Things You'll Need:
- Notice of Intent to Homeschool (traditional homeschool)
- Letter of compliance (non-approved private school)
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Step 1
Know two possible homeschooling options exist in Maine. The first is a traditional homeschool format. The second is an officially run private school taught out of a home where two or more non-related students are taught.
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Step 2
Understand that the parent in a homeschool is not required to meet any special education requirements. The teacher in a non-approved private homeschool must meet the expectations of the non-approved private school.
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Step 3
Know that a traditional homeschool must submit a notice of intent to both the local school board and the commissioner of education. This notice must be submitted within 10 days of initially starting the home school. Included in the notice must be the name, signature, and address of the parent or guardian, the name and age of the student involved, the date of beginning instruction, a statement indicating that 175 days of annual instruction will occur, and a statement promising that the parents will submit a year end assessment. A letter indicating that homeschooling will continue must then be submitted each subsequent year by September 1.
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Step 4
Know that a non-approved private school must annually submit a letter by October 1 with the commissioner of education. This letter must include a statement of compliance to all state and local fire, safety, and health codes. It must also state that at least 175 days will be included in the school year. The letter must also include that English, math, government, science, Maine history and geography and American history will all be taught by teachers who are competent. All parents will receive at least four progress reports throughout the school year, and parents will be notified of assessment methods and results.
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Step 5
Remember compulsory attendance begins at the age of seven in Maine, so there are no special requirements for the kindergarten homeschooler.
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Step 6
Know testing options can consist of a copy of the results to any national standardized test, a copy of the results of a test that was developed by local school officials, or a review and written acceptance of adequate yearly progress by a Maine certified teacher. It is also acceptable to submit testing through a homeschool support group based in Maine or an advisory board who has looked through a student portfolio. The results of any of these options can be submitted to show that adequate educational progress is occurring in your homeschool.
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Step 7
The private school option does not require any special testing.
