Want to learn how to homeschool in Massachusetts? Importantly, the Bay State has more rules than many other states. Essentially, you need approval from your local school committee before you can start. However, don’t worry—thousands of Massachusetts families homeschool each year. If you’re completely new to homeschooling, start with our guide on how to start homeschooling for the basics.
This guide shows you how to homeschool in Massachusetts in 2026. Specifically, you’ll learn about getting approval, required subjects, and staying on track with state rules.
Massachusetts Homeschool Laws at a Glance
Massachusetts is a high-regulation state for homeschooling. Historically, a court case called Care and Protection of Charles (1987) set the rules that still apply today. Consequently, this case is often called the “Charles case.” For comparison, check our list of the easiest states to homeschool to see how Massachusetts compares.
The good news? Fortunately, the Charles case also protects your rights as a homeschool parent. Indeed, it sets limits on what school districts can ask from you.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal with prior approval |
| Notification | Must get approval BEFORE starting |
| Who Approves | Local school committee or superintendent |
| Required Subjects | Yes (see list below) |
| Testing | May be required by your district |
| Record Keeping | Recommended but not required by law |
| Compulsory Ages | 6-16 years old |
How to Get Approved to Homeschool in Massachusetts
Most states let you file a simple notice. However, Massachusetts is different. Essentially, you must get approval first. Therefore, here’s how to do it step by step.
Step 1: Contact Your School District
Call or email your school superintendent’s office. Specifically, ask about their homeschool approval process. Importantly, each district does things a bit differently. Indeed, some use formal applications. Alternatively, others want a simple letter.
Ask these questions:
- First, what format do you want for my homeschool plan?
- Also, how long does approval take?
- Additionally, what specific things do you need from me?
- Finally, who is the contact person for homeschool matters?
Write down the answers. Indeed, having this info in writing helps if there’s confusion later.
Step 2: Write Your Education Plan
Your plan must show that your program is “equal in thoroughness and efficiency” to public school. Initially, that sounds scary, but it’s not hard. Specifically, based on the Charles case, your plan should cover:
- First, Subjects – What you will teach
- Also, Materials – Books and resources you will use
- Additionally, Schedule – Hours per day and days per year
- Furthermore, Teacher info – Your background and teaching approach
- Finally, Assessment – How you will check your child’s progress
Keep it simple. Importantly, you don’t need to list every textbook. Similarly, you don’t need daily lesson plans. Essentially, just show you have a solid plan.
Many families write a one to two page letter. Alternatively, others use a simple outline format. Therefore, pick what works for you.
Step 3: Submit Your Plan
Send your education plan to the school district. Importantly, some districts review plans at school committee meetings. Alternatively, others let the superintendent decide alone. Therefore, your district will tell you their process.
Keep copies of everything. Additionally, write down the date you sent it. Indeed, email is great because it creates a paper trail.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
The district should respond in a reasonable time. Fortunately, if they approve you, you’ll get written confirmation. Consequently, then you can start!
If they ask for changes, work with them. However, be polite but firm. Importantly, they cannot ask for more than the law allows. For example, they cannot demand home visits or pick your curriculum.
Most families get approved on their first try. However, if you run into problems, reach out to local homeschool groups. Indeed, they often know how your specific district works.
Step 5: Start Homeschooling
Once approved, begin teaching. Additionally, keep records of what you do. Furthermore, track your child’s progress. Indeed, this helps if you need to show your work later.
You’ll need to renew your approval each school year. Typically, most districts want an annual update or new education plan. Fortunately, this is usually simpler than your first submission.
Required Subjects in Massachusetts
Massachusetts says you must teach certain subjects. Therefore, your program should include:
- First, Reading
- Also, Writing
- Additionally, English language and grammar
- Furthermore, Mathematics
- Moreover, Geography
- Similarly, History (U.S. history, Constitution, and government)
- Likewise, Science
- Then, Good citizenship
- Next, Physical education
- Additionally, Health (including CPR and AED training at some point)
- Also, Music
- Finally, Art/Drawing
You decide how to teach these subjects. Indeed, many families mix subjects together. For example, a history project can include reading, writing, and art. Similarly, a nature walk covers science and PE.
There’s no set curriculum you must use. Consequently, you can pick textbooks, online courses, or hands-on learning. Indeed, many families mix different approaches based on what works for each child.
Testing and Assessment Rules
Your school district may want to check your child’s progress. Therefore, they can ask for assessment, but you have options:
- First, Standardized tests – The same tests public school kids take
- Also, Portfolio review – Showing samples of your child’s work
- Additionally, Progress reports – Written summaries of what your child learned
- Finally, Other methods – Anything you and the district agree on
The district cannot force one specific method. Indeed, many families choose portfolio reviews. Consequently, they often work better than tests for homeschoolers.
If your district wants testing, ask about options. Fortunately, you may be able to use a different test than public schools use. Additionally, some families hire professional evaluators to review their portfolios.
Your Rights: What Districts Cannot Require
The Charles case protects homeschool families. Therefore, school districts cannot:
- First, visit your home before approving you
- Also, tell you which books to use
- Additionally, require you to have a teaching degree
- Furthermore, demand detailed daily lesson plans
- Finally, add requirements beyond state law
If a district asks for too much, push back. Specifically, cite the Charles case. Additionally, contact HSLDA for help if needed. Fortunately, most districts follow the rules once you know your rights.
Leaving Public School to Homeschool
Is your child in public school now? Therefore, here’s how to switch:
- First, send your homeschool plan to the district
- Then, wait for approval (very important!)
