How to homeschool in Maine
The rules for 2026–27 in plain words: what to send, when, what to teach and what to keep.
✓ Checked against Maine law on Oct 30, 2026 · See what changed
What changed
Nothing since we began checking Maine’s own pages every week in October 2026.
The usual way: Home instruction. Your notices to your superintendent, and an assessment each year.
- Ages
- 6 to 17
- Notice
- Each year
- Tests
- Each year
- Set time
- 175 days
What to do
- Notice of intent to your superintendent and the Maine Commissioner of EducationWithin 10 days of starting
- Letter of intent to continue, with last year’s assessment, to your superintendent and the Maine Commissioner of EducationBy Sep 1 each year
- Yearly assessment: a standardized test, or a review by a certified teacher or a homeschool advisory boardBy the end of the year
- Teach the subjects belowYou can teach, with no set qualifications. 175 days a year.
- Keep your notices and letters; each year’s assessmentWhat Maine asks you to keep.
Subjects to teach
- English and language arts
- Math
- Science
- Social studies
- Physical and health education
- Library skills
- Fine arts
- Maine studies (once, in grades 6–12)
- Computer skills (once, in grades 7–12)
Other legal ways
As a recognized private school
A private school the Maine Department of Education recognizes.
You can teach, with no set qualifications. Your school sets its days and how it assesses.
- Notice to the Maine Commissioner of Education (When you start)
- Yearly letter to your school district (Each year)
Source: legislature.maine.gov
This is a plain summary, not legal advice. Laws change; check with your state or district if you’re unsure. Also see Louisiana, Maryland, or all 50 states + DC.