Homeschooling in Maine
Annual Notice and Assessment
Homeschooling in Maine is defined as 'Home Instruction.' Parents must notify the state and local superintendent annually and submit proof of academic progress at the end of each year. While there are subject requirements, parents have significant freedom in choosing curriculum and methods.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
10
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Must file Notice of Intent annually by September 1
- Must provide 175 days of instruction
- Annual assessment required (test or portfolio)
- Specific subjects must be taught
Legal Framework
Maine's home instruction statute (20-A M.R.S. § 5001-A(3)(A)(4)) allows parents to educate their children at home provided they meet notification and assessment requirements.
Required Subjects
Curriculum choice is up to the parent.
English and Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies
Physical Education
Health Education
Library Skills
Fine Arts
Maine Studies (once in grades 6-12)
Computer Proficiency (once in grades 7-12)
Filing Requirements
What to file
Notice of Intent to Provide Home Instruction
When
Initial: Within 10 days of starting. Subsequent years: By September 1 (with prior year's assessment)
Where
Local superintendent AND Maine Department of Education
How to submit
Mail or deliver
What to include
- • Letter of intent
- • Prior year's annual assessment (for renewals)
175 days instruction required. Annual assessment required: standardized test OR portfolio review by Maine Certified Teacher. By withdrawing, you generally lose IEP special education services. Sports access requires superintendent approval.
Testing Requirements
Required: Yes
Frequency: Annually
Grades: All
Annual assessment required. Can be a standardized test (like CAT, Iowa, Stanford) OR a portfolio review by a Maine certified teacher. Results must be submitted to the superintendent and state by September 1.
How to Get Started
- 1
Submit Notice of Intent
File a written Notice of Intent (NOI) to provide home instruction. This must be submitted to BOTH your local school superintendent AND the Maine Department of Education.
- •Complete the Notice of Intent form or write a letter
- •Include child's name, age, residence, and start date
- •Assure that you will provide 175 days of instruction in required subjects
Tip: If this is your first year, you do not need to submit assessment results yet. Assessment starts after the first year.By September 1 (or within 10 days of withdrawing from school)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Assessment flexibility (test or portfolio)
- ✓Full control over curriculum
- ✓Access to public school activities (subject to local approval)
Cons
- •Dual reporting (Local and State)
- •Annual assessment submission required
- •Specific subject requirements including Maine Studies
Sports & Activities
**Allowed but Not Guaranteed**. Maine law allows access to public school classes and sports (Course/Co-curricular), but it is subject to the local superintendent's approval and space availability.
Track Maine compliance with Starpath
Free portfolio and compliance tracker tailored to Maine's requirements. Log learning, track hours, and generate reports, all in one place.
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · ME homeschool law guide