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Homeschool laws · Maine

How to homeschool in Maine

The September 1 letter and assessment go in together.

Checked November 2026 against the HSLDA summary for Maine. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you file.

Maine requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

Yes, every year. A notice of intent to the local superintendent within 10 days of starting, then every year by September 1 a letter of intent to continue with the year-end assessment.

Minimum school time

175 days a year.

Required subjects

English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical and health education, library skills, fine arts, Maine studies (one year in grades 6–12) and computer proficiency (one year in grades 7–12).

Parent qualifications

None for home instruction.

Testing or evaluation

A year-end assessment by September 1: a standardized test, a local school test, or a letter from a Maine-certified teacher or an advisory board.

Records to keep

Copies of the notice, the yearly letters and the assessments.

Compulsory school ages

6–17

Legal ways to homeschool in Maine

  • Home instruction
  • Recognized private school (REPS)

Each option has its own rules. The table above mainly describes the first option listed; read the source before choosing.

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    File your notice

    A notice of intent to the local superintendent within 10 days of starting, then every year by September 1 a letter of intent to continue with the year-end assessment.

    Write the letter of intent
  2. 02

    Plan 175 school days

    175 days a year. Pick your start date and breaks, and the calendar shows the exact day you reach 175 days.

    Plan the school year
  3. 03

    Track attendance as you go

    Records Maine asks for: copies of the notice, the yearly letters and the assessments. Even where nothing is required, a dated log protects you if you move, return to school or apply to college.

    Open the attendance tracker
  4. 04

    Plan the test or evaluation

    A year-end assessment by September 1: a standardized test, a local school test, or a letter from a Maine-certified teacher or an advisory board.

    Log test scores
  5. 05

    Keep everything in one place

    Attendance, report cards, reading and field trip logs, test scores and work samples, in the order an evaluator or a school district usually asks for them.

    See the Records Binder

Maine homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Maine?

A notice of intent to the local superintendent within 10 days of starting, then every year by September 1 a letter of intent to continue with the year-end assessment.

How many days do you have to homeschool in Maine?

175 days a year.

What subjects are required in Maine?

English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical and health education, library skills, fine arts, Maine studies (one year in grades 6–12) and computer proficiency (one year in grades 7–12).

Does Maine require testing for homeschoolers?

A year-end assessment by September 1: a standardized test, a local school test, or a letter from a Maine-certified teacher or an advisory board.

Do parents need a teaching certificate in Maine?

None for home instruction.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for Maine and your state’s own education department page, and compare all 50 states in our homeschool laws by state guide.

Homeschool laws in other states