Homeschooling in Massachusetts: Laws & Requirements (2026)

Massachusetts presents one of the more challenging regulatory environments for homeschool families in the nation. Unlike most states where you simply notify authorities and begin, Massachusetts requires prior approval from your local school committee or superintendent before you can legally homeschool.

This approval requirement traces back to a 1987 court case, Care and Protection of Charles, which established the framework still used today. The good news: courts have consistently upheld that approval cannot be unreasonably withheld, and that the standard is equivalency—not sameness—to public school instruction. Thousands of Massachusetts families homeschool successfully each year. This guide walks through what approval actually looks like, how to work effectively with your district, and what experienced Massachusetts homeschoolers wish they'd known at the start.

Massachusetts Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

The Prior Approval Requirement

Massachusetts is one of only a handful of states requiring prior approval to homeschool. You cannot legally begin home education until your local school committee (or superintendent acting on their behalf) approves your home education plan.

What approval means: Before you start homeschooling, you submit an education plan to your school district. The district reviews whether your proposed program will provide instruction "equal to that provided in the public schools" in the required subjects^[1]. If approved, you proceed. If not, you revise and resubmit.

The legal standard: The *Care and Protection of Charles* case (1987) established that "equal" doesn't mean identical^[1]. Your program doesn't need to mirror public school curriculum, methods, or schedule. It must provide comparable educational opportunity. Courts have consistently held that approval cannot be unreasonably withheld.

Practical reality: Most districts approve home education plans without significant pushback, particularly if you submit a reasonable curriculum outline and assessment method. Some districts are more demanding than others—knowing your district's approach before filing helps set expectations.

What happens if approval is denied: You can appeal to the school committee if the superintendent denies approval. If the committee denies, you can appeal to the state Department of Education or pursue legal action. In practice, most issues get resolved through revision and resubmission rather than formal appeals.

How to Start Homeschooling in Massachusetts

What Your Education Plan Should Include

Massachusetts districts typically expect your education plan to address five areas. The detail required varies by district, but covering these bases positions you for approval.

1. Subjects to be taught: List the subjects you'll cover. The *Charles* case established required subjects as reading, writing, the English language, mathematics, good citizenship, history, and literature^[1]. Many families include science, though it's not explicitly listed in the case law. Present subjects in a format familiar to school administrators—it makes review easier.

2. Curriculum and materials: Describe the resources you'll use. You don't need to commit to specific page numbers or lesson plans—a general description of your approach works. "We will use Saxon Math for mathematics instruction, supplemented with hands-on activities and real-world applications" provides sufficient detail.

3. Instruction schedule: Indicate approximately how many hours or days you'll provide instruction. Massachusetts doesn't specify requirements, but roughly approximating public school hours (about 900 per year) demonstrates equivalency. You needn't structure your days like a school.

4. Instructor qualifications: List who will teach and their qualifications. No teaching credentials are required. A brief statement of your educational background and any relevant experience suffices. The state has affirmed that parents are competent to teach their children.

5. Assessment method: Propose how you'll evaluate your child's progress. Options include standardized testing, portfolio review, narrative progress reports, or evaluation by a certified teacher. Be specific about which approach you'll use.

Evaluation and Assessment Requirements

Massachusetts doesn't mandate a single evaluation method statewide—districts set their own acceptable approaches. However, you'll need to demonstrate educational progress annually. Understanding your options helps you choose an evaluation method that fits your teaching approach.

Standardized testing: Some districts require or prefer standardized tests (CAT, Iowa, Stanford Achievement). These provide objective data administrators understand. Downsides: tests may not reflect your curriculum, and some children test poorly regardless of knowledge.

Portfolio review: Many districts accept portfolios showing work samples, projects, curriculum materials, and progress documentation. A qualified reviewer (often a certified teacher) examines the portfolio and provides written evaluation. This method reflects actual work rather than test performance.

Progress reports: Some districts accept narrative progress reports describing your child's activities and development across subjects. These work best combined with dated work samples.

Certified teacher evaluation: A certified teacher or other qualified person evaluates your child's progress through interview, review of work, or other assessment. This provides third-party verification districts accept.

District flexibility: If your district requires a specific method you find problematic, you can request alternatives. Point to the Charles case's emphasis on the evaluation demonstrating educational progress rather than mandating specific measurement tools. Most districts will work with reasonable families.

Working with Difficult Districts

While most Massachusetts districts handle homeschool approvals routinely, some are more demanding or slower to respond. Knowing your rights and approaching interactions strategically helps navigate challenges.

Know the legal standard: The *Charles* case established that approval is proper when: (1) the subjects match those required in public schools, (2) the time devoted is comparable, and (3) the teaching methods are competent^[1]. That's it. Districts cannot require specific curricula, methodologies, or credentials^[2].

Document everything: Keep copies of all correspondence. If you experience delays or unreasonable requests, written documentation supports any eventual appeal.

Be professional, not combative: Most district staff aren't anti-homeschool—they're processing paperwork in an unfamiliar area. Clear, organized submissions that anticipate their questions reduce friction. Answer what's asked without over-sharing information they haven't requested.

Know what they can't require: Districts cannot require home visits, specific curricula, teaching credentials, or approval of individual curriculum materials. They can ask for a plan demonstrating equivalency—not sameness—to public school education.

Use community resources: Massachusetts Home Learning Association (MHLA) and other organizations offer guidance on working with specific districts. Connect with local homeschoolers who've navigated your district's process.

Escalation path: If the superintendent denies approval, appeal to the school committee. If the committee denies, you can appeal to the state Department of Education. Courts have consistently supported homeschool families in cases reaching judicial review.

Annual Compliance Checklist

Record-Keeping Recommendations

Massachusetts's evaluation requirement means documentation matters more here than in low-regulation states. What you keep throughout the year directly supports your year-end evaluation and next year's approval.

