Protecting Independent Homeschooling: A New Webpage from AHEM

Since 2003, our mission at AHEM has been to advocate for independent homeschooling across the Commonwealth. We are happy to say that, while we are by no means the least regulated state, homeschool reporting remains relatively easy for most and there have been no significant changes in the law for quite some time. We are aware, however, that there are always changes in the homeschool landscape and that this may cause concern for some. With that in mind, we have revamped our website to include a page specifically devoted to homeschool advocacy and our mission to preserve the freedom we currently enjoy. On the page “Protecting Independent Homeschooling,” you can find articles about homeschool advocacy, issues of concern, and stories of homeschoolers who have advocated for their rights. In the coming months, we will be adding to this page, discussing questions like: “What is ‘independent homeschooling’?” and “What about homeschool funding?”

Parents across the country gained the freedom to educate their own children when they advocated for themselves (you can read the history of homeschooling in Massachusetts here. It is our belief that continued advocacy by homeschooling parents is not only vital to maintaining this freedom but also that it is doable. Our mission is to give you the tools you need to advocate for yourself.

What can you do to help preserve homeschooling freedom?

• Educate yourself on the homeschooling laws. All homeschoolers should read and familiarize themselves with the laws that govern homeschooling.
• Take our latest survey. Surveys are a big part of what we do. They are how we check the pulse of towns across the state. While homeschooling policy has not changed, surveys help us keep an eye on the practice of homeschool reporting so we can be alert to new trends. (And be sure to check back! We typically have three big surveys each year.)
• Sign up for AHEM’s email newsletter for updates and tips, including legislative updates.
• Volunteer. You can become a Town Point Person*, write a Meet MA Homeschoolers piece, help monitor legislation, or help with translation projects.
• Support AHEM so we can continue to carry out our mission. AHEM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We are completely volunteer-run, but we do need your support to continue.
• Help us get the word out! Share information about AHEM with other homeschoolers and direct them to our website when they have questions. You can also tell your local librarian about us (they are some of our best contacts) or ask them to sponsor a homeschooling presentation by AHEM.

*Town Point People are independent volunteers and are not trained by AHEM.