Massachusetts · Detailed rules

Homeschooling in Massachusetts

Massachusetts 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

Notice of intentFile every yearTell your school district in writing that you plan to homeschool, then submit your homeschool plan for district approval before you begin. Notification alone does not authorize homeschooling (DESE; G.L. c. 76, section 1). Each district has its own approval policy, so ask yours how it handles renewals and updates.

Testing or assessmentYes

Instruction timeNo minimum set

RecordsYour choice

How to start homeschooling in Massachusetts

Written from Massachusetts'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
Massachusetts asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: Tell your school district in writing that you plan to homeschool, then submit your homeschool plan for district approval before you begin. Notification alone does not authorize homeschooling (DESE; G.L. c. 76, section 1). Each district has its own approval policy, so ask yours how it handles renewals and updates. You will do this again at the start of every school year. It goes to Your local school district (superintendent or school committee) approves homeschool plans under G.L. c. 76, section 1; DESE does not approve plans or review district decisions.
Cover the subjects the state names
Massachusetts names 13 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. Massachusetts 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
Massachusetts asks for an assessment. You can choose from: Periodic standardized testing (the district chooses the test and where it is given, in consultation with you); Periodic progress reports reviewed by the district; Dated work samples, which can stand in for formal testing if you agree. Deciding early which route you will take saves a scramble.

Your notice of intent

Who receives it: Your local school district (superintendent or school committee) approves homeschool plans under G.L. c. 76, section 1; DESE does not approve plans or review district decisions
When it is due: Tell your school district in writing that you plan to homeschool, then submit your homeschool plan for district approval before you begin. Notification alone does not authorize homeschooling (DESE; G.L. c. 76, section 1). Each district has its own approval policy, so ask yours how it handles renewals and updates.
How often: Every school year
Notarized?: No
Ongoing reporting: Yes, once a year
Permit: A permit or registration is required before instruction begins.

Testing, portfolios and reviews

Assessment: Required
Ways to meet it: Periodic standardized testing (the district chooses the test and where it is given, in consultation with you)
Periodic progress reports reviewed by the district
Dated work samples, which can stand in for formal testing if you agree
Named tests: The district chooses the test in consultation with you
Portfolio: Not required

What you teach, and what you keep

Required subjects: SpellingReadingWritingEnglish language and grammarGeographyArithmeticDrawingMusicHistory of the United States and the ConstitutionDuties of citizenshipHealth educationPhysical educationGood behavior
Instruction time: Massachusetts sets no minimum number of days or hours.
Who may teach: No teaching certificate, degree, or credential is required of you.
Keeping records: No retention period is set. Keeping a simple folder is still worth doing.
Legal routes: Single pathway: tell your school district in writing that you plan to homeschool, then submit your homeschool plan for approval before you begin. Districts typically review content, instructional materials, how long and how often you teach, methods, evaluation, and whether your child can make adequate progress. Approval comes from the district where you live; charter schools and virtual schools do not approve plans. Each school committee has its own approval policy, so ask your district for it.

Sports, dual enrollment and life after high school

Dual enrollment: DESE says each school district may decide whether homeschooled students can join district courses, programs or activities; this is a local decision. Ask your district and any college you are considering about part-time or dual enrollment.
Diplomas: Ask your district whether it issues a diploma for a homeschool program. Massachusetts also offers a High School Equivalency credential through HiSET or GED testing (DESE).
College admissions: College admissions requirements vary by institution. Check each college's current admissions page for its homeschool applicant requirements.
Support for additional needs: DESE says homeschooled students in Massachusetts have a right to special education services, and districts must evaluate students suspected of having a disability. Contact your school district.

Money your family can claim in Massachusetts

No program on file yet

We do not have a verified Massachusetts 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 Your local school district (superintendent or school committee) approves homeschool plans under G.L. c. 76, section 1; DESE does not approve plans or review district decisions directly.

See the states where funding is confirmed →

Questions parents ask about Massachusetts

Is homeschooling legal in Massachusetts?

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Massachusetts. Massachusetts has stricter homeschool regulations than most states. Koydo's calendar and records tools can help you keep track of the dates and paperwork it lists.

Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in Massachusetts?

Yes. Massachusetts requires families to file a Notice of Intent by Tell your school district in writing that you plan to homeschool, then submit your homeschool plan for district approval before you begin. Notification alone does not authorize homeschooling (DESE; G.L. c. 76, section 1). Each district has its own approval policy, so ask yours how it handles renewals and updates.. This notice must be renewed annually.

How many instruction days are required in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts does not mandate a minimum amount of instruction time.

What subjects are required by law in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts requires instruction in the following subjects: Spelling, Reading, Writing, English language and grammar, Geography, Arithmetic, Drawing, Music, History of the United States and the Constitution, Duties of citizenship, Health education, Physical education, Good behavior.

Does Massachusetts require annual assessment for homeschoolers?

Yes. Massachusetts requires annual assessment. Accepted methods include: Periodic standardized testing (the district chooses the test and where it is given, in consultation with you), Periodic progress reports reviewed by the district, Dated work samples, which can stand in for formal testing if you agree.

Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Massachusetts?

No. Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?

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.

Worth knowing about Massachusetts

Massachusetts requires district approval before you begin homeschooling. There is no separate homeschool statute; G.L. c. 76, section 1 exempts a child who is being otherwise instructed in a manner approved in advance by the superintendent or school committee, and the Care and Protection of Charles decision (399 Mass. 324, 1987) describes what a district may consider. Each district has its own policy and process, so results vary. Compulsory school age is 6 to 16.

Who to ask in Massachusetts

Regulator: Your local school district (superintendent or school committee) approves homeschool plans under G.L. c. 76, section 1; DESE does not approve plans or review district decisions
Official site: www.doe.mass.edu/homeschool/
Phone: (781) 338-3000

Tools for your first year

The free tools below work whether or not you ever pay us a penny; each tile says what it needs. Use what helps with Massachusetts's requirements and ignore the rest.

Transcript builderBuild a clean high-school transcript with GPA and credits. Free copies carry a small Koydo watermark.No account needed Starting guideThe whole first year in five steps, written for someone who has never done this before.No account needed Printable worksheetsPrint practice pages by grade and subject for the days a screen is the wrong answer. A few free pages every day.Free with a Koydo account State fundingSee whether your state puts education money in your hands, and how to claim it.Free with a Koydo account Paperwork generatorFill in your details and get the letter or affidavit your state expects, already worded for it.Needs HomeSchool Premium Instruction day logTick off days as you go so the count is already done when your state asks for it.Needs HomeSchool Premium

Other states

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii All 51 →

Last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with Your local school district (superintendent or school committee) approves homeschool plans under G.L. c. 76, section 1; DESE does not approve plans or review district decisions. This is information for families, not legal advice.

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How to start homeschooling in Massachusetts

Written from Massachusetts'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

Massachusetts asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: Tell your school district in writing that you plan to homeschool, then submit your homeschool plan for district approval before you begin. Notification alone does not authorize homeschooling (DESE; G.L. c. 76, section 1). Each district has its own approval policy, so ask yours how it handles renewals and updates. You will do this again at the start of every school year. It goes to Your local school district (superintendent or school committee) approves homeschool plans under G.L. c. 76, section 1; DESE does not approve plans or review district decisions.

Cover the subjects the state names

Massachusetts names 13 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. Massachusetts 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

Massachusetts asks for an assessment. You can choose from: Periodic standardized testing (the district chooses the test and where it is given, in consultation with you); Periodic progress reports reviewed by the district; Dated work samples, which can stand in for formal testing if you agree. Deciding early which route you will take saves a scramble.

Your notice of intent

Who receives it

Your local school district (superintendent or school committee) approves homeschool plans under G.L. c. 76, section 1; DESE does not approve plans or review district decisions

When it is due

Tell your school district in writing that you plan to homeschool, then submit your homeschool plan for district approval before you begin. Notification alone does not authorize homeschooling (DESE; G.L. c. 76, section 1). Each district has its own approval policy, so ask yours how it handles renewals and updates.

How often

Every school year

Notarized?

Ongoing reporting

Yes, once a year

Permit

A permit or registration is required before instruction begins.

Testing, portfolios and reviews

Assessment

Required

Ways to meet it

Periodic standardized testing (the district chooses the test and where it is given, in consultation with you)
Periodic progress reports reviewed by the district
Dated work samples, which can stand in for formal testing if you agree

Named tests

The district chooses the test in consultation with you

Portfolio

Not required

What you teach, and what you keep

Required subjects

SpellingReadingWritingEnglish language and grammarGeographyArithmeticDrawingMusicHistory of the United States and the ConstitutionDuties of citizenshipHealth educationPhysical educationGood behavior

Instruction time

Massachusetts sets no minimum number of days or hours.

Who may teach

No teaching certificate, degree, or credential is required of you.

Keeping records

No retention period is set. Keeping a simple folder is still worth doing.

Legal routes

Single pathway: tell your school district in writing that you plan to homeschool, then submit your homeschool plan for approval before you begin. Districts typically review content, instructional materials, how long and how often you teach, methods, evaluation, and whether your child can make adequate progress. Approval comes from the district where you live; charter schools and virtual schools do not approve plans. Each school committee has its own approval policy, so ask your district for it.

Sports, dual enrollment and life after high school

Dual enrollment

DESE says each school district may decide whether homeschooled students can join district courses, programs or activities; this is a local decision. Ask your district and any college you are considering about part-time or dual enrollment.

Diplomas

Ask your district whether it issues a diploma for a homeschool program. Massachusetts also offers a High School Equivalency credential through HiSET or GED testing (DESE).

College admissions

College admissions requirements vary by institution. Check each college's current admissions page for its homeschool applicant requirements.

Support for additional needs

DESE says homeschooled students in Massachusetts have a right to special education services, and districts must evaluate students suspected of having a disability. Contact your school district.