Attendance records: While not strictly required, a simple log of school days demonstrates the time you devote to education. If equivalency to public school hours is ever questioned, attendance records answer it.

Curriculum documentation: Save curriculum materials, scope and sequence documents, and resource lists. These support your plan submissions and evaluation documentation.

Work samples: Dated work samples across subjects provide tangible evidence of education occurring. Collect samples periodically—you don't need everything, just representative work showing progress over time.

Progress notes: Brief notes about what you covered, milestones reached, and areas addressed help you write progress reports and remember your year accurately.

External evaluations: If you use a certified teacher or evaluator, keep their written evaluations. These serve as third-party verification of educational progress.

Books read, projects completed: A running list of books, science experiments, field trips, and projects demonstrates breadth and depth of education.

Good record-keeping isn't just about compliance—it builds the documentation you'll want for high school transcripts, college applications, and your own confidence in your educational program.

High School, Graduation & Beyond

Massachusetts homeschool families issue their own diplomas. There are no state graduation requirements for homeschoolers—you determine what constitutes a complete high school education for your child.

Transcript creation: You'll need transcripts for college applications. Document courses, credits, and grades consistently throughout high school. Include course descriptions for unique or advanced courses. Many Massachusetts homeschoolers create detailed transcripts rivaling private school documentation.

College preparation: Massachusetts colleges actively admit homeschool graduates. Public universities and community colleges have established processes for homeschool applicants. You'll typically need SAT/ACT scores, transcripts, course descriptions or a portfolio, and letters of recommendation.

Dual enrollment: Many Massachusetts community colleges and some four-year institutions allow high schoolers (including homeschoolers) to take college courses. Procedures and costs vary by institution—contact admissions to understand homeschool student policies.

GED is not required: Homeschool graduates don't need a GED. Your home education diploma is a legitimate high school credential. Some standardized test (SAT/ACT) scores may be required by colleges as additional verification.

Documentation matters: Massachusetts's higher regulatory environment means your records will be more complete than many homeschoolers elsewhere. This actually positions you well for college applications—you have documentation to demonstrate academic rigor.

Sports and Extracurricular Access

Massachusetts does not have a "Tim Tebow Law" guaranteeing homeschooler access to public school sports. Participation policies are set at the local level, and most districts don't permit homeschool students to join school teams.

Public school access: Some districts allow homeschoolers to participate in specific programs, but this is the exception. The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) leaves eligibility decisions to local school committees. Most deny homeschool participation.

Private school options: Some private schools admit homeschool students for athletic programs. This varies significantly by school and sport.

Homeschool sports: Massachusetts has homeschool athletic organizations and teams. MASS HOPE (Massachusetts Organization of Homeschoolers for Athletic and Physical Enrichment) coordinates basketball and other sports. Regional groups organize additional opportunities.

Community programs: Club sports, travel teams, martial arts, swimming, and community recreation programs provide athletic outlets without school affiliation. These are the primary athletic pathway for most Massachusetts homeschool families.

Academic extracurriculars: Some districts allow homeschool students to participate in academic programs like band, chorus, or clubs even if athletics are restricted. District policies vary—inquire locally.

Funding and Costs

Massachusetts offers no state funding for homeschool families. No ESA programs, tax credits, or vouchers apply to home education. You cover all educational expenses out-of-pocket.

What you're paying for: Curriculum materials (highly variable—free to several thousand annually), evaluation costs if using a certified evaluator, standardized tests if required ($50-100), and extracurricular activities.

Keeping costs down: Massachusetts has active used curriculum sales, homeschool curriculum swaps, and library resources. Free online curriculum options continue to expand. Many families successfully homeschool on modest budgets.

Tax considerations: Massachusetts offers no state tax deduction for education expenses. Federal Coverdell ESA accounts can cover some K-12 expenses, though contribution limits are modest.

Cost comparison: While Massachusetts families don't receive state funding, homeschooling typically costs less than private school alternatives—a consideration for families choosing between options.

Special Situations

Starting mid-year: You can withdraw from public school and apply for homeschool approval at any time. Submit your education plan and await approval before beginning instruction. Some districts process mid-year requests more slowly—allow extra time.

Moving to Massachusetts: If relocating from another state, you must obtain approval from your new district before continuing homeschool instruction. Submit your education plan promptly after establishing residence. Bring records from your previous homeschool to support your submission.

Special needs students: Homeschooled students with disabilities may be eligible for some services through their local school district. The specifics vary—contact your district's special education department. Full IEP services generally require public school enrollment.

Returning to public school: If your child returns to public school, they may face placement assessment. Keep thorough records to support grade-level placement. Schools cannot require you to "make up" credits for homeschool years.

Multiple children: Your education plan covers all children you're homeschooling. List each child with appropriate grade-level curriculum and evaluation methods. Requirements don't change substantially with multiple children.

The Bottom Line

Massachusetts's prior approval requirement makes it one of the more demanding states for homeschoolers, but thousands of families navigate the process successfully each year. The key is understanding what districts can and cannot require, submitting organized education plans, and maintaining documentation throughout the year.

Start by researching your specific district's requirements—they vary more than statewide rules in many other states. Connect with Massachusetts homeschool organizations for guidance on local processes. Build your education plan to address the five key areas: subjects, materials, schedule, instructor qualifications, and assessment method.

The documentation burden here serves you well in the long run. You'll have thorough records for transcripts, college applications, and your own confidence in your educational program. Massachusetts homeschoolers often find themselves better prepared for these milestones than families from less-regulated states.

Your first step: contact your superintendent's office for local homeschool guidelines, then begin drafting your education plan. Massachusetts homeschool communities are supportive—connect with local groups for practical guidance on working with your district.