Below is a summary of Massachusetts Homeschool Laws to help you ensure your homeschool is compliant.
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Note: The information below is not to be considered legal advice. I’m a homeschool mom with an interest in helping you, not a lawyer. I strongly recommend that you contact your state education department if you have questions specific to your circumstances.
Homeschool
Massachusetts has requirements to notify your local school district and you must receive approval from the school district before beginning.
Can I Teach?
There is no requirement for you to meet in order to teach.
Do I Have to Notify the State?
Yes. You must notify your local school district, in writing, of your intent to homeschool. You may also submit your homeschooling plan for evaluation with your notification (more below).
Upon receipt of you notification, the school district is required to send you their policies and procedures, and will request a homeschooling plan for evaluation, if not already provided to them.
Many school districts require you to submit a new notification and receive approval annually.
Homeschooling Plan
You must submit a homeschooling plan for evaluation by your school district. The district will review the plan based on the following criteria:
- Program content
- Instructional Materials
- Duration and frequency of instruction
- Methods of instruction
- Types of evaluation
- Evidence the plan will allow your child to make adequate progress in essential areas.
The school district must provide a written decision (approval, request for more information, rejection) within a reasonable time period.
If your child is of the compulsory attendance age (see below) and you do not enroll them in another school or withdraw them before receiving approval, they will be considered truant.
How Many Days a Year do I Have to Teach?
Massachusetts requires a minimum of 180 days of instruction.
I strongly recommend keeping attendance just in case your school district asks.
Compulsory Attendance Age
The compulsory attendance age is the age range in which your child must be attending school of some type.
In Massachusetts, your child must be enrolled from the ages of 6 to 16.
Public School Sports
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) allows homeschoolers to participate in extracurricular activities at their local public school, if they meet that school’s requirements and other eligibility requirements of MIAA.
Contact your local school for more information.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully this summary of Massachusetts Homeschool Laws gets you started on your homeschool journey with your family!
If you’re just getting started, you’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed.
The Home Learning Kit can help!
It’s a package of handy learning tools to make your homeschool more fun and engaging, curated by yours truly. Check it out!
