In Maine, parents have two primary paths to provide homeschooling for their children: home instruction and private schooling. Each option has specific requirements to follow. Here’s a breakdown of the choices:
Option 1: Homeschooling Under Maine’s Home Instruction
If you decide to homeschool your child through home instruction, you’ll need to adhere to the following steps:
- File a One-Time Notice of Intent
- Send a written notice of intent to your local school superintendent within 10 days of starting homeschooling.
- Include details such as the parent or guardian’s name, address, and signature; student’s name and age; start date of instruction; commitment to 175 days of instruction; required subject coverage; and submission of year-end assessment.
- Retain a copy for your records, as it may be requested by the commissioner of education.
- Send an Annual Letter
- By September 1 each year, send a letter to the local school superintendent.
- The letter must include the student’s year-end assessment and a statement of intent to continue homeschooling.
- Keep copies of each annual letter and year-end assessment.
- Provide Required Days of Instruction and Teach Required Subjects
- Instruction must cover 175 days annually.
- Subjects include: English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical and health education, library skills, fine arts, Maine studies (between grades 6 and 12), and computer proficiency (between grades 7 and 12).
- Submit a Year-End Assessment
- Options for assessment include standardized test results, a test developed by local school officials, or a letter from a certified teacher or advisory board.
- Submit this assessment by September 1st and keep a copy for your records.
Option 2: Homeschooling as a Student of a Private School
Maine law allows for homeschooling through enrollment in a private school recognized as providing equivalent instruction. This involves:
- Joining or Forming a Recognized Private School
- Parents can band together to create a school recognized by the state.
- Instruction must include: English (reading, writing, spelling, grammar), math, science, American history, Maine history and geography, government (including citizenship), health education, and fine arts.
Choosing the right option will depend on your family’s preferences and educational goals.
Helpful Links – Official Maine Homeschool Law Pages
Home Instruction Requirements, Forms & Laws
