Can you homeschool without a degree in Massachusetts?

Parents do not need a teaching license. A district may consider the parent’s ability to provide instruction, but Massachusetts courts have said districts cannot require formal teacher certification.

Homeschooling is legal in Massachusetts, but families generally need approval from the local school district before they begin.

Moderate. Families have real freedom to choose curriculum and teaching style, but the local approval process gives districts some oversight over subjects, schedule, and evaluation.

1. 1Check Massachusetts's notice rule: Yes. Families generally seek approval for a home education plan before starting homeschool instruction.
2. 2Calendar the deadline: No single statewide annual deadline is set in the statute, but families should submit for approval before they begin homeschooling and before withdrawing a child from school.
3. 3Build around required subjects: Reading, Writing, English language and grammar, Geography, Arithmetic, Drawing, Music, United States history, Constitution and duties of citizenship, Health education, Physical education, Good behavior
4. 4Keep records that match the state summary: Keep a copy of the approved home education plan, attendance-style records, course lists, work samples, and any progress reports or evaluation materials required by the district’s approval letter.
5. 5Plan for testing or evaluation if required: Not by a uniform statewide rule. Districts may require a reasonable form of evaluation, such as a progress report, portfolio review, or other agreed method, as part of the approval process.
6. 6Use official source links before making a filing or deadline decision.