirements. You’ll need to submit your proposed educational plans for the upcoming school year, possibly including the following information:

• Subjects and curriculum plans or programs for teaching them
• A list of textbooks, workbooks, online programs, and other instructional aids or materials
• The form/s of assessment you will use to measure progress

The local district can accept your proposal, request modifications, or reject it. Allow time for this process since homeschooling your child without approval does not waive attendance requirements, and they will be considered truant if not attending public school. 

TIP: Start the notification process well before the beginning of the school year, or wait to withdraw your child until you have the necessary approval.

In most districts, you’ll be required to repeat this process each year, including providing proof of your child’s adequate progress from the previous year.

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Qualifications to Homeschool in Massachusetts

Massachusetts law doesn’t state-specific requirements for parents or guardians who homeschool their children. Your local district may ask you to list any qualifications you have.

Mandatory School Age in Massachusetts

Children must receive a formal education from the first school year in which they turn 6 by December 31st and until they turn 16.

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Massachusetts Homeschool Subject Requirements

Homeschoolers in Massachusetts must receive an education “in all the studies required by law.” These include:

• Spelling, reading, writing, English language, and grammar
• Geography
• Arithmetic
• Drawing
• Music
• United States history (including the constitution) and duties of citizenship
• Health (including CPR) and physical education

Home educators can propose any curriculum plan or program they like to cover these topics, but the school district committee must approve it. You might find it helpful to consult the Massachusetts Instructional Frameworks as you research potential curriculum programs.

Massachusetts Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

Massachusetts doesn’t require home educators to keep specific records, but your local district may have record requirements. In any case, keeping good records makes it easier to create transcripts for your child or transition them to public school if needed. Consider maintaining some or all of these:

• Attendance records
• Courses taken and grades received
• List of curriculum programs, textbooks, educational materials, etc.
• Evaluations and assessment results
• A portfolio of representative work samples

Keep these at home unless your local district asks for copies.

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Massachusetts Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

Your local school district committee will likely request an annual evaluation of your child’s progress to ensure they’re learning at an appropriate rate for their age and ability. This varies by district and could include (but is not limited to) the following:

• Standardized testing
• A review of a portfolio of work samples
• An evaluation performed by a teacher certified for the grade level and/or subjects

TIP: You and your local district must agree in advance on the form of assessment or evaluation you will provide. This is part of your annual approval process.

Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Massachusetts

Children who take classes or participate in activities at local schools may need to comply with immunization requirements. Otherwise, the law does not apply to homeschoolers.

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Homeschool Organizations Groups and Co-ops

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.

These groups provide resources statewide. Here are two options to get you started:

• Massachusetts Home Learning Association: This group can help you navigate the process with your local district, find curriculum and educational resources, join social events, and more.
• MassHOPE: This Christian-based group holds an annual convention and provides useful services like educator IDs and homeschool graduations.

The Homeschool Mom has a big list of local Massachusetts homeschool groups here.

Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Massachusetts

Homeschoolers can participate in sports activities in many of Massachusetts’ school districts. Reach out to your local school district to learn about their policies and requirements. 

Homeschool students can also join homeschool sports leagues or one of the many community youth sports programs. Here are some to consider:

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Massachusetts Homeschool Field Trips 

The freedom to select and schedule field trips at your convenience is one of the best parts of homeschooling, and Massachusetts offers plenty of great places to explore. 

TIP: Plan field trips with other homeschool families for group discounts and access to special programs.

Boston has so many museums that there’s a whole website devoted to them. Kids will especially enjoy the Boston Tea Party Ships and the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Animal lovers, head to Franklin Park Zoo or the New England Aquarium. 

The Bay State is full of history wherever you turn. Find a comprehensive list of ideas here. Combine your literature lesson with a trip to Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House or the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst. And don’t forget the great outdoors! Massachusetts has more than 150 state parks perfect for adventure.   

Special Education Homeschoolers

Massachusetts does not have a specific law or regulation that guarantees special education services for homeschooled students with special needs. There are also no regulations regarding reporting of special education services.

Homeschooled students are considered privately instructed students under state law. Interestingly, the Massachusetts Department of Education believes that in legal proceedings, homeschoolers with special needs should be treated similarly to private school students under the state’s special education laws. For parents, this has huge benefits as it opens up new possibilities for special services.

The Massachusetts legislature has also directed local school districts to provide special education services to eligible public and private school students from their district–including homeschooled children–as the state sees them as private school students.

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Massachusetts Homeschool FAQ

Is Massachusetts a homeschool-friendly state?

While Massachusetts welcomes homeschoolers, the state permits local districts a great deal of control over what and how home educators teach. In most cases, school districts and home educators successfully work together to create educational programs that benefit all children.

Can Massachusetts homeschool students take classes or participate in extracurriculars at public schools?

This is up to the local school district committees to decide. Contact yours for more information.

How do Massachusetts homeschoolers receive diplomas or transcripts?

Home educators are responsible for issuing all diplomas and transcripts. Talk with your local school district about graduation requirements. Keep detailed records to assist with creating transcripts for your child.

Is unschooling legal in Massachusetts?

While unschooling is legal in all 50 states, your local school district committee can approve or reject your proposed homeschool educational plan. Talk with them to see if unschooling is an option for your child.

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