Everything you need to know about homeschooling in Massachusetts - from submitting your education plan to choosing an annual evaluation method. One of the most regulated states, but your rights are well-established by case law. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
Massachusetts is one of the five strictest homeschool states in the country (alongside New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont). However, the legal framework is well-defined by two landmark court cases, and your rights as a homeschool parent are clearly established.
The key distinction in Massachusetts is that all oversight is local. The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) plays no role in approving homeschool plans - everything goes through your local school district superintendent or school committee. This means requirements can vary significantly from one town to the next.
Two landmark cases define Massachusetts homeschool law: Care and Protection of Charles (1987) established that parents have a constitutional right to homeschool and defined what districts can and cannot require. Brunelle v. Lynn Public Schools (1998) established that districts cannot require home visits as a condition of approval.
Massachusetts is an "approval state" - you must submit an education plan and receive approval before you begin homeschooling. If you remove your child from school without approval, your child may be considered truant. Always contact your superintendent first.
Unlike most states where you simply notify, Massachusetts requires you to submit an education plan and receive advance approval from your local school district.
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Contact superintendent | Request your district's homeschool policy. Each district has its own process. |
| 2 | Review district policy | Understand what your specific district requires in the education plan. |
| 3 | Prepare education plan | Include subjects, materials, hours/days, parent qualifications, and evaluation method. |
| 4 | Submit plan | Send to superintendent or school committee. Use Return Receipt Requested for proof. |
| 5 | Wait for response | District reviews within a "reasonable timeframe." May approve, request modifications, or deny. |
| 6 | Receive approval | Once approved, you may begin homeschooling. |
If your plan is denied, the district must provide written reasons. You have the opportunity to modify and resubmit. The burden of proof shifts to the district - they must prove your plan is NOT equivalent to public school education. You can begin homeschooling while appealing if your plan was submitted in good faith.
Because all oversight is local, requirements vary significantly by town. Some districts have detailed forms, others accept simple letters. Some require meetings, others review on paper. Always contact YOUR district directly to understand their specific process.
Your education plan is the core document you submit to your district each year. It should demonstrate that your homeschool program is "equivalent in thoroughness and efficiency" to public school education.
Send your education plan via Return Receipt Requested mail. This provides proof of submission, which protects you if the district claims they never received it. Some districts do not send approval letters as standard practice, so proof of submission is your safeguard. Blue Folder can generate your education plan with all required components. Try it free →
Blue Folder handles this for you
Generate your education plan, track all 13 subjects, and stay compliant with your district automatically.
Massachusetts expects homeschool programs to provide instruction on a schedule similar to public schools.
| Level | Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary | 180 days | 900 hours |
| Secondary | 180 days | 990 hours |
Technically, the 180/900/990 requirement applies to public schools. AHEM (Advocates for Home Education in Massachusetts) notes that homeschoolers are only required to provide instruction "equivalent in thoroughness and efficiency" - not identical hours. However, most districts expect you to state in your education plan that you will meet these minimums.
Instructional hours include far more than desk work. Field trips, educational games, documentaries, co-op classes, extracurricular activities, hands-on projects, and life skills activities all count toward your hours. Keep a log that shows consistent, regular instruction throughout the year.
Massachusetts requires you to maintain records sufficient for your annual evaluation and to demonstrate educational progress. What specifically counts as "records" depends on your district and your chosen evaluation method.
Keep your records organized by subject and by month. Use Blue Folder to track attendance, upload dated work samples, and build your portfolio throughout the year. This makes your annual evaluation preparation much simpler. Try it free →
Keep copies of every education plan you submit, every piece of district correspondence, and every evaluation report. These documents establish your compliance history and protect you if any questions arise in the future.
