Homeschooling in Maine.

Compulsory attendance age

From age 6 until the 17th birthday. A 5-year-old enrolled in public school must attend until withdrawn; a 5-year-old taught at home needs no notice. (20-A M.R.S. § 5001-A)

Law

Maine Revised Statutes (M.R.S.), Title 20-A, § 5001-A(3)(A)(4) for home instruction, and § 5021 for taking part in public school classes and activities.

First-year notice

Within 10 calendar days of starting, file a written Notice of Intent with your local superintendent and the Commissioner of Education. One filing through the Maine Department of Education (Maine DOE) portal, or on paper to your superintendent, covers both.

What the notice includes

Your name, signature, and address; your child's name and age; your start date; and your promise of at least 175 days of instruction in the required subjects, with an annual assessment of progress.

Each later year

By September 1, file a letter saying you will continue, with a copy of your child's assessment from the year before. No assessment is due with your very first notice.

Assessment options

Choose one each year: a standardized achievement test; a test made by your local school officials; review by a Maine-certified teacher; a portfolio presented to a local homeschool support group that includes a certified teacher or administrator; or review by a local advisory board.

Agree ahead of time

Three options need your local school officials' agreement before you file your notice: a standardized test given through your local school unit, a test they write, and the local advisory board.

Required subjects

English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health education, library skills, and fine arts. Also Maine studies in at least one grade from 6 to 12, and computer skills in one grade from 7 to 12.

Teaching days and hours

At least 175 days of instruction a year. There is no hourly requirement per day or per year. Days your child spent in school earlier in the year count toward the 175.

Records

Keep copies of everything you file until home instruction ends. The Commissioner of Education may ask to see them.

Parent qualifications

The law sets none.

Public school classes and activities

With written approval, your child may take or audit classes, join school activities, try out for teams, and borrow books at your local public school, following the same rules as other students. (20-A M.R.S. § 5021)

Diploma and transcripts

The state does not issue grades, credits, diplomas, or transcripts for home instruction. You keep your own records.

Another route

Maine also allows enrollment in an approved private school, or a private school the Maine DOE recognizes as providing equivalent instruction. (20-A M.R.S. § 5001-A(3)(A)(1))