Massachusetts homeschool requirements
Massachusetts requires prior approval of the home-education plan from the local school committee or superintendent before starting; specific requirements (subjects, hours, progress evaluation) are set district by district under state case law.
Program
United States — Massachusetts · Massachusetts Home Education (Prior Approval)
What the Massachusetts process looks like
1.Establish the program
Submit an education plan for approval
Before beginning, submit a proposed education plan to the local superintendent/school committee for approval. Districts commonly ask for the curriculum outline, instructor, hours/days, and how progress will be evaluated.
Withdraw from prior school (if applicable)
Withdraw the child from any current school once approval is obtained.
2.During the year
Follow the approved plan
Teach the approved subjects and keep the records the district's approval specifies (often a portfolio and/or periodic progress reports).
3.End of year
Provide the agreed progress evaluation
Provide the year-end evaluation the district requires — commonly a standardized test, portfolio review, or progress report. The exact form is district-specific.
Sources · Last reviewed 2026-07
Take the Massachusetts checklist with you
The same phases and tasks as a one-page PDF you can print, plus the app that tracks them for you.