How to start homeschooling in Maine
The legal steps, in order, checked against Maine law.
Short answer: Maine families homeschool through a home instruction program. A parent files a notice of intent with the local school officials and the Commissioner of Education within 10 calendar days of starting, and files a letter with an annual assessment by September 1 of each later year. The program must provide at least 175 days of instruction in the subjects listed in the law.
Checked against 20-A M.R.S. 5001-A(3)(A)(4) on Nov 8, 2026. Compulsory school ages: 6 to 17. This is what the law says, not legal advice.
Home instruction program
Parents or guardians who want to teach their children at home.
Steps
- Within 10 calendar days of starting, file a written notice of intent with the school officials of your administrative unit and the Commissioner. The online Home Instruction Portal sends it to both. A paper form goes to the superintendent's office only.
- Include your name, signature, and address, your child's name and age, the start date, and statements of assurance about the 175 days, the required subjects, and an annual assessment.
- If you plan to use a test given by the school unit, a locally developed test, or a local advisory board review, get the school officials' agreement before you file the notice.
- Provide at least 175 days of instruction each year in the required subjects.
- Complete one of the five allowed annual assessments.
- By September 1 of each later year, file a letter with the school officials and the Commissioner stating that you will continue, with a copy of the assessment.
- Keep copies of everything you file until the program ends.
| Notice to the state | Yes To: The school officials of the administrative unit where the student lives and the Commissioner of Education, at the same time When: Within 10 calendar days of beginning home instruction, then by September 1 each later year Official form |
|---|---|
| Subjects | English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health education, library skills, fine arts, and Maine studies in at least one grade from 6 to 12. The student must show proficiency in using computers at one grade level from 7 to 12. |
| Time | At least 175 days of instruction each year. |
| Parent qualifications | None required by law |
| Testing or evaluation | Each year after the first, one of: a standardized achievement test through the school unit or another approved arrangement; a test developed by the school unit; review and acceptance by a person with a current Maine teacher's certificate; a portfolio review by a local homeschool support group that includes a certified Maine teacher or administrator; or review by a local advisory board of one school unit employee and two home instruction tutors. The department says no assessment is required with a first time filing. |
| Records to keep | Copies of the information filed must be kept by the parent until the home instruction program ends and made available to the Commissioner on request. |
The law: 20-A M.R.S. 5001-A(3)(A)(4) Maine Department of Education, Home Instruction Requirements
Leaving public school mid-year
The Maine Department of Education says to file the notice of intent within 10 days of withdrawing from school. For later changes such as an address change or leaving home instruction, notify the superintendent's office. If home instruction ends, a child of compulsory age must be enrolled in a public school or another equivalent instruction alternative.
High school, transcripts and diplomas
Under 20-A M.R.S. 5022, a homeschooled student entering a public high school earns credit for public school courses and may earn credit for home instruction coursework if the principal approves the course both in advance and on completion, possibly with tests. A local diploma requires meeting all course credit and other requirements set by the local school board, which may set resident credit requirements. Under 5021, a home instruction student who takes specific public school classes earns credit by meeting the same standards as other students.
Public school sports and activities
Yes. Under 20-A M.R.S. 5021, home instruction students may try out for extracurricular activities sponsored by the local school unit by applying in writing. They must follow the same participation, physical exam, immunization, insurance, age, semester, academic, and transportation rules as enrolled students. They may also join cocurricular activities and enroll in specific classes with written approval, which may not be unreasonably withheld.
After the paperwork
Common questions
Do I have to tell the state I am homeschooling in Maine?
Yes, under the home instruction program route, you notify the school officials of the administrative unit where the student lives and the Commissioner of Education, at the same time within 10 calendar days of beginning home instruction, then by September 1 each later year.
Is testing required for homeschoolers in Maine?
Each year after the first, one of: a standardized achievement test through the school unit or another approved arrangement; a test developed by the school unit; review and acceptance by a person with a current Maine teacher's certificate; a portfolio review by a local homeschool support group that includes a certified Maine teacher or administrator; or review by a local advisory board of one school unit employee and two home instruction tutors. The department says no assessment is required with a first time filing.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Maine?
English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health education, library skills, fine arts, and Maine studies in at least one grade from 6 to 12. The student must show proficiency in using computers at one grade level from 7 to 12.
What ages must be schooled in Maine?
Ages 6 to 17, per state law.
Sources
- 20-A M.R.S. 5001-A(3)(A)(4)
- Maine Department of Education, Home Instruction Requirements
- 20-A M.R.S. 5021 (participation in public schools)
- 20-A M.R.S. 5022 (admission to regular program)
- Home Instruction Requirements, Maine Department of Education
We read each source on Nov 8, 2026 and recheck every guide each quarter. Laws change. If something here no longer matches the state, write to us and we will fix it.