Massachusetts districts may require an annual evaluation of your child's educational progress. The evaluation method must be mutually agreed upon between you and the district - they cannot unilaterally impose one method.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Standardized Testing | Administered by a certified teacher. Popular options include Iowa Assessments, Stanford Achievement Test, or CAT. |
| Portfolio Review | Dated work samples and progress reports reviewed by a qualified evaluator or district representative. |
| Narrative Assessment | Written evaluation by a qualified person describing the student's educational progress. |
| Alternative Assessment | Any other method mutually agreed upon with the district. Provides flexibility for unique learning situations. |
The evaluation method must be mutually agreed upon. If your district wants standardized testing but you prefer a portfolio review, you can negotiate. The district cannot force you to test if you prefer an alternative method. Refer to Care and Protection of Charles (1987) for your rights.
Propose your preferred evaluation method in your education plan at the start of the year. This sets expectations early and avoids last-minute disagreements. Blue Folder tracks your evaluation deadline and helps you prepare your portfolio for review. Try it free →
Massachusetts requires instruction in 13 subject areas - more than most states. However, districts cannot dictate how you teach these subjects, only that you cover them.
Many of these subjects overlap naturally. "Good Behavior/Character" and "Duties of Citizenship" can be woven into everyday life, discussions, and other subjects. "Drawing" does not require formal art classes - any visual art activity counts. The key is to address each subject in your education plan and demonstrate coverage during your evaluation.
Districts can require you to list these subjects in your education plan and describe your materials, but they cannot dictate which specific curricula, textbooks, or teaching methods you use. Your instruction must be "equivalent in thoroughness and efficiency" to public school - not identical to it.
Massachusetts homeschool deadlines revolve around your education plan submission and annual evaluation. Specific dates may vary by district.
| When | What | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Before starting | Contact superintendent | Request your district's homeschool policy. Do this before withdrawing your child from school. |
| Before school year (by September) | Submit education plan | Submit your annual education plan covering all 13 subjects, materials, hours, and evaluation method. |
| After plan received | Wait for approval | District should respond within a "reasonable timeframe." Send via Return Receipt Requested for proof. |
| End of school year (May/June) | Annual evaluation due | Complete your chosen evaluation method (testing, portfolio review, narrative, or alternative) and submit results. |
| At age 16 | Compulsory education ends | You may stop submitting plans. Consider sending a "farewell letter" to the district. Continue keeping records for college. |
Massachusetts requires approval before you begin homeschooling. If you withdraw your child from school without an approved plan, the district may consider your child truant. Always submit your plan and receive approval (or at least proof of submission) before starting.
Massachusetts offers no state financial assistance for homeschooling families. All curriculum, materials, and testing costs are borne by the family.
The 529 education savings plan is currently the best federal financial tool for Massachusetts homeschool families. Contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualifying K-12 expenses (up to $20,000/year) are tax-free. This can significantly offset curriculum and material costs.
Massachusetts offers limited and mostly discretionary public school access for homeschooled students.
Maybe. Some districts allow homeschooled students to take specific classes at the local public school, but this is at district discretion - it is not guaranteed or required.
Maybe. The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) allows homeschoolers to participate in public school sports if:
The final decision rests with each individual school. Contact your local school's athletic department to inquire.
Yes. Homeschooled children with disabilities are eligible for special education services through the public schools. Parents must work with the district to determine appropriate services. IEP services can be provided.
Homeschooled students are not permitted to take the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) test. Because of this, homeschooled students cannot receive a public school diploma. Parents issue their own homeschool diploma when the student completes their education.
Since homeschool students cannot receive a public school diploma, it is important to create thorough transcripts and maintain strong records for college applications. Most Massachusetts colleges accept homeschool applicants with parent-created transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and letters of recommendation.
Massachusetts has significant requirements, and new homeschool families need to navigate them carefully. Here are the most common mistakes.
Know your rights. Districts CAN require an education plan, subject lists, hours, parent qualifications, and annual evaluations. Districts CANNOT require home visits, specific curricula, teaching methods, college degrees, or MCAS testing. If your district oversteps, refer to Care and Protection of Charles (1987) and Brunelle v. Lynn (1998).
Don't make these mistakes
Blue Folder tracks every deadline and requirement for your Massachusetts district.
Track Massachusetts ComplianceDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws and district policies can change. Always verify current requirements with your local school district superintendent's office or consult a qualified attorney. For more information, see MA DESE Homeschool Page. Last updated February 2026.