When it comes to educating our children, we have options! In Maine, public schools, public charter schools, approved private schools, equivalent instruction private schools, and homeschools (home instruction) all come under their own unique and separate legal and regulatory requirements. This helps to clarify differences and keep the definitions clear. Find out where your student falls in the chart below. You may be surprised!
YOUR CHILD IS LEGALLY A HOMESCHOOLED STUDENT IF:
You have filed the homeschooling Notice of Intent (first year)
OR
the Subsequent Letter with required annual assessment attached (in subsequent years after the first year).
Notice of Intent requires a written assurance that the family is providing instruction in all the required subjects for homeschoolers listed in the compulsory attendance law, that they will provide annual assessments, and that 175 days of school will be provided.
YOUR CHILD IS LEGALLY A PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENT IF:
You have enrolled your child in an approved private school
OR
an equivalent instruction private school in Maine.
All approved private schools must file a certificate with the public school superintendent in the district or town of the child's residence, stating the name and address of the child and parents, and stating that the child is enrolled in the approved private school.
Almost all equivalent instruction private schools also file this certificate.
YOUR CHILD IS LEGALLY A PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENT IF:
You have enrolled your child in a public day school
OR
You have enrolled your child in a public charter school (including virtual online public charter schools).
YOUR CHILD IS TRUANT IF:
You have not filed the initial homeschooling Notice of Intent and/or Subsequent Letter to continue homeschooling. (Subsequent letter must be accompanied by the required annual assessment.)
OR
You have not enrolled your child in a public school OR a public charter school (including a virtual or online public charter school) OR an approved private school OR an equivalent instruction private school.
OR
You have enrolled your child in a public day school, a public charter school (including an online public charter school), or a private school in Maine, BUT the child it not attending regularly or has never attended.