Massachusetts homeschool families file an annual education plan with the local superintendent, which must be approved by the district. The approval framework comes from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's 1987 Charles decision.
Legal framework
Home education operates under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 76, §1, as interpreted by Care and Protection of Charles, 399 Mass. 324 (1987). The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education publishes general guidance, with implementation handled by the local district.
Notification & registration
Parents submit a written education plan to the local superintendent or school committee for approval before starting and annually thereafter. The plan covers subjects, schedule, materials, and evaluation method.
Recordkeeping
Districts may require an end-of-year evaluation (such as a standardized test, a portfolio review, or a written progress report). Specific requirements vary by district. Families maintain their own work samples and high school transcript.
Graduation requirements
Massachusetts does not prescribe specific graduation requirements for home-educated students. The parent determines completion. Aligning the transcript with the MassCore recommended program is a useful reference for in-state admissions.
Who issues the diploma
The parent operating the home education program issues the diploma in the name of the family's program.
College & military recognition
UMass system institutions and the Massachusetts state universities and community colleges admit home-educated graduates routinely. Homeschool graduates qualify for Tier 1 military enlistment under current DoD policy.
Official source
For current statutory text, forms, and procedural updates, the authoritative source is the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Homeschool laws change, so confirm specific requirements directly with the state before relying on them.