Homeschooling in Massachusetts.

Regulation level

High. You need advance approval of a written plan from your superintendent or school committee, and the details vary by district.

Statute citation

Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.) c. 76, § 1, as interpreted by the Supreme Judicial Court in Care and Protection of Charles (1987) and Brunelle v. Lynn Public Schools (1998).

Compulsory attendance age

From September of the calendar year your child turns 6 until age 16. (603 Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) 8.02; Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guidance)

Who approves

Your local superintendent or school committee, following your district's policy. DESE doesn't approve plans or review district decisions, and charter, virtual and school choice schools can't approve them.

How and when

Send your district a written plan and wait for approval before you begin or withdraw your child. Telling the district alone doesn't let you start. State law sets no deadline; many districts ask for notice ahead and yearly renewal.

What the district reviews

Usually your curriculum and materials, how long and how often you teach, your methods and how you'll evaluate progress. The test is whether instruction equals the local public schools in thoroughness and efficiency.

If your plan isn't approved

The district must let you explain your plan, give detailed reasons for a rejection and let you send a revised plan. Starting without approval can make your child truant.

Assessment options

Set in your approved plan. A district may ask for periodic standardized testing. Other methods, such as progress reports or dated work samples, can be used instead with your agreement.

Home visits

A district can't require home visits as a condition of approving your plan unless you agree. (Brunelle, 1998)

Required subjects

No separate state list for home schooling. Districts compare your plan with the subjects public schools must teach, so expect the core subjects to be reviewed.

Instruction hours

No state minimum for home schooling. DESE says public school rules such as structured learning time don't apply. Your district may ask how long and how often you'll teach.

Records required

No state record-keeping or retention rule. Keep what your approved plan calls for, such as work samples or progress reports.

Parent qualification

No state requirement. DESE says educator licensing doesn't apply to home schooling. Your district may ask about your background as part of reviewing the plan.

Special education

Home-schooled children have a right to special education services under Massachusetts law, and your district must evaluate a child suspected of having a disability.