Sun Journal Offers a Quick Guide to Homeschooling in Maine
Local Homeschool News: Maine
Thinking about homeschooling in Maine? The Sun Journal published a step-by-step guide for new families this summer (Sun Journal).
The guide explains Maine’s two legal options. Under home instruction, the parent directs the program and meets state requirements. Under the second option, a student enrolls in a private school the state recognizes as providing equivalent instruction. These are often called umbrella schools.
Home instruction families file a Notice of Intent within 10 calendar days. Each year after, they file again with an annual assessment by September 1. They provide at least 175 days of instruction in the required subjects, including Maine studies in one grade from 6 to 12.
The guide suggests families compare umbrella schools carefully, since tuition, services, and graduation rules vary. It also suggests requesting records in writing when withdrawing from school. Then families can focus on what homeschooling is really about: curriculum, meaningful learning, and family time.
For details, see our Maine Homeschool Laws page and our Maine Pending Homeschool Legislation post.
Sources:
- Rebecca Richard, “Homeschooling in Maine: A quick guide to getting started,” Sun Journal, July 24, 2026