Skip to content
homeHQT

Homeschool laws · Massachusetts

How to homeschool in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is one of the few states where the district approves the plan.

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

Massachusetts requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

Yes, every year. A yearly notice of intent (a home education plan) to the local superintendent before you start, with the curriculum, hours, materials, your qualifications and an assessment method. The district reviews and approves it.

Minimum school time

None fixed by statute; the district reviews the hours you propose.

Required subjects

Spelling, reading, writing, English grammar, geography, arithmetic, drawing, music, US history and Constitution, citizenship, health (including CPR), physical education and good behavior.

Parent qualifications

None formally; the district may consider parental competency.

Testing or evaluation

An assessment method agreed with the district: standardized tests, or with your consent progress reports or dated work samples.

Records to keep

None by law beyond what your assessment method needs.

Compulsory school ages

6–16

Legal ways to homeschool in Massachusetts

  • Home instruction approved by the district

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    File your notice

    A yearly notice of intent (a home education plan) to the local superintendent before you start, with the curriculum, hours, materials, your qualifications and an assessment method. The district reviews and approves it.

    Write the letter of intent
  2. 02

    Plan your school year

    None fixed by statute; the district reviews the hours you propose. A planned calendar still makes the year easier to keep on track.

    Plan the school year
  3. 03

    Track attendance as you go

    Records Massachusetts asks for: none by law beyond what your assessment method needs. 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

    An assessment method agreed with the district: standardized tests, or with your consent progress reports or dated work samples.

    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

Massachusetts homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Massachusetts?

A yearly notice of intent (a home education plan) to the local superintendent before you start, with the curriculum, hours, materials, your qualifications and an assessment method. The district reviews and approves it.

How many days do you have to homeschool in Massachusetts?

None fixed by statute; the district reviews the hours you propose.

What subjects are required in Massachusetts?

Spelling, reading, writing, English grammar, geography, arithmetic, drawing, music, US history and Constitution, citizenship, health (including CPR), physical education and good behavior.

Does Massachusetts require testing for homeschoolers?

An assessment method agreed with the district: standardized tests, or with your consent progress reports or dated work samples.

Do parents need a teaching certificate in Massachusetts?

None formally; the district may consider parental competency.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for Massachusetts 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