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 What was once seen as old-fashioned and outdated is now a modern way to educate the next generation.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 Massachusetts. Know the Massachusetts homeschool state laws and regulations in your state so you can homeschool properly.
Quick Facts:
There is one way to homeschool:
- Children between 6-16 of age must be in school
- You must notify your local school district of your intentions
Requirements:
- There are NO teacher qualifications
- There ARE state mandated subjects
- There ARE required assessments or testing
- There are NO immunization requirements
How to Homeschool in Massachusetts
- Notify the superintendent of your local school district
- Include in your notice of intent:
a) Curriculum
b) Textbooks
c) Workbooks
d) Hours of instruction
e) Any instructional aids
f) Method of assessment that you will use
g) Description of your qualifications or competency as a parent
- Subjects should include:
a) Spelling
b) Reading
c) Writing
d) English
e) Grammar
f) Geography
g) Arithmetic
h) Music
i) Drawing
j) U.S. History and Constitution
k) Citizenship
l) Health and CPR
m) Physical Education
n) Good behavior
- Maintain records
- Assess and evaluate your child periodically using either standardized tests or other means that are mutually agreed upon by the parents and the superintendent or school committee
Helpful links:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-home-schooling
https://www.homeschoolinginmassachusetts.com/getting-started/legal/state-laws
https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/non-public-education/regulation-map/massachusetts.html
Contact Information–State and Federal Departments of Education
- Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
75 Pleasant St.
Malden, MA 02148-4906
Phone: (781) 338-3111
Fax: (781) 338-3770
Email: PrivateSchools@doe.mass.edu or www@doe.mass.edu
Website: http://www.doe.mass.edu/
PrivateSchools@doe.mass.edu
- U.S. Department of Education, Massachusetts