How to homeschool in Massachusetts

Home education plan approved by the local school district · Mass. G.L. c. 76, § 1

Children of compulsory school age (6-16) may be 'otherwise instructed in a manner approved in advance by the superintendent or the school committee.' You notify your resident district, receive its home schooling policy, and submit a proposed education plan; the district approves it, asks for changes, or disapproves it. The standard is whether your instruction equals the local public schools in thoroughness and efficiency.

Notice

• Send to: the superintendent or school committee of the school district where you live (not DESE, a charter school, or a virtual school).
• When: Before you begin home schooling; approval must come first. Most districts ask for a new plan each school year.
• How often: annually in most districts (set by local policy).
• How: Written notice to the district, then a written education plan following the district's policy.

Instruction time

No set statewide number; the district may review the duration and frequency of instruction as part of your plan (public-school structured learning time rules do not apply).

Required subjects

• Not listed statewide; districts review whether instruction covers essential areas comparable to the local public schools (district policies commonly list subjects such as reading, writing, English, math, science, history/social studies, health, and physical education).

Records to keep

• Your approved plan and the district's approval letter.
• Whatever progress records your plan commits you to (work samples, progress reports, test results).

Testing / evaluation

Set by your approved plan. Districts may require a means of evaluating progress (such as standardized testing or progress reports, or an agreed alternative) but may not require home visits as a condition of approval.

Parent qualifications

No license required; the district may consider the parent's competency to teach as part of the plan.

Also

• Home-schooled students keep the right to special education evaluation and services from the district.
• Districts decide whether home-schooled students may join district courses, programs, or athletics.

What the notice must include

• Parent's name and address and each child's name and age (district policies vary).
• Proposed curriculum and the subjects to be taught.
• Instructional materials and textbooks to be used.
• Number of hours or duration and frequency of instruction.
• Qualifications or competency of the parent(s) who will teach (no teaching license may be required).
• How your child's progress will be evaluated (for example standardized testing, progress reports, or another agreed method).

Checklist

• Send written notice to your district and request its home schooling policy: before withdrawing your child or starting home school.
• Submit your education plan (curriculum, materials, hours, evaluation method) and wait for written approval: before starting; most districts expect it before the school year begins.
• Carry out the evaluation or progress reporting in your approved plan: as your plan and district policy specify (often annually).
• Resubmit a plan for the next school year: each year, if your district's policy requires it.