Homeschooling in Maine

Maine's home instruction law (20-A M.R.S. §5001-A(3)(A)(4)) requires a one-time Notice of Intent followed by annual subsequent letters with assessment results by September 1. Maine is one of the few states with a state-specific subject mandate — 'Maine studies' must be taught in at least one grade between 6 and 12. The Maine DOE's online Home Instruction Portal allows families to file once, and that filing serves as notification to BOTH the local SAU and the Commissioner of Education.

Legal framework at a glance

Legal options: Two pathways — Home Instruction (most common, 20-A M.R.S. §5001-A(3)(A)(4)) or enrollment in a Recognized Equivalent Private School (REPS, formed by homeschool families).

Notification: Home Instruction: file a written Notice of Intent simultaneously with your local school superintendent (School Administrative Unit / SAU) AND the Maine Commissioner of Education within 10 calendar days of beginning instruction. Annual subsequent letters with assessment results due by September 1..

Instructional time: Minimum 175 days of instruction per year. No hourly requirement..

Required subjects: 10 subject areas: English and language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, health education, library skills, fine arts, Maine studies (in at least one grade between grades 6-12), and computer proficiency (at one grade level between grades 7-12)..

Testing and evaluation: Annual academic assessment required (results submitted with subsequent year letter by September 1). Multiple approved methods..

What Maine families need to know

**FIRST-TIME NOTICE OF INTENT** (20-A M.R.S. §5001-A(3)(A)(4)(b)): file a written notice within 10 calendar days of beginning home instruction. The notice must be submitted simultaneously to the local school superintendent (School Administrative Unit / SAU) AND the Maine Commissioner of Education.

Notice of Intent contents: (1) parent/guardian name, signature, and address; (2) child's name and age; (3) date home instruction will begin; (4) statement of assurance that 175 days of instruction will be provided in the 10 required subject areas; (5) statement of assurance that the parent will submit an annual assessment.

Online Home Instruction Portal: most families file online at neo.maine.gov — one submission serves as notification to both the SAU and the Commissioner. Parents who supply a valid email address receive an acknowledgment.

Paper alternative: complete the Notice of Intent form (PDF) and mail or deliver it — with any required prior year assessments attached — to the resident superintendent's office only. Do NOT submit duplicates to the state DOE if filing on paper.

**ANNUAL SUBSEQUENT YEAR LETTER**: due by SEPTEMBER 1 each year. Must include: (1) statement of intent to continue home instruction, (2) the prior year's annual assessment results. Assessments are NOT required for first-year families — only starting the second year.

10 required subjects (20-A M.R.S. §5001-A(3)(A)(4)): English and language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, health education, library skills, fine arts, Maine studies (in at least one grade between 6-12), and computer proficiency (at one grade level between 7-12).

**MAINE STUDIES**: unique state requirement — must be taught in at least one grade between 6 and 12. Covers the history, geography, government, and culture of Maine. Can be taught as a standalone unit or integrated into social studies.

175 instructional days: required by attestation. No hourly requirement — you choose how to structure each instructional day. If you start mid-year, the 175-day requirement applies prorated.

**ANNUAL ASSESSMENT** (4 options): (1) official results of a national standardized achievement test; (2) review and acceptance of progress by a Maine-certified teacher; (3) review by a homeschool support group whose membership includes a Maine-certified teacher or administrator (portfolio review); (4) review by a local advisory board appointed by the SAU superintendent (composed of two homeschool teachers and one school official) — must be arranged with the school system before the school year starts; (5) results of a test developed by local school officials (rare).

**RECOGNIZED EQUIVALENT PRIVATE SCHOOL (REPS)** pathway: homeschool families may join together to function as a private school recognized by the state as providing 'equivalent instruction.' Requirements include teaching specific subjects (English with reading/writing/spelling/grammar, mathematics, social studies, science, fine arts, library skills, health, and physical education) and meeting state-approved curriculum standards. The REPS handles compliance for member families.

Recordkeeping: Maine law requires parents to KEEP COPIES of all submitted notices, subsequent letters, and assessments until the home instruction program concludes. The Commissioner may request these documents.

Sports and extracurriculars: home instruction students are eligible to receive special education and related services at their resident school unit's public school IF they elect to participate in classes at the school. Sports access is typically permitted; check with your local SAU.

Maine does NOT issue homeschool diplomas or transcripts: per Maine DOE FAQ, 'since there are no standards of achievement for home instruction in Maine, the state does not issue grades, credits, diplomas, transcripts, letters of course completion, or letters of grade level promotion.'

No state ESA: Maine does not currently offer state ESAs or vouchers for home instruction families. Federal Coverdell ESAs ($2,000/year) remain available.

Compulsory attendance: ages 6 (turning 6 by the start of the school year) through 17 (or graduated, or 15 with parent and school board permission).

Always verify current requirements with the Maine Department of Education before filing any official paperwork. State rules can change.

Diploma recognition

Maine home instruction parents issue their own diplomas. Document courses, credit hours, grades, and detailed course descriptions on transcripts. Maine public colleges (University of Maine, USM, UMaine Augusta, Bowdoin, Bates, Colby) accept homeschool transcripts. Strong SAT/ACT scores significantly strengthen applications. Many home instruction graduates pursue dual enrollment at Maine community colleges to build documented academic credentials. The GED is available for graduates who need a state-recognized credential.

Getting started in Maine

If you are new to homeschooling in Maine, here is the practical sequence to follow:

1. Read the statute. Visit the Maine Department of Education website and read the current homeschool regulations in full. The summary on this page is a starting point, but the official statute is the final authority.
2. Choose your legal pathway. Maine offers specific options described above. Choose the one that fits your family before you file anything.
3. Prepare your notification. Gather the information required for your notice or registration — child's name, date of birth, address, subjects, curriculum plans, and anything else your chosen pathway requires.
4. File before withdrawing. If your child is currently in public school, file your homeschool notification before you send the withdrawal letter to the school. See our withdrawal guide for the full process.
5. Set up your record-keeping system. Even in low-regulation states, keep attendance records, a list of curriculum used, and samples of your child's work. See our record-keeping guide for what to save and how.
6. Connect with a local homeschool organization. Maine has active statewide homeschool organizations (listed below) and usually several local co-ops in each region. These are your best source of current, practical information.

Maine homeschool organizations

The following organizations provide advocacy, support, and current information for Maine homeschool families:

• Homeschoolers of Maine (HOME) — Largest statewide Christian organization with detailed legal guidance — homeschoolersofmaine.org
• Maine Home Education Association — Inclusive statewide organization
• HSLDA Maine — Legal defense and member support

Local homeschool co-ops often meet in libraries, churches, and community centers throughout the state. A search for "Maine homeschool co-op [your city]" typically surfaces groups meeting near you. The statewide organizations listed above maintain co-op directories.

Beyond the legal requirements

Meeting Maine's legal requirements is only the foundation. The day-to-day work of homeschooling — choosing a curriculum, teaching multiple children at different levels, building a transcript — is the larger task. Once your legal compliance is in order, explore the rest of this site:

Homeschool360 • Maine State Guide