How to start homeschooling in Massachusetts
The legal steps, in order, checked against Massachusetts law.
Short answer: In Massachusetts, a child of compulsory school age may be home schooled only with advance approval from the school district where the child lives. The parent notifies the district, gets its home schooling policy, and submits a proposed plan. The child should stay enrolled until the plan is approved, since removal without approval makes the child truant.
Checked against Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 76, sec. 1 on Nov 8, 2026. Compulsory school ages: 6 to 16. This is what the law says, not legal advice.
Massachusetts gives you 2 legal ways to homeschool. Pick one and follow its steps.
Home schooling approved in advance by the local superintendent or school committee
Families who want to teach their own children at home instead of enrolling them in a public or private school.
Steps
- Notify the school district where the child lives, preferably in writing.
- Get the district's home schooling policy and process, which the district must provide after you notify it.
- Submit a proposed home schooling plan following the district's policy. Districts typically review content, instructional materials, how long and how often instruction happens, teaching methods, and how progress will be evaluated.
- Wait for the district's decision. It may approve the plan, ask for changes or more information, or disapprove it.
- Begin home schooling once the plan is approved.
| Notice to the state | Yes To: The school district where the child lives (the superintendent or school committee) When: In advance, and approval must be granted before home schooling begins |
|---|---|
| Subjects | No statewide subject list for home schooling. The district reviews whether the child can make adequate progress in the areas the state identifies as essential. |
| Time | None required by law. Public school structured learning time rules do not apply, though the district reviews duration and frequency of instruction in the plan. |
| Parent qualifications | None required by law. Educator licensing rules for public schools do not apply. |
| Testing or evaluation | No statewide test. Evaluation is part of the plan the district reviews, and the method is set through the district's policy and approval. |
| Records to keep | Not confirmed in our check. Ask the state education department. |
The law: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 76, sec. 1
Other legal routes
Massachusetts law also allows these. We have not confirmed their full rules, so ask the state education department before you choose one.
- Approved private school: Families who enroll their child in a private day school approved by the local school committee.
Leaving public school mid-year
The department says removing a child of compulsory school age without an approved home schooling plan would make the child truant. Notify the district and wait for approval before withdrawing.
Public school sports and activities
No statute was found. The department says districts may, but are not required to, let home schooled students take part in courses, programs, or extracurricular activities, including athletics. Each district decides, and the department does not review those decisions.
After the paperwork
Common questions
Do I have to tell the state I am homeschooling in Massachusetts?
Yes, under the home schooling approved in advance by the local superintendent or school committee route, you notify the school district where the child lives (the superintendent or school committee) in advance, and approval must be granted before home schooling begins.
Is testing required for homeschoolers in Massachusetts?
No statewide test. Evaluation is part of the plan the district reviews, and the method is set through the district's policy and approval.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Massachusetts?
No statewide subject list for home schooling. The district reviews whether the child can make adequate progress in the areas the state identifies as essential.
What ages must be schooled in Massachusetts?
Ages 6 to 16, per state law.
Sources
- Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 76, sec. 1
- Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Home Schooling
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.