Homeschooling in Massachusetts
Here are some useful resources that may be helpful as you are getting started.
Power Homeschool’s Homeschooling in Massachusetts site highlights resources, helpful tips, support groups, and so much more!
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Massachusetts
Each state has different rules regarding a parent’s ability to homeschool their children and all the laws that they must follow.
Homeschool Groups and Support in Massachusetts
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops.
How to Start Homeschooling in Massachusetts
If you have decided that homeschool is a good fit for your family, you are probably wondering how to get started with the whole process.
Field Trips Available to Homeschoolers in Massachusetts
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling.
Find out what Massachusetts has to offer!
Resources
Massachusetts Homeschool Laws and Requirements
Many states have rules and guidelines regarding parents homeschooling their children. Here are some links to help you find information regarding Massachusetts.
Important Considerations for Homeschooling Success
Create a Study Plan
When homeschooling in Massachusetts, it is important to establish a clean environment where distractions are limited for your child to study on a regular schedule. Study routines are valuable for learning discipline. They also help your child stay on track with weekly, monthly and yearly academic goals. Create a schedule and expect your child to stick to it. Modify the schedule when necessary to help your child stay challenged while still able to achieve your expectations.
Read more: 10 Tips to Effectively Homeschool Online
Build Foundational Knowledge
As your child progresses in their studies, addressing gaps in their foundational knowledge will be crucial to their future success. For example, if your child struggles with basic math, it may become nearly impossible for them to master more advanced math concepts until they get help with their basic math challenges. In Acellus courses, Vectored Instruction automatically takes into account a student’s existing knowledge gaps and provides targeted interventions to bridge those gaps. If a student lacks the foundational understanding required for the new concept, the system automatically provides relevant remedial content before proceeding further.
It is crucial that students achieve early success with online learning so that their confidence will grow. Sometimes it may be necessary to place your child into an earlier course so they can begin experiencing success before they are ready to start moving forward with their learning.
Read more: Helping Your Student Excel in Acellus
KEEP RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION
You should keep thorough records of your child’s education. This will be beneficial when they apply for colleges or jobs after high school. Power Homeschool’s online parent portal automatically makes it easy to track progress, download coursework examples, attendance, and keep transcripts of classes taken.
It is also a good idea to get student ID cards and parent/teacher ID cards. Many retailers and venues offer teacher or student discounts that can be claimed by showing ID cards. A professional student ID card with a good quality identification photo included is also an good way to show that your student is enrolled is a reputable homeschool program.
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:
Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!
How to Start Homeschooling in Massachusetts
If you are considering homeschooling in Massachusetts for the first time, you’ll likely have many questions on how to start the transition to home education. The first thing you’ll need to do is research the laws and requirements in your state to make sure you can abide by all the guidelines. Next, you will submit all the legal paperwork. We also recommend officially withdrawing your student from their current school to avoid any potential truancy concerns.
You will also need to ensure the homeschool curriculum you use meets the subject requirements that Massachusetts mandates. Power Homeschool is an online K-12 curriculum with a variety of courses to choose from. In addition to these courses, our program offers tools and resources to help new homeschoolers transition to at-home learning.
Resources
Homeschool Field Trips in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is full of museums, historic sites, nature centers, and so much more! These sites allow students to engage in experiential learning. Because of the flexibility of homeschooling, homeschool families can fit many more field trips into their schedule than the traditional classroom allows for.
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.
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