Massachusetts Homeschool Deadlines & Calendar

Initial filing deadline

Before beginning instruction (approval required before start)

Annual renewal deadline

Beginning of each school year (annual notice to continue)

Send to

local superintendent of schools or school committee

M.G.L. c.76 Section 1; Care and Protection of Charles, 399 Mass. 324 (1987)

Frequency

annual

Submit to

local superintendent or school committee

Assessment of progress is required as part of the approval/re-approval process, but the method varies by district and must be mutually agreed upon between the family and district (Charles, Brunelle). School committees may NOT require standardized testing as the exclusive means of evaluation (Charles). Common methods: standardized testing (ITBS, Stanford, CAT, MAP), portfolio review, narrative evaluation by a licensed teacher or qualified professional, written progress report by the parent, or a combination. Home visits for evaluation may NOT be required (Brunelle). Homeschooled students are not required to take the MCAS.

See our full assessment guide for Massachusetts for accepted test types and scoring details.

M.G.L. c.76 Section 1; Care and Protection of Charles, 399 Mass. 324 (1987)

Progress reports

annual reports to local superintendent or school committee

Annual renewal

Required each year

Primary reporting obligation is the annual re-approval process: submit a new or updated education plan for the upcoming year, plus evidence of previous year's progress through the agreed-upon assessment method. Some districts also require mid-year check-ins or progress reports. Some districts require notification if the curriculum plan changes significantly during the year. All reporting is to the local superintendent or school committee -- there is no state-level reporting to DESE. Renewal deadlines vary by district.

M.G.L. c.76 Section 1