Homeschooling in Massachusetts

The Legal Foundation

Homeschooling in Massachusetts is governed by General Laws Chapter 76, Section 1 (MGL c. 76, §1), which provides an exception from mandatory school attendance for "a child who is being otherwise instructed in a manner approved in advance by the superintendent or the school committee." The landmark Care and Protection of Charles case (1987) established the framework courts and school districts use to evaluate homeschool programs, requiring education that is equal in "thoroughness, efficiency, and progress" to that of the local public schools.

Prior Approval Is Required

Unlike many states, Massachusetts requires you to obtain approval before you begin homeschooling. You must submit an education plan to your local superintendent or school committee. Each district has its own policies on approval, so the process and level of scrutiny can vary significantly from one town to the next.

Your education plan should include:

• The subjects you plan to teach and proposed curriculum
• The number of hours of instruction (minimum 900 hours over 180 days)
• Your competency as a parent-teacher (no degree required, but you may be asked about your approach)
• Textbooks and materials you intend to use
• Your proposed method of assessment

The superintendent cannot reject your plan simply because it differs from the public school curriculum. They may evaluate it, but per the Charles decision, they cannot impose requirements that are "too burdensome" on the family.

Required Subjects

Massachusetts law requires instruction in the following areas, matching what public schools are expected to teach:

• Reading
• Writing
• English language and grammar
• Mathematics (arithmetic)
• Geography
• History and Constitution of the United States
• Duties of citizenship
• Health (including CPR instruction)
• Physical education
• Drawing
• Music
• Good behavior

You choose how to cover these subjects. There are no mandated textbooks, curricula, or pacing requirements.

Teacher Qualifications

Massachusetts does not require homeschool parents to hold a teaching certificate, college degree, or any specific credential. The Charles ruling specifically noted that parents do not need college or advanced degrees. However, your superintendent may ask about your qualifications as part of the approval process — this is allowed as long as it is not used as the sole basis for denial.

Notification and Withdrawal

If you are pulling your child from public school, you should submit your education plan and notify the school of your intent to homeschool before withdrawing. Start by contacting your local school district to understand their specific submission process and timeline. Some districts require submission before the start of the school year; others accept plans on a rolling basis.

Hours of Instruction

Massachusetts requires a minimum of 900 hours of instruction over 180 days per school year. This averages to about 5 hours per day, though many homeschool families find that focused one-on-one instruction covers material more efficiently than classroom time.

State Funding: None Available

Massachusetts does not offer any state-funded ESA, voucher, tax credit, or scholarship program for homeschool families. There is no state tax deduction for homeschool expenses, and no public funding flows to families who choose to educate at home. This makes Massachusetts one of the states that asks more of homeschool families in terms of compliance while offering nothing financially in return.

Federal Tax-Advantaged Accounts

Your best financial tools come at the federal level:

• Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) — Save up to $2,000 per child per year tax-free for K–12 expenses including curriculum, books, supplies, tutoring, and computer equipment.
• 529 College Savings Plans — Massachusetts offers a 529 plan (the U.Fund College Investing Plan) with potential state income tax deductions for contributions. Under federal law, up to $10,000 per year may be withdrawn for K–12 tuition expenses.

Proposed Legislation

ESA proposals have surfaced in the Massachusetts legislature periodically, but none have advanced to become law as of early 2026. The political landscape in Massachusetts has generally not favored school-choice expansion, though national trends may create momentum. [VERIFY current status of any ESA or school choice bills in 2026 session]

Extracurricular Access

Access to public school sports and extracurricular activities in Massachusetts is decided at the local district level. The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) permits homeschooled students to participate in MIAA-sponsored activities, but individual member schools retain final say. Some districts are welcoming; others are restrictive. Your best approach is to submit a specific, individual request to your district for the activities your child is interested in.

Homeschool Grants and Scholarships

While state-level financial support is limited, national homeschool organizations occasionally offer curriculum grants and scholarships. Organizations like the Home School Foundation provide assistance to families in financial need. Local homeschool co-ops may also offer group-purchase discounts on curriculum and materials.