Massachusetts School Choice Options
Massachusetts has no private school choice program for homeschool families. First, there are no vouchers, education savings accounts, or tax-credit scholarships. The state constitution bars public money for schools that are not publicly owned and controlled. Second, Massachusetts is not on the IRS list for the new federal scholarship tax credit. That list was current as of October 22, 2026. Third, the state’s inter-district school choice program covers public schools only. It lets families enroll in a public school in another town. The sending district pays tuition to the receiving district.
Day to day, homeschool families in Massachusetts pay their own costs. No state program sends money to parents for curriculum, tutoring, or supplies. However, some public school access may be possible. Several court decisions required access in certain districts. Also, state athletic rules let homeschoolers join public school teams under each school’s policy. Class access depends on your district, so ask your superintendent. If you choose a public school in another town, you are no longer homeschooling. We will update this page if new options appear. For full details on each topic, open the sections below.
Massachusetts has none. Article XVIII of the Articles of Amendment, as amended by Articles XLVI and CIII, bars any grant, appropriation, or use of public money to found, maintain, or aid any primary or secondary school that is not publicly owned and under the exclusive control of public officers (Massachusetts Constitution, Article CIII).
Massachusetts does not appear on the IRS list of states that have elected to participate in the federal scholarship tax credit for 2027, as of October 22, 2026 (IRS: FSTC Participating States).
Under G.L. c. 76, § 12B, families may enroll children in a public school in another city or town; the sending district pays tuition to the receiving district. Districts may decline if no space is available. Contact the superintendent of the district you want to attend (Massachusetts DESE: Inter-District School Choice). Homeschoolers: This is public school enrollment, not a homeschool benefit.
No state law grants homeschoolers part-time enrollment; access depends on the district. The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association lets homeschoolers join public school teams if they follow the school’s policy (MIAA Handbook Rule 54), and several trial court decisions required access in particular districts (HSLDA: Public School Access in Massachusetts).
See our Massachusetts Homeschool Laws page for legal requirements.
- Massachusetts Constitution, Articles of Amendment XVIII, XLVI, and CIII
- Massachusetts DESE: Inter-District School Choice
- IRS: Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Participating States (as of October 22, 2026); HSLDA: Public School Access in Massachusetts
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.