- Next, once approved, tell the school you’re withdrawing your child
- Finally, get copies of your child’s school records
Warning: Don’t pull your child out before you get approval. Otherwise, you could face truancy charges. Therefore, be patient and do it right.
If you’re leaving mid-year, explain this in your education plan. Fortunately, districts understand that families sometimes need to make changes during the school year.
Record Keeping Tips
Massachusetts doesn’t list exact records you must keep. However, good records help you. Indeed, they prove what you’re doing if anyone asks. Therefore, keep these:
- First, Attendance – Which days you did school
- Also, Curriculum list – Books and resources you used
- Additionally, Work samples – Papers, projects, and tests
- Furthermore, Test scores – If you do testing
- Finally, Activity logs – Field trips, sports, and clubs
Save records for several years. Importantly, high school records are especially important for college. Indeed, many families keep everything until their child turns 21.
You can use a simple binder, a digital folder, or a homeschool record-keeping app. Therefore, pick a system you’ll actually use.
High School and Getting a Diploma
Massachusetts homeschoolers can get a parent-issued diploma. Indeed, this is legal and works for most purposes. Therefore, for college:
- First, keep detailed high school transcripts
- Also, have your child take the SAT or ACT
- Additionally, look into dual enrollment at community colleges
- Finally, document activities and volunteer work
Massachusetts colleges accept homeschool students. Indeed, they know how to review homeschool applications. Consequently, many homeschoolers go on to top schools in the state and across the country.
You can create transcripts yourself or use a template. Specifically, include courses, grades, and credits. Additionally, some families use 4.0 scale grades. Alternatively, others use pass/fail or narrative evaluations.
Types of Homeschooling in Massachusetts
Traditional Home Education
This is what most people mean by “homeschooling.” Essentially, you teach your kids at home. Additionally, you submit a plan for approval. Furthermore, you do the teaching yourself or hire tutors.
Virtual Public Schools
Massachusetts has online public school options like TECCA and Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School. However, these are not homeschools. Essentially, your child is enrolled in public school but learns at home. Consequently, they follow state curriculum and testing.
Private School at Home
Some families register as a private school. Importantly, this has different rules. Indeed, it can offer more freedom but requires more paperwork. Consequently, most families choose regular homeschooling instead.
Massachusetts Homeschool Resources
State Organizations
- First, HSLDA Massachusetts – Legal help and state law info
- Also, Massachusetts Department of Education – Official state requirements
- Finally, MassHOPE – State homeschool support group with annual convention
Local Support Groups
Massachusetts has homeschool groups in every region:
- First, Greater Boston – Many groups, both secular and religious
- Also, Western Mass – Pioneer Valley homeschool networks
- Additionally, Cape Cod – Coastal homeschool communities
- Finally, Central Mass – Worcester-area support groups
Search Facebook or ask MassHOPE for groups near you. Indeed, local families are your best resource for district-specific advice.
Co-ops and Classes
Many areas have homeschool co-ops. Essentially, kids take group classes and do activities together. Additionally, some school districts let homeschoolers join sports or special classes. Therefore, ask your district about their policy.
Community colleges, museums, and recreation centers often have programs for homeschoolers too.
Special Situations
Military Families
Hanscom Air Force Base brings military families to Massachusetts. Importantly, the state’s approval-based system requires planning ahead when relocating. Therefore, contact your new school district before you arrive to learn their specific process. Additionally, submit your education plan early so you can start teaching without delay.
Military families should keep thorough records even beyond what Massachusetts requires. Indeed, your next duty station may have different rules, and comprehensive documentation makes transitions between states smoother for your children.
Dual Enrollment
Massachusetts community colleges offer dual enrollment opportunities for homeschool high schoolers. Specifically, Bunker Hill Community College, Bristol Community College, and MassBay Community College have experience working with homeschool students. Therefore, contact admissions offices to learn about eligibility requirements and course options. Indeed, dual enrollment credits can transfer to four-year universities, giving your student a head start on college.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool in Massachusetts?
No. Fortunately, you don’t need any degree or certification. Indeed, any parent can homeschool their children.
Can my homeschooled child play public school sports?
Maybe. Essentially, each district makes its own rules. Indeed, some let homeschoolers join teams. However, others don’t. Therefore, call your district and ask about their policy.
What if the school district says no?
First, ask why in writing. Then fix the issues and resubmit. However, if they’re being unfair, contact HSLDA for help. Fortunately, true denials are rare if your plan is reasonable.
How long does approval take?
It varies. Typically, some districts respond in two weeks. However, others take a month or more. Therefore, submit early so you can start on time.
How many hours per day do I need to teach?
Massachusetts doesn’t set exact hours. Essentially, your program should be similar to public school in time and effort. Typically, most families do 3-5 hours of focused work per day.
Start Your Massachusetts Homeschool Journey
Massachusetts has more rules than some states. However, thousands of families handle the process every year. Indeed, you can too.
Here’s your first step: Therefore, contact your school district. Specifically, ask about their approval process. Additionally, while you wait, connect with local homeschool families. Indeed, they can share tips about your specific district.
Once you’re approved, you’ll have the freedom to give your child an education that fits their needs. Ultimately, that freedom is worth the extra paperwork.
Curious how Massachusetts compares to other states? Therefore, check out our guides to homeschooling in Texas and homeschooling in Florida for states with minimal requirements, or explore homeschooling in New York for another nearby state with similar oversight levels. You might also be interested in homeschooling in Connecticut and homeschooling in Rhode Island, both neighboring New England states with different regulatory approaches.
Official Resources
- First, Massachusetts Department of Education – Homeschool Page
- Also, HSLDA Massachusetts Homeschool Laws
- Finally, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 76, Section 1 – The law covering homeschool rights
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