Guide to Homeschooling in Massachusetts

Resources

Massachusetts Homeschool Laws and Requirements

The Massachusetts Department of Education and Secondary Education is a great resource to find more information regarding the homeschool laws and requirements in Massachusetts. We also recommend reaching out to a homeschool association in Massachusetts that provides legal guidance to homeschool families.

RECORD KEEPING

Homeschoolers in Massachusetts are not explicitly required to maintain and submit records; however, the state does require educational plans and processes to be submitted. The school district determines what parents must provide.

No matter what the state or local government mandates, it is always a good idea to keep thorough records of each child’s homeschool education. This will be beneficial if the student ever plans to transfer back to a traditional school, or when they apply for colleges or jobs after high school.

Power Homeschool’s online parent portal makes it easy to maintain thorough records. Our system automatically generates documents, such as progress reports, attendance, and transcripts. Parents can also download samples of coursework and materials.

HOMESCHOOL STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS IN MASSACHUSETTS

Massachusetts does not require homeschoolers to participate in standardized assessments; however, these can be used for proof of the education process. Some parents also like to use standardized assessments to evaluate students’ progress and find any potential gaps in the curriculum.

Massachusetts offers a statewide standardized assessment program. Students can also take national standardized tests like the National Assessment of Education Progress. High school students may also need to take the SAT or ACT if they plan to attend college after graduation.

HOMESCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS IN MASSACHUSETTS

The state of Massachusetts does not establish any graduation requirements for homeschool students, nor does it issue high school diplomas. Instead, the parent is responsible for establishing graduation requirements, creating a high school transcript, and issuing their student a high school diploma. Many colleges will accept a detailed transcript in place of an accredited high school diploma.

If your student has specific plans for after high school, we recommend reaching out to the school or employer of their choosing to learn about the admissions process for homeschool students. Beginning these conversations early on will ensure your student can gradually meet these requirements.

Resources

Homeschool Support & Groups in Massachusetts

Families in Massachusetts will find a lot of homeschool support through associations, support groups, and co-ops. Each one of these things offers different benefits, but they all exist to enhance homeschool education.

Massachusetts homeschoolers are fortunate enough to have three homeschool associations:

• Advocates for Home Education in Massachusetts (AHEM) provides home educators with the most up-to-date information about homeschooling in Massachusetts as well as connects homeschoolers across the state.
• Massachusetts Home Learning Association (MHLA) is the oldest homeschool organization in the state, offering free memberships and providing plenty of resources and information about home education.
• Massachusetts Homeschool Organization of Parent Educators (MassHOPE) puts on a convention and other special events throughout the year, and it offers legal and support group information.

While homeschool associations offer resources, legal information, and often events, homeschool support groups, and co-ops offer plenty of additional benefits. Homeschool support groups allow parents to share and receive advice and personal experiences. Some of these groups meet in person, while others communicate via online forums. Either way, homeschool support groups allow homeschoolers to network.

Similar to homeschool support groups, homeschool co-ops allow families to connect with other homeschoolers in their area. However, these groups are more academic-focused and give students the opportunity to learn in a group setting. Some of the groups focus on particular subjects or build instruction around religious teachings, while others are general. Most homeschool support groups and co-ops have Facebook pages or websites, so you can find a group that fits your family’s needs with a simple search query. The following are a few of the many different homeschool support groups and co-ops in Massachusetts:

• Attleboro Area Homeschoolers
• Central MA Homeschoolers & Families
• MHLA Homeschool Group Discussion Page
• Western Mass Homeschoolers
• Village Homeschoolers (Milford)
• South of Boston Homeschoolers
• Plymouth, MA Homeschoolers
• Walnut Grove Coop

Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!

The following are just a few examples of the many different field trips in Massachusetts.

BOSTON METRO AREA

• The Paul Revere House in Boston: Paul Revere played an important role in the American Revolution. With tours, exhibits, and educational programming, this museum allows homeschoolers to see pieces of history firsthand.
• Boston African American National Historic Site in Boston: This national landmark remembers the location of the African American community’s fight again slavery and injustice during the 19th century.
• Revolutionary Spaces in Boston: Learn about Boston’s role in American history by touring the Old State House and the Old South Meeting House, both the locations of pivotal meetings during the Revolutionary War. Today, these buildings are museums and the perfect field trip for American history lessons.

EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS

• Salem Witch Museum in Salem: Visitors can learn about the events leading up to the Witch Trials of 1692. The museum follows the history of witches, witchcraft, and witch hunts through various exhibits and presentations.
• Pilgrim Hall Museum in Plymouth: With artifacts, documents, books, and manuscripts on exhibit, this museum takes visitors through the story of the Pilgrims, their dangerous voyage, the First Thanksgiving with the Wampanoag, and life in America during the 17th century.
• The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster: This museum offers numerous ways to learn about natural history and conservation through educational programs, workshops, walks, and interactive exhibits.

CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS

• Worcester Art Museum in Worcester: With pieces dating back to 3,000 BC, this museum’s expansive collection showcases paintings, sculptures, pottery, and so much more. Various educational programs are also available to encourage children to explore their artistic talents.
• Springfield Science Museum in Springfield: The perfect field trip to enhance any science unit, this museum displays geology, natural history, and dinosaur fossil exhibits, among others. Educational programs and special events are available for all age groups.

WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

• The Botanic Garden of Smith College in Northampton: Home to more than 6,000 plants, this garden has a lot for visitors to tour, including the Plant House and Conservatory, Spring Bulb Show, and Campus Arboretum.
• Berkshire Historical Society – Arrowhead in Pittsfield: Founded in 1962, the Berkshire Historical Society has preserved and shared the history and culture of the surrounding communities through photographs, manuscripts, and artifacts.