Massachusetts Homeschool Information
—Homeschool In Massachusetts—
Homeschooling in Massachusetts




Find Out What the State Says About Home Education
Massachusetts School Choice
Click above for general information on the school choice.

Massachusetts Department of Education
Click above for the state Education Information.
Massachusetts Homeschool Review

🧾 Assessment & Record-Keeping
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Districts may require regular assessment via:
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Standardized testing (not required statewide, but district can mandate it)
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Or alternatives like portfolios, progress reports, dated samples—with parental agreement
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Maintain records of attendance, curriculum, materials, samples, and assessments—useful for district review or re-entry into school .
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There’s no mandated standardized testing like MCAS for homeschoolers unless your district requires it
👩🏫 Parent Qualifications
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Parents do not need teaching credentials or degrees.
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The district may assess competency—but this refers to ability and moral character, not certification
🧩 Special Education Rights
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Homeschooled children retain the right to special education services. Districts must evaluate and provide services if eligible
🏫 Access to Public School Programs
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Participation in public school extracurriculars, electives, or athletic programs is at district discretion, and policies vary .
📝 Annual Renewal
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You must renew your notice and education plan annually—typically submitted before the new school year begins
Enrolling In A Private Accredited Online School Changes Things Somewhat

3. Accreditation ≠ Automatic Exemption
Massachusetts law does not recognize out-of-state accreditation as a substitute for local approval. The school committee still must ensure that your child’s education meets minimum standards.
✅ What You Can Do:
If you plan to use an out-of-state online school as your full curriculum provider:
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Disclose that in your education plan to the district (e.g., curriculum materials, schedule, subjects covered, methods of evaluation).
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Be clear about how the program meets state subject requirements and instructional time expectations.
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Request that the school provide documentation you can submit to your local superintendent.
In Massachusetts If You Enroll In An Accredited Private Online Homeschool
Enrolling in an out-of-state accredited online school does not exempt a Massachusetts family from complying with state homeschool laws.
🔍 Here’s why:
1. Massachusetts treats online private schools as homeschool if the student is not attending in person.
Even if the online school is accredited and offers a full curriculum, Massachusetts law still requires local school district approval of any at-home education program—including one provided by a virtual private school based outside the state.
👉 Key Point: The mode of delivery (online) and location of the provider (out of state) does not change your legal obligation to:
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Submit a Notice of Intent
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Provide an education plan
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Agree on assessment methods
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Follow local oversight procedures
2. Massachusetts courts have reinforced this interpretation.
In Care and Protection of Charles (1987), the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court emphasized that parents must demonstrate that their homeschooling program is equivalent to public education and subject to district review, regardless of materials used or curriculum provider.
This applies even if your online school:
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Is regionally accredited
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Offers teacher support
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Issues report cards or transcripts
Massachusetts K-12 School Choice

✅ 6. Homeschooling
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Legal with local district approval
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Families may design their own program or use online/private providers.
🔍 What Massachusetts Does NOT Offer
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❌ No Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)
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❌ No school voucher programs
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❌ No state-funded scholarships for private schools
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❌ No statewide open enrollment mandate
Massachusetts School Choice Summary
Homeschool Resources for Massachusetts
Homeschooling has been part of education for centuries. In earlier times, it was simple to begin without worrying about rules or oversight. Today, however, homeschooling regulations vary by state, and some families may find it more challenging to get started. That’s why NFC Academy provides helpful state-specific pages outlining homeschool laws—to guide and support you as you begin your journey.
In areas with stricter requirements, having reliable support is important. Organizations like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) offer valuable legal guidance and protection, helping families stay informed and confident. With the right tools and resources, homeschooling can be a rewarding and manageable experience, no matter where you live.
Information on this page is intended for informational purposes for homeschool families in the specific state. The information supplied does not, nor is it intended to, provide specific legal advice. For specific legal advice, we recommend you consult an attorney. Membership with Homeschool Legal Defense may provide legal information for your situation, but you may prefer a local private attorney to review your situation to provide specific legal advice. The information provided was assisted in writing by AI.