Massachusetts Homeschool Documents & Templates

What to file

approval required

Send to

local superintendent of schools or school committee

Deadline

Before beginning homeschool instruction. Returning families typically submit in spring or summer for the upcoming school year. Specific deadlines vary by district.

How often

annual

Free-form letter accepted?

Yes. You can write your own letter instead of using an official form.

Massachusetts requires prior approval, not mere notification. The parent must submit an education plan covering: subjects to be taught, materials to be used, approximate hours of instruction, methods of instruction, qualifications of the instructor (parent), and proposed method of assessment. There is no statewide form; each district has its own process. Until approval is received, the child is technically subject to compulsory attendance at the public school. Requirements vary significantly by district. The superintendent cannot exercise 'unbridled discretion' in approving or disapproving plans (Charles).

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

First-time vs. renewal

Status

Not required, but recommended to prevent truancy concerns

Send to

local school and superintendent's office

No specific homeschool withdrawal statute. Recommended process: (1) submit education plan to superintendent for approval first, (2) receive written approval, (3) then notify the school in writing of withdrawal. Because Massachusetts requires prior approval, withdrawing a child without an approved plan may result in truancy proceedings under M.G.L. c.76 Section 2. Keep copies of all correspondence. Send withdrawal letters via certified mail or obtain written confirmation. Request copies of child's educational records (transcript, test scores, IEP if applicable) per FERPA rights. Mid-year withdrawal is permitted but the family must still obtain approval before starting.

Submit to

local superintendent or school committee

Frequency

annual

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, minimum scores, and remediation details.

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

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

Deadline

Beginning of each school year (annual notice to continue)

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