Maine Homeschool Laws & Requirements

Maine Homeschool Requirements

Maine homeschool laws require parents to do the following:

1. File an initial notice of intent to homeschool with your local superintendent.
2. Submit an annual letter that states your intention to continue homeschooling by September 1.
3. Teach the following required subjects: English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health education, library skills, fine arts, Maine studies in at least one grade from grade 6 to 12, and computer proficiency in one grade level from grade 7 to 12.
4. Submit the following:
   • Year-end assessments
   • Results of a standardized test
   • Results of a test developed by local school officials, OR
   • Letter stating child’s progress from a Maine certified teacher

Parents are required to homeschool for a minimum of 175 days. This must be acknowledged on the notice of intent that you can either submit online or by mail.

Homeschooled students are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities at their local school. In order to participate, they must submit a written request and meet these requirements:

• Student agrees to abide by the rules of participation.
• Student must comply with physical examination, immunization, insurance, age and semester eligibility.
• Meet academic standards and provide evidence of such.
• Abide by the same transportation policy as regularly enrolled students.

Additionally, homeschooled students are allowed to borrow textbooks and library books from their local school (subject to availability).

Homeschool Recordkeeping in Maine

Homeschoolers in Maine aren’t necessarily required to keep records of their child’s work unless they plan on using those to show their student’s progress when submitting year end assessments. Families can show academic progress in one of the following ways:

1. Official results of a standardized achievement test.
2. Results of a test developed by local school officials.
3. A review and acceptance of the student’s progress by: (a) a Maine certified teacher; (b) a homeschool support group that includes a Maine certified teacher or administrator who has reviewed a portfolio of the student’s work; or (c) a local advisory board appointed by the superintendent composed of two homeschool teachers and one school official (must be arranged with school system before school year starts).

Many families in Maine do go this route. If you plan to submit year-end assessments by having your child’s work reviewed, you should include evidence of the following in your homeschool portfolio:

• All required subjects have been taught.
• Attendance of 175 days has been met.
• Demonstration of your child’s progress with two work samples per quarter, per subject.

Homeschool Graduation Requirements in Maine

When it comes to high school graduation, Maine homeschool laws don’t have any specific requirements. Parents are responsible for creating a course of study and also issuing a high school diploma.  It is advisable that families check with potential colleges and universities for admission requirements, and also keep a high school transcript detailing their student’s work.

Enrolling in Public School after Homeschooling

If you are wondering how to transfer from homeschool to public school, it’s important to understand that grade level placement is up to locally designated school staff and guided by the following:

• The student’s completed curricula and record of achievement, conferencing with the student’s parent or guardian and administration of tests, if determined necessary.
• Final grade level placement is based upon local school policy and procedures. If desired, that decision may be appealed to the school superintendent and to the local school board, whose decision is final.

Additional Resources Related to Homeschooling in Maine

Do you have other questions about homeschooling in Maine? You may find the following pages helpful.

• Homeschooling in Maine
• Maine Homeschooling Groups & Co-ops
• Maine Homeschool Associations
• Homeschool Field Trips in Maine
• Maine Test Prep

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