 |
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
Massachusetts (MA) State - Homeschooling Laws and Regulations Homeschooling is legal in every American state. The Department of Education states, "Parents in all 50 states and the District of Columbia have the option to home school their children" (Department of Education, NCES). School attendance is compulsory for all children; however, parents have the legal right to withdrawal their children from government schools to enroll them in qualified private schools or to educate their children at home. This is only proper considering the fact that the duty and the right to educate the next generation were appointed by God to parents even before God created governments. Each state has laws that govern matters such as how parents are to declare their intention to homeschool and what topics must be included in your home-education program. Some states require periodic standardized tests and more formal records be maintained. One of the great benefits of homeschooling is the liberty of homeschooling parents to choose their own curriculum. GETTING STARTED CAN FEEL OVERWHELMING, BUT MULTITUDES OF PARENTS ARE HOMESCHOOLING AND SO CAN YOU! It is my pleasure to help your research efforts. Below are links to key government and non-government pages. Massachusetts: "Home education programs are subject to the same standard of approval as a private school under Mass. General Laws Chapter 76, § 1, that is, the instruction in all studies required by law equals in thoroughness, efficiency, and progress of the child, that in the public schools of the same town. In Care and Protection of Charles, 399 Mass. 324 (1987), the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court concluded that the approval process under General Laws Chapter 76, § 1 was constitutionally permissible. The court set forth guidelines for parents and school officials in considering home education plans: Procedures: Parents must obtain approval from the superintendent or school committee prior to removing the child from the public school or beginning a home education program. The parents must demonstrate that the home education proposal meets the requirements of General Laws Chapter 76. Approval factors: The superintendent or school committee may consider the following in deciding whether or not to approve a home education proposal—The number of hours of instruction, the length of the proposed school year, the proposed subjects, the competency of the parents to teach, and the instructional materials to be used. The superintendent or school committee may require periodic standardized testing or other evaluations of the student's educational progress. However, the Supreme Judicial Court held in Brunella v. Lynn Public Schools 428 Mass 512 (1998) that home visits by public school officials may not be required as a condition of approval of a home education plan." (Source: "State Regulation of Private Schools," Massachusetts, by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Non-Public Education (2000).) LINKS TO HELPFUL SITES
CountiesDisclaimer: Balancing the Sword makes no claims about the timeliness nor the completeness of the links or legal information posted. These homeschooling laws and legal information are being provided free of charge. Postings of rules and regulations are subject to change. Seek the advice of other home-educating parents or homeschooling organizations in your area for more help or contact your county superintendent of schools. Plan to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool with your county superintendent or child's current principal. (This document may also be known as an Affidavit of Intent, a Letter of Intent, a Notification of Intent, or a Declaration of Intent. Sample from Tennessee.)
Homeschooling Conventions in Massachusetts (MA) |
|
|
|
||
 |
|
|
