Homeschooling in Maine: Laws & Requirements (2026)

Maine sits in the middle ground of homeschool regulation—more requirements than states like Texas or Idaho, but far less intensive than New York or Pennsylvania. The state offers two pathways: the more common "home instruction" option and the less frequently used "equivalent private school" (REPS) option.

Most Maine families choose home instruction, which requires annual notification, assessment, and continuation letters. The paperwork isn't overwhelming once you understand the rhythm: notify within 10 days of starting, submit assessments annually, and send continuation letters by September 1 each year.

What sets Maine apart is the assessment requirement. Unlike many states that simply require notification, Maine wants evidence that education is occurring. You have flexibility in how you demonstrate this—standardized tests, certified teacher reviews, or alternative methods—but you must demonstrate it annually. This guide walks through both pathways, assessment options, and the practical steps for Maine homeschooling.

Maine Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

Your Two Homeschool Options in Maine

Maine provides two distinct legal pathways for home education. The vast majority of families choose Option 1 (home instruction), but Option 2 offers an alternative for specific situations.

Option 1: Home Instruction This is standard homeschooling. You notify the state, teach your children, and submit annual assessments. You have complete curriculum freedom and no teacher qualification requirements. This option works best for most families.

Option 2: Recognized Equivalent Private School (REPS) You establish a private school that meets state guidelines for equivalent instruction. This involves more initial paperwork—notifying the commissioner, following private school guidelines, and meeting teacher examination requirements. Some families prefer this structure for high school or specific circumstances.

The key difference: Home instruction requires annual assessments of student progress. REPS operates as a private school with different oversight mechanisms. For most homeschooling families, home instruction is simpler and more appropriate.

Comparing Your Options

Required Subjects in Maine

Maine specifies subjects that home instruction must include. The list is comprehensive but allows flexibility in how you cover each area^[1].

Required subjects: - English and language arts - Mathematics - Science and technology - Social studies (including history and geography) - Physical education and health - Library skills - Fine arts (visual art, music, etc.) - Maine studies (in at least one year during grades 6-8)

The Maine studies requirement is unique to this state. During middle school years, students should learn about Maine history, geography, government, or culture. Many families satisfy this through local history projects, visits to historical sites, or Maine-focused literature.

What's flexible: Maine doesn't mandate specific curricula, textbooks, or teaching approaches. You determine how to cover required subjects based on your child's learning style and your educational philosophy. A unit study covering multiple subjects simultaneously counts toward each area addressed.

How to Start Homeschooling in Maine (Home Instruction)

Annual Assessment Options

Maine requires annual assessment of each home-instructed student. You have several options to fulfill this requirement^[1]:

Standardized Achievement Test Administer a nationally-normed test like the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Stanford Achievement Test, or CAT. Results go to the S.A.U. and Commissioner with your continuation letter. No minimum score is required—the state wants evidence of assessment, not specific achievement levels.

Certified Teacher Review A Maine-certified teacher reviews your child's work and provides a written evaluation. The teacher must hold current Maine certification. This option works well for families who prefer narrative assessment over standardized testing.

Portfolio Review by School Officials Submit a portfolio to school officials for review. This option involves more district interaction than some families prefer but is a legitimate alternative.

Other Commissioner-Approved Methods Maine allows alternative assessment methods approved by the Commissioner. If standard options don't fit your situation, you can request approval for alternative approaches.

Practical choice for most families: Standardized testing or certified teacher review are most common. Standardized tests are straightforward if your child tests well. Teacher evaluations offer flexibility for non-traditional approaches or testing anxiety.

Annual Continuation Process

Each year after your first, you'll submit a Statement of Intent to Continue Home Education. This letter goes to both the S.A.U. and Commissioner by September 1^[1].

Include with your continuation letter: - Affirmation that you intend to continue home instruction - Annual assessment results for each child still of compulsory age - Updated information if circumstances have changed

The September 1 deadline precedes the school year, giving officials time to process documentation before fall. Mark this date on your calendar—it's the most important annual deadline for Maine homeschoolers.

Multi-year families develop a rhythm: complete assessments in spring, prepare continuation materials in summer, submit by September 1. Many families standardize their school year around this cycle.

