Homeschooling in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know
Navigate the 'Charles' decision requirements with confidence. We help you manage approval, reporting, and assessments without the stress.
Regulation Level
High Regulation
Oversight
Local School Committee / Superintendent
At a Glance
- Requires annual approval from local district
- Education Plan (Notice of Intent) due annually
- Annual assessment (test or portfolio) required
- 900/990 instructional hours per year
Massachusetts is often considered a high-regulation state due to the requirement for local school committee approval. While the 'Charles' court decision established clear guidelines, the interpretation can vary significantly by district. This 'approval' process, rather than simple notification, makes organization critical.
Must be submitted annually to your local school superintendent. Includes curriculum, materials, and instructor qualifications. Instruction must be 'equal in thoroughness and efficiency' to public schools. Required subjects include reading, writing, English language and grammar, geography, arithmetic, drawing, music, US history and constitution, duties of citizenship, health, physical education, and good behavior. 900 hours for elementary, 990 hours for secondary school. 180 days is the standard equivalent. One of the following: Standardized test, progress report/portfolio review by a teacher or 'other person', or another method agreed upon with the superintendent.📝Education Plan (Notice of Intent)
📚Subject Requirements
⏰Instructional Hours
📊Annual Assessment
Common Challenges
Homeschooling in Massachusetts comes with unique hurdles.
Sound Familiar?
These are the top struggles we hear from Massachusetts families.
The 'Approval' Anxiety
Waiting for the school committee to approve your plan can be nerve-wracking. 'What if they say no?' is a common fear.
District Inconsistency
One town might ask for a simple letter, while the next demands a detailed curriculum map. Knowing what's actually required vs. what's requested is tough.
End-of-Year Reporting
Scrambling to pull together a portfolio or schedule testing in the spring when you just want to enjoy the summer.
How HatchEDU Solves Massachusetts Compliance
We've built specific tools to handle Massachusetts's regulations.
Automated Education Plans
Generate a professional Education Plan that meets the 'Charles' standard in minutes, ready to print or email to your superintendent.
Progress Tracking
Log attendance and activities as you go. When it's time for the annual assessment, your portfolio is already built.
District-Ready Formats
Our templates are designed to be clear, professional, and compliant, reducing the chance of pushback from local officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While the law mentions 'competent' instruction, parents are generally presumed competent. You do not need a teaching certificate.
Typically, it should be submitted before the school year begins. Many families aim for August, but check your specific district's calendar.
They can, but they must provide reasons and an opportunity to correct it. They cannot reject it simply because they prefer a different curriculum.
You must submit a new Education Plan to the new district's superintendent and should notify your previous district that you have moved.
It depends on the district. The MIAA allows homeschoolers to participate if the local school committee approves it, but districts are not required to allow it.
Helpful Resources for Homeschool Families
Expert guidance to help you succeed
Homeschool laws can change. Always confirm requirements with your local school district or state education officials. HatchEDU provides tools to assist with compliance but does not provide legal advice.
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