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Homeschooling in Maine: what the law requires and who pays

Under 20-A M.R.S. §5001-A(3)(A)(4), a home instruction program that meets the statute's rules counts as equivalent instruction in place of public school. We have not found an official source saying a Maine program pays homeschooled students.

Quoted from official sources, read October 8, 2026. A law summary, not legal advice.

What Maine’s law requires

The law that allows it

Under 20-A M.R.S. §5001-A(3)(A)(4), a home instruction program that meets the statute's rules counts as equivalent instruction in place of public school.

“A home instruction program that complies with the requirements of subparagraph (4)” 20-A M.R.S. §5001-A, compulsory attendance (home instruction at subsection 3(A)(4))

Telling the state or district

In the first year, the parent sends a written notice of intent to the local school unit and to the education commissioner within 10 calendar days of starting home instruction.

“The student's parent or guardian shall provide a written notice of intent to provide home instruction simultaneously to the school officials of the administrative unit in which the student resides and to the commissioner within 10 calendar days of the beginning of home instruction.” 20-A M.R.S. §5001-A, compulsory attendance (home instruction at subsection 3(A)(4))

Each later year, by September 1, the parent files a letter with the local school unit and the commissioner saying home instruction will continue.

“On or before September 1st of each subsequent year of home instruction, the student's parent or guardian shall file a letter with the school officials of the administrative unit in which the student resides and the commissioner” Maine Department of Education, Home Instruction Requirements, Forms and Laws

The letter encloses a copy of one of the allowed forms of annual assessment.

“stating the intention to continue providing home instruction and enclose a copy of one of the following forms of annual assessment of the student's academic progress” Maine Department of Education, Home Instruction Requirements, Forms and Laws

One notice through the online portal or the paper form reaches both the department and the local superintendent.

“One submission serves as notification to both the Maine Department of Education and the resident superintendent, as required by law.” Maine Department of Education, Home Instruction Requirements, Forms and Laws

What and how long to teach

At least 175 days a year of instruction in English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health, library skills, fine arts, and Maine studies in at least one grade from 6 to 12.

“at least 175 days annually of instruction in the following subject areas: English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health education, library skills, fine arts and, in at least one grade from grade 6 to 12, Maine studies.” Maine Department of Education, Home Instruction Requirements, Forms and Laws

In one grade from 7 to 12, the student shows proficiency in using computers.

“At one grade level from grade 7 to 12, the student will demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers.” Maine Department of Education, Home Instruction Requirements, Forms and Laws

There is no hourly requirement.

“There is no hourly requirement, per day or per year.” Maine Department of Education, Home Instruction Frequently Asked Questions

Testing or evaluation

Every year after the first, parents submit an annual assessment of the student's progress.

“Yes, every year after the first year of home instruction.” Maine Department of Education, Home Instruction Frequently Asked Questions

One allowed assessment is a standardized achievement test given through the local school unit or another arrangement the commissioner approves.

“A standardized achievement test administered through the administrative unit in which the student resides or through other arrangements approved by the commissioner.” Maine Department of Education, Home Instruction Requirements, Forms and Laws

Another is a review and acceptance of the student's progress by a person with a current Maine teacher's certificate.

“A review and acceptance of the student's progress by an identified individual who holds a current Maine teacher's certificate.” Maine Department of Education, Home Instruction Requirements, Forms and Laws

No assessment is needed when filing for the first time.

“Assessment is not required when filing for home instruction for the first time in Maine.” Maine Department of Education, Home Instruction Requirements, Forms and Laws

Ages the law covers

School attendance is compulsory from the 6th birthday to the 17th birthday.

“Persons 6 years of age or older and under 17 years of age shall attend a public day school during the time it is in regular session.” 20-A M.R.S. §5001-A, compulsory attendance (home instruction at subsection 3(A)(4))

The state’s own page for families: Maine Department of Education, Home Instruction Requirements, Forms and Laws.

State money for homeschoolers in Maine

We have not found an official source saying a Maine program pays homeschooled students.

Programs that do not pay homeschoolers

No state funding for home instruction. The department says there is no fee for home instruction, but parents bear all costs. (Maine Department of Education, Home Instruction Frequently Asked Questions)

Maine Town tuitioning: amount and how to apply Private schools in Maine

Which states pay homeschoolers, and how: Maine next to every other state.

Questions parents ask

Do I have to tell anyone I am homeschooling in Maine?

In the first year, the parent sends a written notice of intent to the local school unit and to the education commissioner within 10 calendar days of starting home instruction. Each later year, by September 1, the parent files a letter with the local school unit and the commissioner saying home instruction will continue. The letter encloses a copy of one of the allowed forms of annual assessment. One notice through the online portal or the paper form reaches both the department and the local superintendent.

Do homeschoolers in Maine have to take tests?

Every year after the first, parents submit an annual assessment of the student's progress. One allowed assessment is a standardized achievement test given through the local school unit or another arrangement the commissioner approves. Another is a review and acceptance of the student's progress by a person with a current Maine teacher's certificate. No assessment is needed when filing for the first time.

Can a homeschooler in Maine get state money?

We have not found an official source saying a Maine program pays homeschooled students. The department says there is no fee for home instruction, but parents bear all costs.

Every line above is our plain-English summary of the quoted text, which is copied from the official page named beside it. Laws change: the quoted page is the authority, and a lawyer or the state can answer questions about your family.

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