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Common
Questions about Homeschooling
Is
it legal?
Yes. Massachusetts has no statute that specifically addresses
homeschooling. Rather, homeschooling is governed by case law,
in conjunction with applicable statutes. The most important case
is Care and Protection of Charles &
others, 399 Mass. 324 (1987). In this case, the Supreme
Judicial Court of Massachusetts upheld the compulsory attendance
statute, General Laws Chapter 76, Section
1. In its decision, the Court was aware of the need to balance
two basic tenets -- the constitutional right of the parents to
homeschool and the state's interest in the education of its citizenry.
The result was delegation of homeschooling oversight to local
school districts.
The
job of the local school district is to approve the homeschool
plan, ensuring that it "equals in thoroughness and efficiency,
and in the progress made therein, that in the public schools in
the same town…" (G.L. c. 76, Sec. 1). Each city or town
has discretion in determining how to conduct oversight. For example,
some towns give the responsibility to school committees, while
others have school principals providing oversight. Most commonly,
the superintendent, or an assistant superintendent, oversees homeschooling
in his or her district.
Click
here for more on the history of homeschooling in Massachusetts.
What
about socialization?
Because they spend so much of their time out in the real world,
home educated children generally learn to get along well with
both adults and peers, and to have friends of all ages. They choose
to spend time with others because they enjoy their company or
have a similar interest -- just as adults do. In many areas, there
are formal and informal support groups that offer opportunities
to meet other children and provide time for socialization. Many
homeschoolers find they have to cut back on their social schedule
to have time at home!
What
about college?
Homeschooled students are welcomed in many institutions of higher
learning throughout the country, ranging from local community
colleges to Ivy League universities. See Beyond
Homeschooling.
How
do I find support?
There are different avenues for supporting your decision to homeschool.
Find one or more that works for you:
• AHEM: A special page provides
a walkthrough on making the decision to homeschool, and getting
started homeschooling in Massachusetts.
• Local support groups
• Events
• Internet
• MAhomeschoolers
Yahoo List
• Questions? Give us a call.
Back to Libraries
and Homeschoolers.
The
information on this website does not constitute legal advice;
it is provided for informational purposes only.
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