Record-Keeping Requirements

Maine law requires maintaining copies of required notices, annual letters, and assessments until home instruction concludes for each child^[1]. HSLDA recommends keeping records longer—until the student completes higher education and any professional licensing.

Required records: - Initial Notice of Intent - Annual continuation letters - Assessment results for each year - Proof of mailing (return receipts)

Recommended additional records: - Curriculum descriptions by subject area - Work samples showing progress - Reading logs - Extracurricular documentation - High school course descriptions and grades

Why keep more than required: Thorough records support college applications, scholarship applications, and any future transitions. A student returning to public school or applying to competitive universities benefits from comprehensive documentation.

Essential Records to Maintain

High School, Graduation & Beyond

Maine homeschool parents determine graduation requirements and issue diplomas. There's no state-mandated high school curriculum or standardized graduation test for homeschoolers.

Creating transcripts: For college applications, you'll create a comprehensive transcript. Include course titles, grades, credit hours, and brief descriptions. Maine colleges are familiar with homeschool transcripts and evaluate them appropriately.

University of Maine system: Maine's public universities welcome homeschool applicants. Requirements typically include transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and application essays. Some programs may request additional documentation or interviews.

Dual enrollment: Maine community colleges and some universities offer dual enrollment for high school students. Your homeschooler can earn college credits while completing high school, demonstrating academic readiness.

Early graduation: Since you set graduation requirements, students can graduate when they've completed your defined program. Maine's compulsory age ends at 17 (or 15 under specific conditions), giving flexibility for early completion.

Sports and Extracurricular Access

Maine allows homeschooled students to participate in public school extracurricular activities, including sports, under certain conditions. This is more access than many states provide.

Requirements for participation: Homeschoolers must live in the school district, meet eligibility requirements, and follow the same rules as enrolled students. Some districts may require part-time enrollment for certain activities.

District variation: While Maine law permits access, implementation varies by district. Contact your local school's athletic director or principal to understand specific policies and procedures.

Homeschool alternatives: Maine has active homeschool groups offering sports, arts, and social activities. Organizations like Homeschoolers of Maine and regional groups coordinate events, co-ops, and leagues.

Financial Assistance

Maine currently offers no state-funded financial assistance specifically for homeschoolers—no ESAs, vouchers, or dedicated tax credits for home education expenses.

Town tuitioning programs: In some Maine towns without public schools, the town pays tuition for students to attend schools elsewhere. Homeschoolers generally don't qualify for these programs, but the policy illustrates Maine's school choice tradition.

Federal education benefits: Coverdell Education Savings Accounts can be used for some K-12 expenses including homeschool materials. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation.

Special Situations

Starting mid-year: You can begin homeschooling at any point. Submit your Notice of Intent within 10 days of starting instruction. There's no requirement to complete the public school year first.

Moving to Maine: Submit your Notice of Intent to your new S.A.U. and the Commissioner within 10 days of beginning instruction in Maine. Previous state records are helpful for your files but not required for Maine submission.

Age 15 exception: Maine allows students who have completed grade 9 and reached age 15 to be excused from compulsory attendance under certain conditions. This provides flexibility for students pursuing alternative paths.

Returning to public school: Students re-enrolling will be placed based on age and school assessment. Maintain thorough records during homeschooling to facilitate appropriate placement.

Special needs: Homeschooled students with disabilities may access some services through local school districts. Contact your S.A.U.'s special education office to discuss available support.

The Bottom Line

Homeschooling in Maine requires more documentation than minimal-regulation states but remains manageable for most families. The annual rhythm—notification within 10 days of starting, assessment each year, continuation letters by September 1—becomes routine after your first year.

Maine's assessment requirement ensures accountability while offering flexibility in method. You can choose standardized testing, certified teacher evaluation, or alternative approaches. Most families find an assessment method that aligns with their educational philosophy.

Your first step: prepare your Notice of Intent and submit it (via certified mail) to both your local S.A.U. and the Maine Commissioner of Education within 10 days of beginning instruction. From there, you'll have a full year to establish your homeschool rhythm before the first continuation letter is due.