Homeschooling in Massachusetts
District Approval Required
Homeshooling in Massachusetts is regulated by case law, specifically the landmark 'Care and Protection of Charles' decision. This ruling established that while school committees have the authority to approve homeschool programs, they cannot set unreasonable standards. You must verify that your instruction equals that of the public schools in 'thoroughness and efficiency'.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
12
required
Notification
No
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Must submit an Educational Plan for approval BEFORE starting
- District must approve properly qualified plans
- Annual evaluation required (standardized test OR portfolio)
- Subjects include History, Civics, Health, and CPR
Legal Framework
There is no specific homeschool statute. The legal basis comes from the compulsory attendance law (G.L. c. 76, § 1) and the 'Care and Protection of Charles' (1987) court decision.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Massachusetts
The Waldorf Map lists 6 schools and 2 kindergartens and playgroups in Massachusetts, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Berkshire Waldorf High School, Stockbridge
- Berkshire Waldorf School, Great Barrington
- Hartsbrook School, Hadley
- Merrohawke Nature School, Boxford
Required Subjects
Curriculum choice is up to the parent, but must cover these subjects.
Reading
Writing
English Language and Grammar
Geography
Arithmetic
Drawing
Music
US History and Constitution
Duties of Citizenship
Health (including CPR)
Physical Education
Good Behavior
Filing Requirements
What to file
Home Education Plan (no official form - parent drafted)
When
Must be approved BEFORE withdrawing (no specific date, but get approval first)
Where
Local superintendent or school committee
How to submit
Submit plan for approval
What to include
- • Curriculum outline
- • Materials list
- • Teaching methods
- • Instructor qualifications
**HIGH REGULATION**: Per 'Care and Protection of Charles' decision, districts CANNOT arbitrarily deny, but CAN ask for revisions. Annual evaluation required (test or portfolio - you CAN refuse standardized test). 8+ mandatory subjects. MIAA sports is discretionary.
Testing Requirements
Required: Yes
Frequency: Annually
Grades: All
An annual evaluation is required. The method must be agreed upon in your plan. Common options: Standardized Test, Portfolio Review, or Progress Report.
How to Get Started
- 1
Draft Education Plan
Create a document outlining your curriculum, materials, teaching methods, and instructor qualifications.
- •List subjects to be taught
- •List textbooks and materials
- •Describe parents' qualifications (e.g., 'Competent to teach')
- •Propose an annual evaluation method (e.g., year-end portfolio)
Tip: Use the 'Charles' language: your instruction equals the public schools in 'thoroughness and efficiency'. - 2
Submit for Approval
Send your plan to the superintendent/school committee.
- •Submit via certified mail
- •Wait for approval letter
Tip: If the school asks for more info, you are generally required to provide it, but they cannot demand home visits.Prior to starting school year (ideally summer)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Strong legal precedents protect rights
- ✓Flexible evaluation methods
- ✓High quality standards
Cons
- •Requires prior approval
- •Subject to local district whims
- •High burden of proof if plan is rejected
Sports & Activities
**Discretionary / MIAA**. Access is **not guaranteed**. The MIAA allows homeschoolers to play *if* the principal approves, but many superintendents/principals say no or require enrollment in classes.
Questions about homeschooling in Massachusetts
Can the school require home visits?
No. The court case 'Brunelle v. Lynn Public Schools' established that home visits are not required for approval.
What if they reject my plan?
They must give you a reason and an opportunity to correct it. The burden of proof is on *them* to show your plan is inadequate.
Do I have to use the school's textbooks?
No. You can choose your own materials, but the school may ask what they are.
Get Massachusetts’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our Massachusetts page changes
Leave your email and you’ll get the checklist link straight away. You’ll also be on the list for news when our Massachusetts page changes. You can stop the emails any time.
Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Keep your Massachusetts records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Massachusetts tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · MA homeschool law guide