Catholic Homeschooling in Massachusetts
How to Homeschool in Massachusetts
There are several steps to take to begin homeschooling in Massachusetts:
1. Most school districts require an annual notice of intent to homeschool. This should include a list of materials, brief description of the curriculum, and a description of your qualifications.
2. Teach the required subjects of spelling, reading, writing, English, geography, arithmetic, drawing, music, history, citizenship, health, physical education, and good behavior.
3. Keep records of assessments and work samples.
4. Test or evaluate your child periodically as required by a superintendent or school committee.
Massachusetts Department of Education Home School Information
Home schooling is governed by General Laws chapter 76, § 1. For children of compulsory school age (6–16), home schooling requires advance approval by the district in which the child lives, under the policy that the school committee has adopted. Home schooling is provided by or at the direction of a child’s parent, instead of enrolling the child in a public or private school; home schooling is not remote learning provided by a school district. The requirements that apply to public schools, such as educator licensing or structured learning time, do not apply to home schooling.
How to Comply with Massachusetts Homeschool Law
How to Withdraw Your Child from School in Massachusetts
Special Education Provisions for Massachusetts
The Importance of Recordkeeping in Massachusetts
Lobbying & Advocacy Organizations
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
HSLDA is the nation’s largest homeschool advocacy organization. They protect the rights of homeschoolers in court, advocate for homeschool freedom in state legislatures, and work to advance homeschooling in the public arena.
MassHOPE – Massachusetts Homeschool Organization of Parent Educators
MassHOPE is a non-profit organization which supports and assists Massachusetts homeschool families. They provide information and assistance and monitor issues that affect homeschooling families in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Home Learning Association (MHLA)
The Massachusetts Home Learning Association is a voluntary unincorporated organization known informally as The Association or MHLA. MHLA is an advocacy and education organization which endorses home learning as an alternative to public or private schooling. MHLA informs and educates families, school officials, the media, elected officers, policymakers and other constituencies about the benefits, societal impacts and unique educational methods of homeschoolers.
Catholic Homeschool Support Groups
Boston Catholic Homeschoolers
Boston, MA
This is the Archdiocese of Boston Office for Home Schooling Families. They offer information and support for Catholic homeschooling families in the Archdiocese of Boston.
Catholic Homeschoolers in Massachusetts East (CHIME)
Eastern Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire, Rhode Island
CHIME is a group of faithful Catholic homeschooling families who live in eastern Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. They offer support, academic and spiritual activities, field trips, classes, and clubs for members.
Guardian Angels Catholic Homeschool Group
Central Massachusetts
This homeschool support group serves families in the Central Massachusetts region.
Little Way Home Educators
South of Boston, MA
Little Way Home Educators is a group of Catholic families South of Boston who come together for educational, social, and spiritual activities. This group page connects members to share information, ask questions, and network.
StKsHSG
Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts
This is a group for communication and support among Catholic home educators in southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.
Western Mass Catholic Homeschoolers
Western Massachusetts
This Catholic homeschool group promotes home education among Catholic families and offers support in the western Massachusetts area.
Catholic Homeschool Co-ops
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Homeschool Co-op
Southern New Hampshire, Northern Massachusetts
This group of Catholic families in the southern NH and northern MA area come together once a week for 28 weeks to share talents in the homeschooling of their children. The program serves children from toddler age through 12th grade in a variety of subjects, including religion, history, science, yearbook, drama, art, Little Flowers, and building club.
Do you know of any Catholic homeschool co-ops near you? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.
Hybrid Programs & Homeschool Academies
Regina Caeli Boston
Dedham, Boston, MA
Regina Caeli is a homeschool hybrid program offering classes for students in grades preK through 12th grade. Students learn using a classical education curriculum model at home three days a week and through in-person classes two days a week. They also participate in extracurricular activities and field trips.
Regina Caeli Northern Massachusetts
Haverhill, Northern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire
This homeschool hybrid program serves students preK through 12th grade with a combination of at-home learning and classroom time. Tutors use a classical education model and the Socratic method in the classroom. There are also opportunities for drama, art, and other extracurricular activities.
Do you know of any Catholic hybrid homeschool programs or homeschool academies near you? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.
Catholic Homeschool Conferences
The 2024 Catholic Homeschool Conference
Virtual Conference
June 7-8, 2024
Long Island Homeschool Conference
St. Roccos Pl, Glen Cove, NY
2024 Date TBD
This is the first annual Long Island Homeschool Conference for Catholic families. Listen to speakers, hear special panels, browse the vendors, and find new homeschool materials and curriculum at the book swap! Featured speakers include Alice Gunther, Annabelle Moseley, Jessica Schaefer, and Margaret Gallipeau.
Local Classes & Programs for Homeschoolers
Do you know of any great local classes or programs for Catholic homeschoolers? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.
Sports for Homeschoolers
Public School Access for Homeschoolers in Massachusetts
Some school districts in Massachusetts allow homeschoolers to participate in extracurricular activities. The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association allows homeschoolers to participate on public school teams provided they are in compliance with the school’s policy.
Do you know of any great sports programs for Catholic homeschoolers? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.
Diocese & Parish Resources
Shrines & Pilgrimages in Massachusetts
Do you know of any Catholic pilgrimage sites or shrines that would be perfect for a homeschool field trip? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.
Field Trips in Massachusetts
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