Homeschooling in Maine: Requirements, Costs, and How to Start
Maine requires notification, periodic testing for homeschool families.
Last reviewed by the HomeschoolOS Compliance Team
Always verify with Maine's Department of Education before filing or submitting compliance documents — laws change, and edge cases can apply.
Key Takeaways
- Compulsory school attendance in Maine applies to children ages 6 through 17.
- Maine requires homeschool families to file a notice of intent or similar notification with the state or local district.
- Maine requires standardized testing or an alternative assessment. Assessment results are due by September 1.
- Maine requires at least 175 instructional days per year.
- Maine does not require a homeschool portfolio.
- Maine mandates instruction in 7 core subject areas.
Maine takes a structured approach to homeschooling but the rules are clearly written and the cadence is predictable. File a notice of intent with both your local district and the Department of Education within 10 days of starting. Each subsequent year, file an annual letter by September 1 that includes either standardized test results, a written narrative evaluation, a portfolio review by a certified teacher, or a review by the local school board. Instruction must cover 175 days per year in English, math, science, social studies, physical education, health, library skills, fine arts, and Maine studies (grades 6–12). Computer proficiency is also required in grades 7–12. Compulsory attendance covers ages 6–17. The two-organization filing requirement is the main piece that catches new Maine families off guard, but once it's set up the renewal becomes routine. Homeschoolers of Maine maintains a robust statewide convention and an active community that helps families navigate the September 1 deadline each year.
At a Glance
Compulsory Ages
6–17
Regulation Level
Moderate regulation
Notification
Required
Testing
Required
Portfolio
Not required
Is homeschooling legal in Maine?
Yes — homeschooling is legal in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, including Maine. Maine applies moderate oversight — an annual notice of intent is required, plus periodic testing or assessment — but the rules are clearly defined and most families settle into a predictable annual rhythm.
Maine Homeschool Requirements: Detailed Breakdown
Instruction Days
175 days per year
Notification Required
Yes — must file with your district or state
Testing Required
Yes — standardized test or assessment
Portfolio Required
No portfolio required
Assessment Deadline
September 1
Required Subjects
Details
File notice of intent within 10 days of starting. Annual letter with assessment due Sept 1. 175 days annually. Maine studies required in grades 6-12, computer proficiency in grades 7-12. Two options: home instruction or private school.
How much does it cost to homeschool in Maine?
Most Maine homeschool families spend roughly $500 to $2,500 per child per year. The exact figure depends on whether you build your own curriculum from low-cost or free resources (libraries, Khan Academy, open educational materials), use a packaged curriculum, or layer in tutoring, co-ops, and enrichment classes. Standardized testing fees, when required, typically run $30–$50 per test.
Maine does not currently have a widely-known statewide homeschool scholarship or ESA program with universal eligibility. Check Maine's school choice landscape annually — programs are expanding rapidly across the country.
Can homeschool students play public school sports in Maine?
Public school sports access for homeschool students varies by district in Maine, and the rules are typically set by the state high school athletic association rather than the legislature. Many districts allow participation under state equal-access laws or athletic association rules; others have restrictions tied to part-time enrollment or residency.
Contact your local school district's athletic director directly to confirm what your child can participate in this year, and consult HSLDA's Maine page for the current statewide picture.
Homeschooling high school in Maine: transcripts, diplomas, and college
In Maine, homeschool families are responsible for issuing their own high school diploma and maintaining their own transcript. Colleges across the country routinely admit homeschool graduates — many state universities have published homeschool admission policies, and selective private colleges increasingly recruit homeschoolers actively.
Most Maine homeschool teens strengthen their college applications by taking the SAT or ACT, completing dual-enrollment courses at a local community college, building a portfolio of meaningful projects, and securing strong recommendations from adult mentors outside the family. HomeschoolOS includes a transcript and GPA generator that pulls from the lessons, grades, and credit-hour data you log throughout the year.
How do I withdraw my child from public school to homeschool in Maine?
Generate your Mainewithdrawal letter →
Free 90-second wizard. Letter, attendance log, and 30/60/90 checklist as PDFs. No account.
The standard procedure
- Submit a written withdrawal letter to your child's current school principal. Keep a copy and obtain confirmation of receipt.
- File your homeschool notice of intent with Maine's appropriate state or district office, following the state's required cadence and content. This establishes your homeschool legally and ends the public school's compulsory-attendance jurisdiction.
- Begin tracking attendance, lessons, and any required portfolio work from day one — in Maine, your records protect you against any later truancy or state-requirement question.
Maine homeschool community and resources
The most useful Maine homeschool resources for new families are typically a statewide convention or association, a local co-op for weekly community, and HSLDA for legal questions.
- Homeschoolers of Maine — Statewide convention and advocacy organization for Maine families. Visit site
- HSLDA — Maine — Legal-defense membership and current statutory analysis. Visit page
- Local co-ops and Facebook groups— Search “[your city] Mainehomeschool” on Facebook to find weekly co-ops, park days, and field-trip groups that match your child's age and your educational philosophy.
How Homeschool OS tracks Maine's requirements
Attendance Tracker
Every school day is logged automatically as lessons are completed.
Subject Mapping
Every curriculum and lesson is tagged with its subject for coverage tracking.
Assessment Reminders
Deadline alerts ensure you never miss a required assessment date.
Filing Reminders
Get notified before notification deadlines so paperwork is never late.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start homeschooling in Maine?
To start homeschooling in Maine, you must file a notice of intent with your local school district or state education agency. Compulsory education applies to children ages 6 through 17.
Do I need to notify anyone to homeschool in Maine?
Yes. Maine requires homeschool families to file a notice of intent or similar notification with their local school district or state education agency.
Is testing required for homeschoolers in Maine?
Yes. Maine requires standardized testing or assessments for homeschooled students. Results are typically due by September 1.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Maine?
Maine requires instruction in: Fine Arts, Health, History, Language Arts, Math, Physical Education, Science.
What ages are covered by compulsory education in Maine?
Children ages 6 through 17 are subject to compulsory education laws in Maine.
How much does it cost to homeschool in Maine?
Most homeschool families in Maine spend roughly $500 to $2,500 per child per year on curriculum, supplies, testing fees, and enrichment. The exact figure depends on whether you build your own program from low-cost resources or use a packaged curriculum.
Can homeschool students play public school sports in Maine?
Public school sports access for homeschool students varies by district in Maine. Many districts allow participation under state equal-access laws or athletic association rules; others have restrictions. Contact your local district directly, and consult HSLDA's Maine page for the current statewide picture.
Can homeschool students earn a diploma and go to college in Maine?
Yes. Homeschool families in Maine are responsible for issuing their own high school diploma and transcript. Colleges across the country routinely admit homeschool graduates; many Maine families strengthen their applications with SAT or ACT scores, dual-enrollment courses at a local community college, and a portfolio of meaningful projects.
How do I withdraw my child from public school to homeschool in Maine?
In Maine, withdrawing from public school typically involves submitting a written withdrawal letter to the school principal and filing your homeschool notice of intent with the appropriate state or district office. The notification protects you from truancy concerns and establishes your homeschool legally for the school year.
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This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify requirements with your state's department of education before relying on this data.