Homeschooling in Massachusetts

A practical starting point for Massachusetts families: what to file, what to track, and what state funding (if any) you can use.

At a glance

Laws & requirements

High Regulation

Submit an education plan to the local district for approval annually. Periodic progress reviews.

ESA & funding

No ESA Program

No statewide ESA program at this time.

In-depth guides

In-depth guide

Massachusetts homeschool laws

Notification, record-keeping, testing, and umbrella-school rules for Massachusetts families.

Read the guide

In-depth guide

Massachusetts homeschool funding

Massachusetts's funding landscape — what programs exist, who they serve, and why homeschoolers may or may not qualify.

Read the guide

Getting started in Massachusetts

A high-level checklist tailored to Massachusetts’s rules. Specifics like form numbers and deadlines live in the in-depth state laws guide above.

1
Understand Massachusetts's homeschool requirements
All homeschool families in Massachusetts follow the same legal pathway. Submit an education plan to the local district for approval annually. Periodic progress reviews. There is no separate umbrella-school or charter option.
2
Submit your education plan
File an annual education plan with your local school district for approval before the school year begins.
3
Complete progress reviews
Participate in periodic progress reviews or assessments as your district requires throughout the year.
4
Choose curriculum and plan your year
Choose curriculum that fits your child's grade level and any required subjects, then sketch a year-long plan you can adjust as you go.

Frequently asked

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in Massachusetts?

Yes. You'll file a notice of intent, document curriculum in required subjects, and submit assessments or portfolio reviews on a set schedule.

Does Massachusetts require homeschool standardized testing?

Yes. Standardized testing or portfolio review is required on a set schedule, typically every year or every few years.

Can homeschool families in Massachusetts access ESA or scholarship funding?

No statewide ESA program at this time.

How do I withdraw my child from public school in Massachusetts?

Send a written withdrawal letter to the school's principal or registrar. Keep a dated copy. Once you have filed any state-required notice, your child is considered a homeschooler and the public school no longer needs to mark them absent.