Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in Massachusetts

Here is exactly what Massachusetts 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
Regular instruction
Portfolio
Required
Testing / evaluation
Not required

Massachusetts homeschool requirements

  • Notification: Submit an education plan to your local superintendent or school committee and obtain approval before beginning, each year.
  • Required subjects: Cover Reading, Writing, English, Math, Science, History, Geography, Health.
  • Teacher requirement: No teacher certification is required to teach your own children.
  • Portfolio / records: Maintain records of progress; districts may require periodic progress reports.
  • Testing / evaluation: Districts may require a mutually agreed evaluation - a progress report, portfolio review, or standardized test.
  • 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.

Getting started in Massachusetts

  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 Reading, Writing, English, Math, Science, History, Geography, Health.
  4. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in Massachusetts

Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
Submit an education plan to your local superintendent or school committee and obtain approval before beginning, each year.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
No - there is no teacher-certification requirement.
Is standardized testing required?
No - Massachusetts does not mandate standardized testing.
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 Massachusetts?
Not at present. Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
Massachusetts requires you to cover Reading, Writing, English, Math, Science, History, Geography, Health. Beyond that the choice of curriculum and approach is yours.
How many days or hours of instruction does Massachusetts require?
Massachusetts does not set a specific hours or days requirement for homeschoolers. Keeping a simple record of instruction is still worthwhile if your circumstances change.
Track all of this automatically

Beyond My Books logs your Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts department of education or county superintendent.