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Massachusetts · higher regulation

How to Homeschool in Massachusetts

Massachusetts requires PRIOR APPROVAL of your home-education plan by the local school committee/superintendent each year, with progress shown via testing or a portfolio. Approval standards vary by district.

Is homeschooling legal in Massachusetts?

Yes — homeschooling is legal in every U.S. state. Massachusetts is a higher-regulation state, meaning you file a notice and keep up several ongoing duties, such as reports, assessments, and instruction-hour records. Children roughly ages 6–16 must be enrolled in school or a legal homeschool.

How to get started

In Massachusetts, you send a notice to your local school committee / superintendent. Submit your education plan for approval BEFORE starting each year (Care & Protection of Charles outlines what districts may ask). Progress is shown by test or portfolio.

What Massachusetts asks of homeschooling families

Specific deadlines and details can change year to year and vary by district — always confirm the current rules with your district or state.

Primer keeps Massachusetts homeschooling simple

Primer tracks every Massachusetts deadline for you, helps generate the paperwork (notice of intent, attendance and hours logs, and more), and gives your whole family one shared weekly planner — on Mac, iPhone, iPad, and the web.

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A quick, important note. This guide is general information to help you get oriented — it isn't legal advice. Homeschool requirements change and can vary by local school district. Always confirm the current rules with your school district or your state's Department of Education before you file. Last reviewed 2026-06-10.