Maine's Homeschooling Law

FIRST READ THE HOMESCHOOL STATUTE SUMMARY BELOW.

Then continue your research here:

• STEPS TO COMPLY with the Homeschool Statute
• Letters of Intent
• Find out some of the myths about Maine's homeschool law.
• Read the full Maine Homeschool Statute. 
• Maine Learning Results 
• Compulsory attendance and enrollment questions
• Required subjects at the high school level 
• Is a specific school year required? No. Read MAINE: 175 Days and Counting. 
• Read about Public School Access. 
• Learn about Copyright Law!
• Special Education Services 
• Immunizations 

If you are a member of HSLDA, please check out their Resources for Maine Members page.

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. Find out where your student falls in the chart below. You may be surprised!  

Maine Revised Statute

Compulsory Attendance Ages: 6 years of age and under 17, or graduated, or 15 with parent and school board permission, or full-time attendance at accredited college with commissioner approval, MRSA tit. 20-A, § 5001-A sub-§§1 and 2.

Required Days of Instruction: Notice of intent must provide assurance of 175 days.

Required Subjects:

English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health education, library skills, fine arts, Maine studies (in one grade between grades 6 and 12), and computer proficiency (in one grade between grades 7 and 12). Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 20-A, § 5001-A(3)(A)(4)(a)(iv).

Summary of Homeschool Statute:

Maine Revised Statutes Annotated (MRSA) title (tit.) 20-A, §5001-A, sub-§3A.(4). A person is excused from attending school if instructed in a home instruction program meeting the following statutory requirements.

Within 10 days of starting home instruction for a student, file a one-time notice of intent with your local superintendent containing:

a. name, signature, and address of the parent or guardian,

b. the name and age of the student,

c. the date home instruction will or did begin,

d. a statement of assurance that instruction will be provided for at least 175 days annually and will cover the subjects listed above, and

e. a statement of assurance that the parents will submit a year-end assessment.

Each year thereafter by September 1, submit a subsequent letter to your local superintendent enclosing your year-end assessment (see “Standardized Tests” below) and stating whether you intend to continue the student’s home instruction. MRSA tit. 20-A, § 5001-A, sub-§3.A.(4)(b). By law, parents must keep copies of items submitted until the homeschool program concludes. They must be made available to the commissioner upon request. The confidentiality of all records is protected. MRSA tit. 20-A, § 5001-A, sub-§3.A.(4)(c).

Teacher Qualifications: None.

Annual Assessment: Students must annually submit the results of an assessment from among the following options:

1. Review and acceptance of progress by: (a) a Maine certified teacher; (b) a homeschool support group that includes for this purpose a Maine certified teacher or administrator who has reviewed a portfolio of the student’s work; or (c) a local advisory board appointed by the superintendent composed of two homeschool teachers and one school official (must be arranged with school system before school year starts).

2. Official results of any national standardized achievement test; or

3. Results of a test developed by local school officials.

* Visit the website for your town office to find the correct mailing address for your local superintendent. 

Please Note: The summary above has been reproduced with permission from Home School Legal Defense Association, Purcellville, VA. ANALYSIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE GIVING OF LEGAL ADVICE.

Please contact HOME for more information, questions, and to aid in your understanding of the Maine homeschool statute.