Homeschooling in Maine? Here’s your plan.

Homeschooling in Maine is governed by 20-A MRSA Section 5001-A. Within 10 calendar days of beginning home instruction, you send a written notice of intent at the same time to the school officials of your local school administrative unit and to the Commissioner of Education. No notarization is needed. The notice includes your name, signature, and address; your child's name and age; your start date; an assurance of at least 175 days of instruction in the required subjects; and an assurance that you will complete an annual assessment.

The required subject areas are English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health education, library skills, and fine arts. Maine studies is required in at least one grade from 6 to 12, and in one grade from 7 to 12 your child demonstrates proficiency in using computers.

Each subsequent year, on or before September 1, you file a letter with your local school officials and the Commissioner stating that you will continue, with a copy of one annual assessment. You choose the method: a standardized achievement test, a test developed by your local school officials, a review by a certified Maine teacher, a portfolio review by a local homeschool support group that includes a certified Maine teacher or administrator, or a review by a local advisory board. Some of these options need your school officials' agreement before you send your notice of intent.

Maine's town tuitioning system, which the U.S. Supreme Court addressed in Carson v. Makin (2022), applies to students in towns without public schools at certain grade levels. It is not a homeschool funding program.

Maine has two pathways. Standard Home Instruction is the route this page describes: you file directly with your local school officials and the Commissioner, teach the required subjects, and submit an annual assessment. The Approved Private School or Correspondence Program pathway uses an approved private school, which files an attendance certificate with your local school officials. The family files nothing itself and has no separate subject, testing or record-keeping duty under state law; the school carries the approval requirements, such as employing certified teachers and teaching the required courses (20-A MRSA §2902).

Dual enrollment and public school access. Under 20-A MRSA Section 5021, homeschool students may enroll in classes at their local public school, including academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities. Maine's Aspirations Program can cover up to 12 college credits.

Sports and extracurriculars. Homeschool students may participate in activities at their resident public school under 20-A MRSA Section 5021. Schools are permitted (but not mandated) to allow participation as space and resources allow.

Annual renewal timing. Your continuation letter with the prior year's assessment is due on or before September 1 each year. This is different from the initial 10-day deadline, so keep both dates on your calendar.

Keep copies. Keep copies of everything you file until your home instruction program ends. The Commissioner may ask to see them.

High school diplomas. Parent-issued diplomas and transcripts are recognized. Students may also earn a GED or HiSET equivalency credential.

IEP and special needs. Children with IEPs who withdraw for home instruction may lose access to district-provided services. Your district must still evaluate your child under Child Find if you suspect a disability. Talk with your district before you withdraw.