Homeschooling in Maine: How To Homeschool While Following State Laws

by Rita Onyx

This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular. Just in the last years alone, homeschooling rose up by 700%. What was once seen as old-fashioned and outdated is now a modern way to educate the next generation.

There are many benefits to homeschooling; it gives parents freedom in choosing the curriculums and subjects their children learn. Remote learning also ensures their children are kept safe, away from potential dangers like bullying or viruses in public schools. It’s a win-win situation.

Thinking of homeschooling your children too? Then follow this quick guide on how to homeschool your children if you live in Maine. Know the Maine homeschool state laws and regulations in your state so you can homeschool properly.

Quick Facts:

There are 2 ways to homeschool:

• Home instruction option
• Student of a private school

Requirements:

• Children between 6-17 of age must be in school

• You DO need to notify your local school district

• There are NO teacher qualifications UNLESS you choose to homeschool as a student of a private school

• There ARE state mandated subjects

• There ARE required assessments or testing BUT only for the home instruction option

• There are NO immunization requirements

How to Homeschool with the Home Instruction Option

• File a one-time notice of intent to the local school superintendent AND to the state commissioner of education within 10 days of starting homeschooling

• Include:

a) Name

b) Address

c) Signature of parent or guardian

d) Statement that you will provide at least 175 days of instruction

e) Statement that you will cover the required subjects

f) Statement that you will file a year-end assessment

• Keep a copy of the notice of intent for your records

• Submit an annual letter by September 1^st to the local school superintendent AND to the state commissioner of education

• Include:

a) Student year-end assessment

b) Statement that you intend to continue your student’s home education

c) Keep a copy of your annual letter

• Subjects in your home instruction must include:

a) English

b) Language Arts

c) Math

d) Science

e) Social Studies

f) Physical and health education

g) Library skills

h) Fine arts

i) Maine studies for grades 6-12

j) Computer proficiency for one grade between 7-12

• Submit a year-end assessment which can be one of the following options:

1. Official results of a national standardized achievement test
2. Results of a test developed by local school officials
3. A letter stating that your child’s progress has been reviewed and is acceptable from a:

a) Maine-certified teacher,

b) Support group that has a Maine-certified teacher

c) Advisory board that includes two homeschool teachers and one school official

How to Homeschool as a Student of a Private School

• You can join with other parents and create a private school that the state recognizes providing equivalent instruction

• Subjects must include:

a) English

b) Reading

c) Writing

d) Spelling

e) Grammar

f) Math

g) Science

h) American History

i) Maine History

j) Government

k) Health Education

l) Fine Arts

Helpful links:

https://www.homeschoolersofmaine.org/you-can-homeschool/frequently-asked-questions/

https://www.maine.gov/doe/schools/schoolops/homeinstruction

https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/non-public-education/regulation-map/maine.html

Contact Information–State and Federal Departments of Education

• State of Maine Department of Education
  23 State House Station
  August, ME 04333-0023
  Telephone: 207-624-6600
  Fax: 207-624-6700
  Website: http://www.maine.gov/doe/

• U.S. Department of Education, Maine

This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.