Homeschooling in Massachusetts: the law and how to start

Yes. The compulsory attendance law, M.G.L. chapter 76, § 1, excuses a child from public school attendance if the child is being "otherwise instructed in a manner approved in advance" by the superintendent or school committee. That clause is the legal basis for home education.

The details come largely from court decisions. In Care and Protection of Charles (1987), the Supreme Judicial Court confirmed that parents may educate their children at home with the district's approval, and set out what a district may consider when reviewing a plan. In Brunelle v. Lynn Public Schools (1998), the court held that a district cannot require home visits as a condition of approval without the parents' consent.

Every school committee in Massachusetts has its own home schooling policy, so the paperwork and timelines differ by town. Enrolling your child in a private school is a separate option that does not go through the home education approval process.

• Get your district's policy. Ask your local school district (often the superintendent's office or student services) for its home education policy and any plan or intent form.
• Write your home education plan. Plans typically describe the subjects you'll cover, the curriculum and materials you'll use, the number of instructional hours, who will teach, and how progress will be shown.
• Submit it before you begin. Massachusetts requires approval *in advance*. Many district policies ask for the plan a set time before instruction starts (for example, one month ahead), so check your district's timeline.
• Wait for approval. The superintendent or school committee reviews the plan. If there are concerns, the Charles decision says you should get a chance to explain your plan and address them before it is denied.

If your child is already enrolled in a public school, keep them attending until your plan is approved, then tell the school your child is withdrawing to begin approved home education. Most districts expect a new plan each school year.

The approval standard in chapter 76, § 1 is that home instruction should be comparable to the local public schools in thoroughness and efficiency and in the progress made. In practice, districts look at whether your plan covers the subjects state law requires public schools to teach.

Those subjects, listed in M.G.L. chapter 71, § 1, include reading, writing, the English language and grammar, arithmetic, geography, drawing, music, the history and constitution of the United States, the duties of citizenship, health education and physical education, and good behavior.

Districts may consider the proposed number of instructional hours, but DESE says public school requirements such as structured learning time do not automatically apply to home schooling. Your district's policy will say what it expects.

Massachusetts has no statewide test or evaluation rule for homeschoolers. Instead, as part of approving your plan, a district may ask for a way to evaluate your child's progress.

Under the Charles decision, options include periodic standardized testing or other methods such as progress reports or dated work samples, and the method should be agreed between you and the district. Some districts ask for a short year-end summary of progress in each subject.

There is no specific state law on what records you must keep, but it's sensible to keep your approved plan, approval letter, any progress reports you submit and samples of your child's work.

Homeschool families usually prepare their own transcripts and issue a parent diploma. Some school committee policies allow a home-educated student to receive a district diploma if the student meets the state's competency requirements and the district's graduation standards, but others say they will not issue diplomas to homeschoolers. Ask your district what its policy says.

Massachusetts community colleges publish admission guidance for homeschooled applicants, and dual enrollment can be a way for teens to earn college credit. Check the admissions page of the college you're interested in.

Massachusetts has no state law that guarantees homeschoolers access to public school sports or classes. The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) rules allow homeschooled students to play on a public school team when the school's policy permits it, so the decision rests with each district.

Some districts let homeschoolers take individual classes or join clubs; ask your local school.

DESE says home-schooled students have a right to special education services, and districts must evaluate children with suspected disabilities. How services are delivered can vary, so contact your district's special education office if your child may need support.

Massachusetts has statewide homeschool organizations and many regional support groups and co-ops that can help with writing a home education plan and finding classes, field trips and activities. Public libraries are another good resource.

There is no state education savings account, voucher or tax credit program for homeschoolers in Massachusetts.