How to Start Homeschooling in Massachusetts
Ready to start homeschooling in Massachusetts?
Each state has its own laws and requirements when it comes to homeschooling. Luckily for residents of the Bay State, your state’s homeschool laws are fairly straightforward. Whether you’re thinking about making the switch to homeschool or just wondering where to get started, we’ll cover everything you need to know about homeschooling in MA.
Homeschooling in Massachusetts at a Glance
Massachusetts – The Bay State
| Age | 6-16 |
| Standardized Testing | Not required by the state, but the district can require them |
| Subjects | 13 subjects required |
| Time Requirements | 900 hours over 180 days |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | None |
| Financial Resources Available | No |
Parent Qualifications
There are no educational qualifications for parents who wish to homeschool in Massachusetts. The law simply requests that parents be of competent ability and good morals.
Notice of Intent
In Massachusetts, you can think of the Notice of Intent as an application for approval to homeschool. There is a review process, and the district can request modification, accept, or deny your request. Notices should be submitted annually to your local school superintendent.
What the notice should contain can differ by school district, so it’s best to get in contact with them early to see what they require. Here are some items that a superintendent may ask for:
- The curriculum or curriculum samples
- How many hours you intend on teaching
- Evidence of parents’ competency to teach
- Textbooks, workbooks, or other materials
- The method of annual assessment you plan to use
Some superintendents may not require end-of-year assessments. If that is the case, be sure to adjust your notice accordingly.
Attendance
Homeschool families must teach for a minimum of 900 hours over 180 days per school year. The schedule doesn’t need to align with the public school calendar. That means you can pick the school term that works best for your family. Be sure to keep track of when you instruct, and keep attendance records for future reference.
Homeschool Curriculum
The State of Massachusetts requires that homeschool students study the following subjects:
| Orthography (spelling) | Reading | Writing |
| Music | Geography | Math |
| Health (including CPR) | Drawing | Physical education |
| Duties of citizenship | Good behavior | |
| The history and Constitution of the United States | The English language and grammar |
Parents can use any approved curriculum as long as it meets the subjects required above. The good news is that there are more online homeschool curricula available now than ever!
Accredited Homeschool Programs
Choosing the best homeschool curriculum can be hard with so many options! If you want to ensure your child is getting a great education, you may be interested in an accredited homeschool curriculum! Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to maintain their accreditation status. Miacademy’s online homeschool curriculum is accredited by the ACS-WASC, and can help you meet state requirements with little need for supplementation.
Testing
Although not required by the state, your superintendent may require periodic or annual evaluations of your child’s progress. You and your superintendent will work together to decide on the best method for this evaluation. This could be in the form of standardized tests, dated work samples, or an alternative assessment.
Record Keeping
Massachusetts doesn’t explicitly require record keeping, but it does require proof of educational progress, which makes record keeping very important.
Many school districts accept the student’s annual evaluation as proof of progress. This can be the student’s test results, portfolio, progress reports, dated work samples, or something else that both you and your superintendent agree on. Acceptable forms of proof vary by school district, so be sure to check with yours just to be safe.
If you choose progress reports and dated work samples, having a thorough homeschool portfolio can help keep you organized. Plus, it will give the superintendent the best idea of your child’s capabilities. Some good things to put in a portfolio are:
- Attendance records
- Courses taken
- Final grades
- Test scores
- Completed projects
- Some of your child’s best work
Transcripts
If your homeschooler is college-bound, it’s very likely they will need a high school transcript. Keeping detailed academic records for grades 9-12 can help you make one.
Transcripts usually include things such as courses, credit hours, and final grades. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
In Massachusetts, parents get to decide when their high schooler is ready to graduate. There are no requirements listed by the state, so students can take advantage of a curriculum designed around their future careers or passions. Parents will also need to provide their own homeschool diploma.
While most colleges and employers in Massachusetts will accept a homeschool diploma, some students opt to take the GED or HiSET exam. Both exams are recognized as high school equivalency diplomas in all 50 states.
For eligible students ages 16 and older, their first GED or HiSET test is free, thanks to the contributions of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Be sure to check with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for more information.
Financial Resources
At this time, the State of Massachusetts does not provide any financial assistance for homeschool families.
More Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling in Massachusetts, check out:
- Homeschool, from the Massachusetts DESE
- Massachusetts Home Learning Association
If you’re wondering whether Miacademy or MiaPrep would be the best homeschool curriculum for your family, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team! They’ll be happy to help answer any questions you may have.
The information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Massachusetts homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
How do I start homeschooling in Massachusetts?
To homeschool in Massachusetts, you will first need to gain approval from your local superintendent, teach the required subjects, teach for 900 hours over 180 days, and submit required annual assessments.
Is Massachusetts a homeschool-friendly state?
Yes! Homeschooling in Massachusetts is a rewarding experience. There are only a handful of requirements for parents to meet, such as attendance, required subjects, and annual evaluations.
Can I homeschool for free in Massachusetts?
Some districts may provide parents with supplementary materials, but parents are overall responsible for funding their child’s homeschool education. Unfortunately, there are not any state funding programs for homeschool families yet.
Information accurate as of: 06/20/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.