Advocates for Home Education in Massachusetts, Inc.

Help Getting Started Homeschooling

The AHEM website has everything you need to get started homeschooling.

The first step to start officially homeschooling in Massachusetts is to submit an education plan to your local school superintendent or school committee. We suggest submitting your education plan a couple of weeks before school starts if you can, but you can remove a child from school at any time during the year. And remember, get a receipt.

Know your rights and responsibilities. Review the following pages:

  1. Homeschool Guidelines at a Glance
  2. Tips for Writing Your Education Plan
  3. Sample Education Plan
  4. Methods of Evaluation
  5. FAQ  

Also, remember, kindergarten is not mandatory in Massachusetts. Compulsory attendance  is in effect from ages 6 – 16. You only need to submit a plan the fall of the calendar year your child has turned or will turn 6.

If after reviewing these pages you still have a question, we are here to help.  

And don't forget to subscribe to AHEM's announcement-only email list to keep abreast of issues and events of interest to Massachusetts homeschoolers.