How to homeschool in Maine

Options for homeschooling

: 2

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: Yes

ESA Option

: No

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Maine homeschooling laws and options

Maine allows parents to homeschool under specific state requirements to ensure children receive an adequate education. By law, parents must submit a Notice of Intent to the Maine Department of Education and local school superintendent within ten days of starting a homeschool program. Here are some key things to understand:

Age of compulsory education: Children between the ages of 6 and 17 must comply with education laws unless they are homeschooled.
Annual assessment: Parents are required to submit an annual assessment of the child’s academic progress. This can include standardized testing, a letter from a certified teacher, or a portfolio review.
Required subjects: Homeschoolers must teach English, language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health, library skills, and fine arts.

For further details, visit the Maine Department of Education Homeschooling page.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in Maine

Time4Learning offers an engaging online curriculum that simplifies homeschooling in Maine by providing coursework aligned with core subjects required by the state, such as math, science, and English.

Submit the notice of intent. Notify the Maine Department of Education and your local superintendent that you are beginning a homeschool program. You can submit the notice online or via mail, using Maine DOE's instructions.
Understand state requirements. Familiarize yourself with Maine’s specific homeschooling guidelines, including required subjects and assessment procedures. Time4Learning’s curriculum is designed to meet these requirements, covering core subjects like English, math, science, and social studies.
Choose a curriculum. Select a curriculum that aligns with state requirements and meets the educational needs of your child. Time4Learning offers an all-in-one solution with engaging, self-paced lessons that cater to different learning styles, making it an excellent choice for both new and experienced homeschoolers.
Keep records. Maintain detailed records of instruction and academic progress, including testing or portfolio reviews. Time4Learning simplifies this process with automated record-keeping and reporting tools, helping parents stay organized and compliant.
Conduct yearly assessments. Complete and submit required assessments annually to remain compliant with the law. Time4Learning’s comprehensive curriculum and progress tracking make it easier to prepare for and complete these assessments.

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Maine's high school graduation and diploma requirements

Maine law doesn’t provide diplomas for homeschoolers, but parents can issue their own upon completing a high school program. Homeschoolers in Maine are not required to meet state “credit hour” or curriculum requirements for graduation.

Many families use Time4Learning’s high school curriculum, which offers over 14 courses, to structure their teen’s education. The platform includes resources for core subjects, electives, and college prep, which can translate into a transcript for post-graduation plans.

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Standardized test requirements for Maine homeschoolers

While homeschool families in Maine have flexibility, there is an annual assessment requirement to demonstrate academic progress. This can include one of the following options:

A standardized achievement test administered by a certified teacher.
A portfolio review evaluated by a qualified instructor.
Submitting an alternate evaluation approved by the school superintendent.

Time4Learning provides continual progress tracking and printable reports that can be shared during assessment reviews. These tools keep homeschooling in line with state requirements.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in Maine

Homeschoolers in Maine have the same college admission opportunities as traditional students. We recommend reaching out to the campuses your student is interested in to understand each campus’ requirements, but here are some common preparations to streamline the process:

Create a transcript. Keep detailed records of courses, grades, and extracurriculars. Time4Learning lets you easily generate reports for this purpose.
Prepare for standardized testing. Many colleges require SAT/ACT scores—invest in preparation resources.
Craft a standout application. Highlight unique homeschooling opportunities, such as independent projects, internships, or travel experiences.

Many Time4Learning parents find the platform’s course variety and built-in transcripts help set their college-bound homeschooler apart!

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in Maine

Encouragingly, families in Maine may be eligible to use Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to offset the cost of homeschooling expenses. ESAs can be applied toward:

Curriculum and instructional materials, including Time4Learning subscriptions.
Standardized tests and educational evaluations.
Private tutoring or additional online learning programs.

Although Maine does not currently have existing ESA programs statewide, families interested in financial aid should stay informed about legislative changes. Check the Maine Department of Education for updates.