Homeschooling in Massachusetts

Your options

Home education approved in advance by the local superintendent or school committee (G.L. c.76 §1). Each district has its own policy. DESE, charter and virtual schools do not approve plans.

Notice or letter of intent

Notify the district (preferably in writing). Notice alone does NOT authorize homeschooling: the district gives its policy, the parent submits a plan, and the district approves, asks for changes or disapproves within a reasonable time. Children 6–16 need an approved plan before removal, or truancy can result.

Need a letter? See our letter of intent and withdrawal letter templates – but use the official form below if there is one.

Subjects, time, assessment and records

Subjects

Must meet the standards of G.L. c.71 §§1–3 (district reviews content and materials for essential areas).

Days or hours

Districts may review the duration and frequency of instruction; no fixed statewide number.

Testing or assessment

Evaluation method is agreed in the plan. Districts may assess adequate progress; the standard is 'equal in thoroughness and efficiency' to the town's public schools (Care & Protection of Charles, 1987).

Records

As agreed in the approved plan.

Parent qualifications

Districts may consider them as part of plan review (Charles); there is no statutory degree requirement.

Other rules

Home visits cannot be required as a condition of approval without consent (Brunelle v. Lynn, 1998).

Official forms

None statewide; the local district supplies its policy and form.

The law

M.G.L. c.76 §1; c.71 §§1–3; Care & Protection of Charles, 399 Mass. 324 (1987); Brunelle v. Lynn Public Schools, 428 Mass. 512 (1998) – read the law

Who to contact

• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) – DESE (does not approve plans; local school districts do)Contact form · 781-338-3000 / 800-439-2370 TTY · Official pageWho handles notices: Local district (prior approval by superintendent or school committee)

Special education and public school classes and sports

Homeschooled students have a right to special education services under MA law; districts must evaluate students suspected of disability (DESE Advisory 2018-1: doe.mass.edu/…). Access to courses, extracurriculars and athletics is a local district decision.

Federal rules on Child Find and evaluations apply in every state – see special education.

Going back to public school in Massachusetts

To enroll your child in a public school in Massachusetts, contact the enrollment or registration office of your local school district or public school. Ask how it decides grade placement and whether it accepts credits from homeschooling before your child starts, and bring the records you choose to share. We didn’t find a state rule on this for Massachusetts in the official sources we checked – see the Massachusetts official page and ask the district.

See going back to school after homeschooling for what to bring, placement, credits and special education.