Homeschooling in Maine

Compulsory Attendance Ages

Maine requires compulsory school attendance for children ages 6 through 17 under Title 20-A, Section 5001-A. If your child turns 6 during the school year, they are subject to compulsory attendance.

Two Legal Homeschool Options

Maine offers two pathways for homeschooling. The vast majority of families use Option 1 (Home Instruction), which is the standard homeschool route.

Option 1: Home Instruction (Most Common)

This is the primary homeschool pathway in Maine, governed by Title 20-A, Section 5001-A(3)(A)(4). Here are the detailed requirements:

• Notice of Intent: File a written notice simultaneously with your local school superintendent and the Maine Commissioner of Education within 10 calendar days of beginning home instruction. This is a one-time filing -- you do not need to refile annually unless you move to a new school district.
• Required Subjects: You must provide instruction in 10 subject areas (see below).
• Instructional Days: At least 175 days of instruction per year.
• Annual Assessment: Required (see Evaluations section for options).
• Teacher Qualifications: None required.

Required Subjects

Maine requires instruction in the following 10 subject areas. This is one of the more detailed subject lists among states:

1. English and Language Arts
2. Mathematics
3. Science and Technology
4. Social Studies
5. Physical Education
6. Health Education
7. Library Skills
8. Fine Arts
9. Maine Studies (in at least one grade from 6 to 12)
10. Computer Proficiency (demonstrated in at least one grade from 7 to 12)

You have complete freedom in how you teach these subjects -- the state does not prescribe curricula, textbooks, or teaching methods.

Option 2: Equivalent Instruction Program (Private School)

Under this option, homeschooling families join together to function as a private school recognized by the state as providing equivalent instruction. Requirements include:

• The school must employ or have oversight from a certified Maine teacher.
• Students are subject to the school's own assessment and record-keeping policies.
• This option is less common but can be attractive for co-op arrangements.

Withdrawing from Public School

If your child is enrolled in a public school, file your Notice of Intent with the superintendent and the commissioner, then notify the school of your withdrawal. Maine does not have a specific withdrawal form, but put everything in writing and keep copies.

Maine K-12 Education Tax Benefits

Maine offers state-level tax benefits that can help offset homeschool expenses:

• K-12 Education Subtraction: Deduct up to $1,625 per child (grades K-6) or $2,500 per child (grades 7-12) from your Maine taxable income for qualified education expenses. No income limits apply.
• K-12 Education Credit: A refundable credit of 75% of qualifying expenses up to $1,000 per child for families earning under the income threshold (approximately $79,760 for up to two children). This credit applies to curriculum, textbooks, and educational supplies.

Public School Access

One of Maine's most valuable financial "resources" for homeschoolers is the statutory right to access public school programs. Under Maine law, homeschool students can participate in public school cocurricular, extracurricular, and interscholastic activities at no additional cost. This means you can access programs like band, theater, athletics, and specialty classes that would otherwise be expensive to replicate independently.

Federal Financial Resources

• Coverdell ESA: Up to $2,000 per year per child in tax-free savings for K-12 educational expenses.
• 529 Plan: Maine's NextGen 529 plan offers potential state tax benefits. Starting in 2026, federal law allows up to $20,000 per year in tax-free withdrawals for K-12 expenses.
• Federal Scholarship Tax Credit: Up to $1,700 for donations to certified scholarship-granting organizations. Maine would need to pass legislation to certify state-based SGOs for families to fully benefit.

Low-Income Assistance

Families meeting Free or Reduced Lunch income guidelines may qualify for additional homeschool funding assistance [VERIFY]. Maine public libraries also offer extensive free resources including digital curricula, databases, and interlibrary loan services.