Maine homeschool laws
Moderate regulation State Rank 46 of 56 (1 = easiest)
Confidence: High · Last verified:
Current regulations
Notification & registration Requirement exists
One-time written notice of intent to local superintendent and Commissioner within 10 days of starting; annual letter by Sept 1 with year-end assessment and intent to continue.
Parent / instructor qualifications None in scored pathway
None.
Required subjects Requirement exists
English/language arts, math, science, social studies, physical and health education, library skills, fine arts, Maine studies (one grade 6-12), computer proficiency (one grade 7-12).
Testing & assessment Requirement exists
Annual year-end assessment submitted by Sept 1: nationally standardized test, locally developed test, or review letter (certified teacher, support-group reviewer, or advisory board).
Records, days & reporting Requirement exists
175 days/year; keep copies of notice, annual letters, assessments (commissioner may request).
Oversight Requirement exists
Local superintendent and Maine DOE commissioner.
Immunization & other requirements None in scored pathway
None stated.
Legal pathways
- Home instruction (20-A M.R.S. 5001-A)
- Recognized as Equivalent Private School (REPS)
Scored pathway: Home instruction. The score uses the least-burdensome parent-led pathway defined in law (see methodology).
Who to notify & where to start
One-time written notice of intent to local superintendent and Commissioner within 10 days of starting; annual letter by Sept 1 with year-end assessment and intent to continue.
Official agency / statute links:
Recent changes
HSLDA lists state officials' 'demands that don't square with law' (2025); no statute change identified.
Also see Law watch.
How the score breaks down
Regulation burden 46.3 / 100 → freedom score 53.8. Bars show burden points per criterion (longer = more burdensome). HSLDA's own map tier for comparison: Moderate (summary dated 2025-06-03).
Sources
Primary / official
- 20-A M.R.S. 5001-A (compulsory attendance; home instruction) — Content checked
Last verified . Spot an error or an update? See how to report a correction or email support@homeschoollawmap.com.
Helpful resources for Maine families
Types of services families in this jurisdiction commonly look for, based on the requirements above. These are categories, not endorsements.
Standardized testing services
Nationally normed achievement tests that families can order for home administration or take at a testing site.
Why shown: Maine's scored pathway includes a testing or assessment requirement.
Partner links coming soon.
Portfolio and evaluation services
Certified teachers or evaluators who review a student portfolio or write an annual progress evaluation.
Why shown: Maine's scored pathway lists a portfolio, evaluation, or similar review as an option or requirement.
Partner links coming soon.
Curriculum and course providers
Complete curricula, single-subject courses, and online programs, including options organized around required subjects.
Why shown: Maine lists required subjects or curriculum expectations.
Partner links coming soon.
Record-keeping and planning tools
Attendance logs, lesson planners, transcript and portfolio organizers for keeping the records your jurisdiction may ask for.
Why shown: Maine asks for notices, records, attendance, or instruction time in the scored pathway.
Partner links coming soon.
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