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Massachusetts

Strict

Homeschool legal: ✅ Yes ·Last verified: 2026-03 ·State code: MA

Overview

Instruction days
180 days per year
Legal status
Homeschooling is legal in this state
Regulatory body
Local School Committee / Superintendent (no statewide homeschool statute; governed by Charles case law and MGL Ch. 76 § 1)
Official website
https://www.doe.mass.edu/homedtutor/
Permit
A permit or registration is required before beginning instruction.

Notice Requirements

Notice required
Yes — notice must be filed
Deadline
Submit education plan to local school committee or superintendent BEFORE beginning homeschool instruction and obtain approval. Annual renewal of approval required at the start of each school year.
Frequency
Annual — must re-file each school year
Reporting
Required (annually)

Assessment Requirements

Assessment required
Yes
Accepted methods
  • Periodic standardized testing (method must be mutually agreed upon by parents and school committee)
  • Periodic progress reports reviewed by superintendent or school committee
  • Portfolio of student work reviewed annually
  • Evaluation by a qualified professional agreed upon by both parties
  • MCAS participation (voluntary for homeschoolers)

Curriculum & Qualifications

Required subjects
SpellingReadingWritingEnglish language and grammarGeographyArithmeticDrawingMusicHistory of the United States and the ConstitutionDuties of citizenshipHealth (including CPR instruction)Physical educationGood behavior/social skills
Teacher qualifications
No specific teaching credentials required
Portfolio
No portfolio requirement

Additional Notes

Massachusetts is one of the most restrictive states due to the school committee APPROVAL requirement derived from the Charles case (1987). There is no homeschool statute — only case law and local policy. Outcomes vary dramatically by district: some committees approve plans quickly; others impose burdensome requirements. AHEM (Advocates for Home Education in Massachusetts, ahem.info) is the primary advocacy group and tracks district compliance with Charles. Families encountering unreasonable demands should contact HSLDA or AHEM. Compulsory ages: 6–16.

Tips for Homeschooling in Massachusetts

  1. 1

    File your notice on time: "Submit education plan to local school committee or superintendent BEFORE beginning homeschool instruction and obtain approval. Annual renewal of approval required at the start of each school year.". Set a calendar reminder 2 weeks before to prepare documents.

  2. 2

    Choose your assessment method early. Options include: Periodic standardized testing (method must be mutually agreed upon by parents and school committee), Periodic progress reports reviewed by superintendent or school committee. Many families find portfolio reviews the least stressful.

  3. 3

    Join a local Massachusetts homeschool co-op or support group. Peer connections help with curriculum sharing, field trips, and social opportunities for your learner.

Open Massachusetts Checklist →

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify requirements directly with Local School Committee / Superintendent (no statewide homeschool statute; governed by Charles case law and MGL Ch. 76 § 1) or a qualified education attorney.