Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Massachusetts
This is general guidance based on Massachusetts law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.
Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in Massachusetts. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.
What happens to your child's services
DESE treats homeschooled students similarly to parentally placed private school students. Districts must reserve IDEA Part B proportionate share for equitable services (603 CMR 28.03(1)(e)). This is not equivalent to a full IEP.
Massachusetts provides better access than many states for homeschooling children with special needs. Under IDEA equitable services provisions, districts must reserve funds for parentally placed students (including homeschoolers). Your district must evaluate your child if you suspect a disability. Contact your school district to request an evaluation and discuss available services.
IEP no longer in effect upon withdrawal. Under IDEA equitable services provisions, districts must reserve proportionate IDEA Part B funds for parentally placed private/home-educated students. Districts must evaluate under Child Find. Full IEP-level services are not guaranteed — equitable services may be more limited than public school services.
Federal protections
- ✓Child Find: Your district must evaluate your child for disabilities if you request it, even while homeschooling.
- ✓Proportionate share: The district must set aside a share of federal special education funding for children in private schools, including homeschools.
Primary source: MGL c. 71B, 603 CMR 28.03(1)(e)
How to access services while homeschooling
Dual enrollment
Some districts allow homeschoolers to access special education services on a case-by-case basis.
How to request: Contact your school district's special education office to discuss options.
Child Find
District must locate and evaluate children suspected of having disabilities, including homeschooled children.
How to request: Contact your school district to request an evaluation under M.G.L. c.71B.
M.G.L. c.71B
Equitable services
Under IDEA, districts must reserve proportionate IDEA Part B funds for equitable services to parentally placed private/home-educated students. Not equivalent to a full IEP.
How to request: Contact your school district to request an evaluation and equitable services.
IDEA Section 612(a)(10)(A)
Therapy access
- Speech therapy:
- May be available through equitable services or district discretion
- Occupational therapy:
- May be available through equitable services or district discretion
- Behavioral therapy:
- May be available through equitable services; scope varies by district
Stronger than many states due to M.G.L. c.71B and IDEA equitable services. Care and Protection of Charles (1987) established framework protecting special needs homeschoolers.
Where services are typically delivered: Location varies (school, home, or another setting depending on the service)
Before you withdraw: step by step
These are the steps we recommend before withdrawing from Massachusetts public schools.
- 1
Request copies of all IEP documents and evaluations
- 2
Submit home education plan to superintendent or school committee
- 3
Wait for approval (per Care and Protection of Charles, approval criteria are limited)
- 4
Request a Team meeting to discuss available special education services during homeschooling
Important deadline: Must obtain advance approval of homeschool plan from superintendent or school committee BEFORE beginning home instruction.
Starting mid-year? Approval process takes variable time. Keep child enrolled until plan is approved to avoid truancy issues.
If you want to re-enroll
Homeschooling is not a one-way door. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.
In Massachusetts: 45 school working days from consent to complete evaluation, Team meeting, eligibility determination, and IEP development. Assessments within 30 school working days.
Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need these if you re-enroll.
Know your rights
Some districts push back when families withdraw children with IEPs. Here's what Massachusetts families have encountered and what the law actually says.
The district says: “We cannot approve your homeschool plan because your child has special needs”
The law says: Care and Protection of Charles (399 Mass. 324, 1987) limits approval criteria to four factors. Nothing prohibits homeschooling special needs children.
What to do: Cite Care and Protection of Charles. Contact FCSN or DLC.
The district says: “We need to do a home visit”
The law says: Brunelle v. Lynn (428 Mass. 512, 1998) held that home visits are not presumptively essential and may not be required without parental consent as a condition of approval.
What to do: Decline and cite Brunelle v. Lynn. Offer to meet at a neutral location.
Who to call
You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations help families with special education questions.
Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN)
800-331-0688 · fcsn.org
Parent training and information center
COPAA
copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you
Wrightslaw
wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia
Common questions
Can I homeschool a child with an IEP in Massachusetts?
What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Massachusetts?
Can my child still get therapy through the school if we homeschool in Massachusetts?
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Start the Massachusetts wizardRequirements sourced from M.G.L. c.76 Section 1 (Compulsory Attendance). Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026