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Massachusetts Homeschool Requirements Detailed regulation
What Massachusetts requires from homeschool families — notification, subjects, hours, testing, and portfolio rules — with links to the current law. This is the same state data FolioKid uses to build your portfolio template.
- Governing law: M.G.L. c.76 § 1
- Required subjects: Reading, Writing, English Language and Grammar, Mathematics, Science, History (including U.S. History and U.S. Constitution), Geography, Civics / Good Citizenship (elementary grades; some states vary by grade)
Massachusetts requires prior written approval from the local superintendent or school committee before each school year. Assessment method is at the district's discretion (test, portfolio review, written evaluation, or other). See Care and Protection of Charles, 399 Mass. 324 (1987).
Official Massachusetts sources
- 📜 M.G.L. c. 76, § 1 — the statute itself
- 🏛️ Massachusetts DESE — Home Schooling
- 🔎 HSLDA — Massachusetts homeschool law summary
Massachusetts homeschool FAQ
What law governs homeschooling in Massachusetts?
Homeschooling in Massachusetts is governed by M.G.L. c.76 § 1. Massachusetts requires prior written approval from the local superintendent or school committee before each school year. Assessment method is at the district's discretion (test, portfolio review, written evaluation, or other). See Care and Protection of Charles, 399 Mass. 324 (1987). Always verify current requirements with your state department of education.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts requires: Reading, Writing, English Language and Grammar, Mathematics, Science, History (including U.S. History and U.S. Constitution), Geography, Civics / Good Citizenship (elementary grades; some states vary by grade).
Does Massachusetts require testing or a portfolio evaluation?
No — Massachusetts does not require standardized testing or a portfolio evaluation, but keeping a portfolio of your child's work is still the simplest way to document progress.
Keeping records for Massachusetts? Snap photos of your kids' work and FolioKid organizes them into a year-end portfolio PDF — formatted around Massachusetts's requirements.
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