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Maine · Some paperwork
Maine asks you to file a notice before you begin. Here is what goes in it, when it is due, and what happens after.
VerifiedMarch 2026
Written from Maine's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.
Withdraw from the school your child attends now
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.
Send your notice of intent
Maine asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: Notice of intent within 10 calendar days of the beginning of home instruction, sent to your school administrative unit and the Commissioner of Education (the DOE online form reaches both). Each later year, by September 1, a letter of intent to continue with a copy of one of the annual assessments. You will do this again at the start of every school year. It goes to Maine Department of Education / Local School Superintendent.
Cover the subjects the state names
Maine names 9 subject areas to teach. How you teach them, in what order, and with which materials is entirely up to you.
Keep a light record as you go
Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. Maine does not require you to keep records, but a simple folder of work samples makes transcripts and college applications far easier later on.
Plan the assessment early
Maine asks for an assessment. You can choose from: Nationally normed standardized achievement test results; Local school district-developed test results; Written letter from a Maine state-certified teacher confirming acceptable progress; Portfolio presented to a local homeschool support group whose members include a certified Maine teacher or administrator; Review by a local advisory board selected by the superintendent (one school-unit employee and two home instruction tutors). Deciding early which route you will take saves a scramble.
No program on file yet
We do not have a verified Maine education savings account, scholarship, or tax credit for homeschooling families on file. That may mean the state has none, or it may mean we have not confirmed one yet — we would rather say so than point you at something we have not checked. State programs change often, so it is worth asking Maine Department of Education / Local School Superintendent directly.
Is homeschooling legal in Maine?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Maine. Maine has moderate homeschool regulation — some requirements apply but they are generally manageable. Koydo can put the dates your state lists on your calendar.
Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in Maine?
Yes. Maine requires families to file a Notice of Intent by Notice of intent within 10 calendar days of the beginning of home instruction, sent to your school administrative unit and the Commissioner of Education (the DOE online form reaches both). Each later year, by September 1, a letter of intent to continue with a copy of one of the annual assessments.. This notice must be renewed annually.
How many instruction days are required in Maine?
Maine requires 175 days a year.
What subjects are required by law in Maine?
Maine requires instruction in the following subjects: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education and Health, Library Skills, Fine Arts, Maine Studies (at least one grade from 6 to 12), Computer Proficiency (shown at one grade level from 7 to 12).
Does Maine require annual assessment for homeschoolers?
Yes. Maine requires annual assessment. Accepted methods include: Nationally normed standardized achievement test results, Local school district-developed test results, Written letter from a Maine state-certified teacher confirming acceptable progress, Portfolio presented to a local homeschool support group whose members include a certified Maine teacher or administrator, Review by a local advisory board selected by the superintendent (one school-unit employee and two home instruction tutors).
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Maine?
No. Maine does not require parents to hold a teaching certificate or any specific educational credential to homeschool their children.
Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in Maine?
Rules about homeschooled students taking part in public school sports and activities differ by state and by district. Check with your local school district and your state athletic association.
Maine home instruction needs a notice of intent, 175 days a year and an annual assessment. Families using a private school should verify its status with the state. Compulsory age: 6 and under 17.
The free tools below work whether or not you ever pay us a penny; each tile says what it needs. Use what helps with Maine's requirements and ignore the rest.
Last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with Maine Department of Education / Local School Superintendent. This is information for families, not legal advice.