Maine Laws and Requirements for Homeschool

In Maine, homeschooling is a recognized educational option, and parents must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure compliance with state laws.

1. Notification Requirements:

  • Initial Notice of Intent: Parents beginning a home instruction program for the first time in Maine must file a Notice of Intent to Provide Home Instruction within 10 days of withdrawal from public school or by September 1 if starting at the beginning of the school year. This notice should be submitted to both the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and the local superintendent.

  • Annual Subsequent Notice: For each subsequent year, parents must file a new Notice of Intent by September 1, accompanied by the prior year's assessment results.

2. Instructional Requirements:

  • Days of Instruction: Parents are required to provide a minimum of 175 instructional days per year.

  • Required Subjects: Instruction must cover the following subjects:

    • English and language arts
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Social studies
    • Physical education
    • Health education
    • Library skills
    • Fine arts
    • Maine studies (required at one grade level between grades 6 and 12)
    • Computer proficiency (required at one grade level between grades 7 and 12)


3. Assessment Requirements:

  • Parents must submit annual assessment results with the subsequent year's Notice of Intent.

    • A standardized achievement test administered through the local school unit or other approved provider.
    • A test developed by local school officials, agreed upon prior to submission.
    • A review and acceptance of the student's progress by a certified Maine teacher.
    • A review and acceptance of the student's progress by a local advisory board appointed by the superintendent.


4. Recordkeeping:

  • While Maine law does not mandate specific recordkeeping practices, it is advisable for parents to maintain thorough records of instructional days, subjects taught, and assessment results to demonstrate compliance and monitor progress.

5. Immunization Requirements:

  • Maine law requires all students, including those in home instruction programs, to comply with state immunization requirements unless exempted for medical or religious reasons. Parents should maintain immunization records as part of their homeschooling documentation.

6. Support and Resources: