Massachusetts Homeschool Laws
Massachusetts has no separate homeschool statute. Instead, the compulsory attendance law lets children be taught in another way approved in advance by the local school committee or superintendent. Families have one option: home education approved by the school district. School is required from the first school year in which a child turns 6 by December 31 until the 16th birthday. First, send your district a notice of intent each year. Then, the district reviews your plan before you begin.
Day to day, the district may look at four things. These are your curriculum and hours, your competency as a teacher, your materials, and your assessment method. You do not need a college degree. Also, teach the subjects the law lists, such as reading, writing, math, history, and health. The district may ask for testing. However, you and the district can agree on progress reports or work samples instead. The law does not require formal records, but keep work samples for any review. Many public schools let homeschoolers join sports under state athletic rules. For full details on each topic, open the sections below.
Children must attend school or be homeschooled from the first school year in which they turn 6 by December 31 until their 16th birthday (HSLDA: Compulsory School Age in Massachusetts).
The compulsory attendance law allows a child to be “otherwise instructed in a manner approved in advance by the superintendent or the school committee” (M.G.L. c. 76, § 1). This is the state’s one homeschool option (HSLDA: Massachusetts Homeschool Laws).
The superintendent or school committee may require periodic standardized tests or, with parental agreement, other evaluation such as periodic progress reports or dated work samples. The method must be mutually agreed upon. Under the state Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Care and Protection of Charles, adequate progress is measured against the “thoroughness, efficiency and progress” of the district’s schools (HSLDA: How to Comply with Massachusetts’ Homeschool Law).
Spelling, reading, writing, English language and grammar, geography, arithmetic, drawing, music, United States history and Constitution, duties of citizenship, health (including CPR), physical education, and good behavior (M.G.L. c. 71, § 1; HSLDA). The law sets no schedule for how often each subject is taught.
Most districts require an annual notice of intent. When reviewing it, the superintendent or school committee may consider (1) the proposed curriculum and hours of instruction, (2) the competency of the parents, (3) the textbooks and other instructional materials, and (4) the assessment method. HSLDA suggests notifying the superintendent at the start of the school year and including a materials list, a short curriculum description, and the instructors’ qualifications (HSLDA).
No explicit legal requirement to keep homeschool records, though an agreed assessment may call for records and work samples (HSLDA).
None (HSLDA).
No teacher certification is required. The district may consider parental competency, but parents do not need college or advanced degrees (HSLDA).
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association allows homeschoolers on public school teams if they comply with the school’s policy (MIAA Handbook Rule 54). Several trial court decisions have required access in particular districts, but they do not apply statewide (HSLDA: Public School Access for Homeschoolers in Massachusetts).
None for homeschoolers, according to HSLDA (HSLDA).
Requirements vary by district because each superintendent or school committee approves home education plans. HSLDA notes that a parent-issued diploma and transcript should be enough to show completion of high school, and recommends keeping records until graduation (HSLDA).
- HSLDA: Massachusetts Homeschool Laws, How to Comply with Massachusetts’ Homeschool Law, Compulsory School Age in Massachusetts, and Public School Access in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Laws c. 76, § 1 (compulsory attendance); c. 71, § 1 (required subjects)
Last reviewed: November 8, 2026
*The information on this page is for general use only. It should not be taken as legal advice. It is believed to be accurate however state and federal laws change every year. Homeschool.net recommends joining an organization such as the Home School Legal Defense Association before your homeschooling adventure begins. HSLDA can provide complete, accurate, legal advice and services for homeschooling families.
Update History
No changes in law noted since this page was first published.