Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in Maine

Here is exactly what Maine requires to homeschool legally - how to notify (if needed), what records to keep, testing rules, and how to get started.

Last updated June 2026

Notice required
Required
Instructional days
175 hrs/year
Portfolio
Not required
Testing / evaluation
Required

Maine homeschool requirements

  • Notification: Submit written notice to your local superintendent before beginning and each September thereafter. Superintendent issues a certificate of approval.
  • Required subjects: Cover English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, PE, Library Skills.
  • Teacher requirement: No teacher certification is required to teach your own children.
  • Portfolio / records: No portfolio is required by the state, though keeping records is recommended.
  • Testing / evaluation: Annual assessment required in grade 3 and every other year thereafter (5, 7, 9, etc.). Multiple assessment options available.
  • Recordkeeping: No retention period is set by the state; keep records organized year to year.

Key dates & deadlines

At the start of the yearFile your required notification with the district or state.
AnnuallyRenew your notification and complete the required assessment.

Getting started in Maine

  1. File your required notification with your district or the state (see requirements above).
  2. Set up simple records: a log of instruction and samples of your child’s work.
  3. Choose curriculum covering English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, PE, Library Skills.
  4. Plan for the required annual assessment or evaluation.
  5. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in Maine

Maine does not currently run a state scholarship or education savings account program that homeschool families can use. Families here typically fund curriculum and materials themselves, which makes keeping clean purchase records useful at tax time and if the state's rules change.

Official resources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in Maine?
Submit written notice to your local superintendent before beginning and each September thereafter. Superintendent issues a certificate of approval.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
No - there is no teacher-certification requirement.
Is standardized testing required?
Annual assessment required in grade 3 and every other year thereafter (5, 7, 9, etc.). Multiple assessment options available.
How long should I keep records?
No retention period is mandated, but keeping thorough records is strongly recommended.
Is there scholarship or ESA funding for homeschoolers in Maine?
Not at present. Maine has no state scholarship or education savings account program open to homeschool families, though families still commonly track purchases for their own budgeting.
What subjects must I teach in Maine?
Maine requires you to cover English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, PE, Library Skills. Beyond that the choice of curriculum and approach is yours.
How many days or hours of instruction does Maine require?
Maine expects about 175 hours of instruction a year. Logging lessons as you go is far easier than reconstructing the total later.
Track all of this automatically

Beyond My Books logs your Maine instructional days, required subjects, portfolio, and deadlines - and warns you before anything is due.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change - verify current requirements with your Maine department of education or county superintendent.