{"id":4208,"date":"2023-08-28T21:39:55","date_gmt":"2023-08-28T21:39:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.staging.miacademy.co\/?page_id=4208"},"modified":"2025-09-08T21:33:06","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T21:33:06","slug":"homeschooling-in-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/miacademy.co\/homeschool-curriculum\/by-state\/homeschooling-in-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Start Homeschooling in Massachusetts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ready to start homeschooling in Massachusetts?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each state has its own laws<\/a> and requirements when it comes to homeschooling. Luckily for residents of the Bay State, your state\u2019s homeschool laws are fairly straightforward. Whether you\u2019re thinking about making the switch to homeschool<\/a> or just wondering where to get started, we\u2019ll cover everything you need to know about homeschooling in MA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homeschooling in Massachusetts at a Glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Massachusetts – The Bay State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Age <\/td>6-16<\/td><\/tr>
Standardized Testing<\/td>Not required by the state, but the district can require them<\/td><\/tr>
Subjects<\/td>13 subjects required<\/td><\/tr>
Time Requirements<\/td>900 hours over 180 days<\/td><\/tr>
Graduation Requirements<\/td>Determined by parent<\/td><\/tr>
Special Requirements<\/td>None<\/td><\/tr>
Financial Resources Available<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Parent Qualifications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notice of Intent<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What the notice should contain can differ by school district, so it\u2019s best to get in contact with them early to see what they require. Here are some items that a superintendent may ask for: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • The curriculum or curriculum samples<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • How many hours you intend on teaching<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Evidence of parents\u2019 competency to teach<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Textbooks, workbooks, or other materials<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • The method of annual assessment you plan to use<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Some superintendents may not require end-of-year assessments. If that is the case, be sure to adjust your notice accordingly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Attendance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Homeschool families must teach for a minimum of 900 hours over 180 days per school year. The schedule doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Homeschool Curriculum<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The State of Massachusetts requires that homeschool students study the following subjects: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Orthography (spelling)<\/td>Reading<\/td>Writing<\/td><\/tr>
    Music<\/td>Geography<\/td>Math<\/td><\/tr>
    Health (including CPR)<\/td>Drawing<\/td>Physical education<\/td><\/tr>
    Duties of citizenship<\/td>Good behavior<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
    The history and Constitution of the United States<\/td>The English language and grammar<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    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! <\/p>\n\n\n