Maine's Homeschooling Law

FIRST READ THE STATUTE SUMMARY BELOW.

Then continue your research here:

If you are a member of HSLDA, please check out their Resources for Maine Members page.

 

Statute Summary

Maine Revised Statute

 

Compulsory Attendance Ages: 6 years of age and under 17, or graduated, or 15 with parent and school board permission, or full-time attendance at accredited college with commissioner approval, MRSA tit. 20-A, § 5001-A sub-§§1 and 2.

 

Required Days of Instruction: Notice of intent must provide assurance of 175 days.

 

Required Subjects:

 

English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health education, library skills, fine arts, Maine studies (in one grade between grades 6 and 12), and computer proficiency (in one grade between grades 7 and 12). Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 20-A, § 5001-A(3)(A)(4)(a)(iv).

 

Summary of Homeschool Statute:

 

Maine Revised Statutes Annotated (MRSA) title (tit.) 20-A, §5001-A, sub-§3A.(4). A person is excused from attending school if instructed in a home instruction program meeting the following statutory requirements.

 

Within 10 days of starting home instruction for a student, file a one-time notice of intent with both your local superintendent* and commissioner of education containing:

a. name, signature, and address of the parent or guardian,

b. the name and age of the student,

c. the date home instruction will or did begin,

d. a statement of assurance that instruction will be provided for at least 175 days annually and will cover the subjects listed above, and

e. a statement of assurance that the parents will submit a year-end assessment.

 

Each year thereafter by September 1, submit a subsequent letter to both your local superintendent and state commissioner of education enclosing your year-end assessment (see “Standardized Tests” below) and stating whether you intend to continue the student’s home instruction. MRSA tit. 20-A, § 5001-A, sub-§3.A.(4)(b). By law, parents must keep copies of items submitted until the homeschool program concludes. They must be made available to the commissioner upon request. The confidentiality of all records is protected. MRSA tit. 20-A, § 5001-A, sub-§3.A.(4)(c).

 

Teacher Qualifications: None.

 

Annual Assessment: Students must annually submit the results of an assessment from among the following options:

1. Review and acceptance of progress by: (a) a Maine certified teacher; (b) a homeschool support group that includes for this purpose a Maine certified teacher or administrator who has reviewed a portfolio of the student’s work; or (c) a local advisory board appointed by the superintendent composed of two homeschool teachers and one school official (must be arranged with school system before school year starts).

2. Official results of any national standardized achievement test; or

3. Results of a test developed by local school officials.

 

* Visit the website for your town office to find the correct mailing address for your local superintendent. 

 

Please Note: The Summaries of Maine Homeschooling Options are reproduced by permission from Home School Legal Defense Association, Paeonian Springs, VA 22129. THE ANALYSIS OF BOTH OPTIONS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE GIVING LEGAL ADVICE.

Please contact HOME for more information, questions, and to aid in your understanding of the homeschool options in this state.