Homeschool States

Your state guide · 2026

Massachusetts homeschool laws

Last verified · View official sources

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The short answer

Massachusetts requires advance approval to homeschool.

Regulation levelHigh

Editorial category; see the guide.

Notice requiredYes

Before homeschooling begins. The plan must be approved in advance; removing a child without an approved plan counts as truancy.

Testing / evaluationNot specified

See requirements for options and exceptions.

Compulsory ages6–16

See the full guide for age exceptions.

Regulation level

H · High
None—
Low—
Moderate—
High▲ This state
The category supplied with this guide, not a score or a legal classification. Requirements depend on your homeschooling option.
View regulation data
Massachusetts regulation category
StateCategory
MassachusettsHigh

Your requirements

A practical checklist

“Not specified” means a single yes/no requirement is not explicit in the supplied information. Read each detail for options and exceptions.

  • Notice

    Required

    Notice to the district, preferably in writing, followed by a proposed home education plan for the district to review. Districts typically look at subjects and content, materials, how long and how often instruction happens, teaching methods and how progress will be evaluated.

  • Subjects

    Required

    No set list in the statute. The district compares the plan with the instruction given in local public schools.

  • Hours / days

    Not specified

    Not specified in state law. Public school structured learning time rules do not apply; districts may consider how long and how often instruction takes place.

  • Testing / evaluation

    Not specified

    Not specified in state law. Districts may review how the child's progress will be evaluated and whether the child is making adequate progress, under their own policies.

  • Teacher qualifications

    Not specified

    Not specified in state law. Public school educator licensing rules do not apply to home education.

  • Records / portfolio

    Not specified

    Not specified in state law

  • Immunizations

    Not specified

    Not specified in state law

At a glance

  • Plan must be approved before you start
  • Local superintendent or school committee approves
  • Compulsory from age 6 to 16
  • No state form; district policies vary
  • Sports access is a district choice

Requirements at a glance

Read the details for your chosen homeschooling option below.

Open the full requirements table
Massachusetts homeschool requirements
RequirementWhat to know
Compulsory school ages6–16
Notice requiredYes
Filing deadlineBefore homeschooling begins. The plan must be approved in advance; removing a child without an approved plan counts as truancy.
Required subjectsNo set list in the statute. The district compares the plan with the instruction given in local public schools.
Instruction timeNot specified in state law. Public school structured learning time rules do not apply; districts may consider how long and how often instruction takes place.
Parent qualificationsNot specified in state law. Public school educator licensing rules do not apply to home education.
Tests & assessmentsNot specified in state law. Districts may review how the child's progress will be evaluated and whether the child is making adequate progress, under their own policies.
Records to keepNot specified in state law
ImmunizationsNot specified in state law

How to start homeschooling in Massachusetts

A child of compulsory age is excused from school only when the local superintendent or school committee approves the family's instruction plan beforehand, and simply notifying the district is not enough. Each district reviews plans under its own school committee policy, judging whether the instruction matches local public schools in thoroughness and efficiency.

  1. Choose your homeschooling option

    District-approved home education. The parent submits a plan that the local superintendent or school committee approves in advance under G.L. c. 76, § 1.

    Commonwealth Virtual School. A public virtual school taken from home. This is public school enrollment, not homeschooling, and these schools do not approve home education plans.

  2. Prepare your notice

    Notice to the district, preferably in writing, followed by a proposed home education plan for the district to review. Districts typically look at subjects and content, materials, how long and how often instruction happens, teaching methods and how progress will be evaluated.

    Open the official notice resource ↗

  3. Check when and where to file

    When: Before homeschooling begins. The plan must be approved in advance; removing a child without an approved plan counts as truancy.

    Where: The superintendent or school committee of the school district where the child lives.

Getting-started steps from the published Massachusetts guide. Follow the official links for your chosen option.
View steps as a table
How to start homeschooling in Massachusetts
StepDetails
1. Choose your homeschooling optionDistrict-approved home education. The parent submits a plan that the local superintendent or school committee approves in advance under G.L. c. 76, § 1. Commonwealth Virtual School. A public virtual school taken from home. This is public school enrollment, not homeschooling, and these schools do not approve home education plans.
2. Prepare your noticeNotice to the district, preferably in writing, followed by a proposed home education plan for the district to review. Districts typically look at subjects and content, materials, how long and how often instruction happens, teaching methods and how progress will be evaluated.
3. Check when and where to fileBefore homeschooling begins. The plan must be approved in advance; removing a child without an approved plan counts as truancy. The superintendent or school committee of the school district where the child lives.

Subjects to teach

  • No set list in the statute. The district compares the plan with the instruction given in local public schools.

Sports & extracurricular activities

Each district decides whether homeschooled students may join its courses, programs or activities, including athletics.

Official forms & law

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education ↗

Forms & guidance

Statutes

Questions, answered.

What do I file to homeschool in Massachusetts?

Notice to the district, preferably in writing, followed by a proposed home education plan for the district to review. Districts typically look at subjects and content, materials, how long and how often instruction happens, teaching methods and how progress will be evaluated.

When do I file in Massachusetts?

Before homeschooling begins. The plan must be approved in advance; removing a child without an approved plan counts as truancy.

What assessments are required in Massachusetts?

Not specified in state law. Districts may review how the child's progress will be evaluated and whether the child is making adequate progress, under their own policies.

Check the original

Sources and last checked

  1. General Laws c. 76, § 1, School attendance ↗Massachusetts Legislature
  2. Home Schooling ↗Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Last verified .