Homeschooling is about saying goodbye to traditional schooling, where students need to set aside other tasks and attend school in person. This type of education allows students to learn from home.
Maine Homeschooling Regulations
Maine has two options parents can use to homeschool their children. These options include home instruction and private schooling.
Parents, who choose to provide child with home instruction, need to follow these steps:
- File a Notice of Intent
- Send an annual letter
- Provide the required days of instruction and teach the required subjects
- Submit a year-end assessment to a local superintendent
Parents must send a one-time written Notice of Intent to their local school superintendent within 10 days of starting homeschooling. It is not necessary to use any particular form.
Notice of Intent must include the following information:
- Name, address, and signature of the parent or guardian
- Student’s name and age
- The date when home instruction began (or will begin)
- A statement, saying parents will provide instruction to a student for at least 175 days a year
- A statement, saying parents will cover the required subjects
- A statement, saying parents will submit a year-end assessment for a student
Parents who choose to provide their child with private school’s instructions can join with other families to have a private school or enroll in a private school, providing options for homeschoolers. Teachers in private schools should have certifications, according to Maine’s law.
Homeschooling families can consult legal resources to ensure they comply with state laws. Organizations like the HSLDA offer support to address any legal questions or concerns.
Curriculum Choices for Homeschooling in Maine
Successful homeschooling happens when parents choose the right curriculum and follow specific standards. We explained how to work with standards, helping choose the correct subjects and programs in this article.
Homeschooling families in Maine can choose their own curriculum. Options include pre-designed homeschool programs, online courses, or creating a custom plan. Parents are free to tailor education to their child’s needs while meeting state requirements. The state requires instruction in subjects such as English and language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, health education, library skills, fine arts, Maine studies (in at least one grade from 6 to 12), and computer proficiency (in at least one grade from 7 to 12).
The Maine Department of Education doesn’t provide a specific curriculum but offers resources to help with curriculum selection. Homeschoolers of Maine (HOME) provides curriculum consulting services, helping families choose materials to meet state requirements and individual preferences.
Maine Homeschool Co-Ops and Groups
Parents and students use local homeschool groups like Classical Conversations and online support groups like The Homeschool Mom Community. Parents use this resource to find homeschool communities. These groups and communities provide families with support and help children achieve better results.
Homeschool co-ops bring families together to share teaching responsibilities. Co-ops provide group classes, field trips, and social activities. Use Homeschool-Life to connect with local homeschooling co-ops and groups.
Field Trip Ideas for Maine Homeschoolers
Homeschoolers can participate in activities like field trips. These activities help kids find new friends, get valuable knowledge, and apply theory to practice. Children who participate in field trips absorb the material better, and it fosters a love for learning in them.
Maine offers a lot of field trip opportunities to combine education with exploration. Families can visit Acadia National Park to learn about geology, ecology, and wildlife conservation. The Maine Maritime Museum provides an overview of the state’s rich maritime history and shipbuilding heritage. Homeschoolers can explore the Portland Museum of Art for lessons in art history and creativity. The Gulf of Maine Research Institute offers interactive exhibits on marine science and environmental stewardship.
K12 Online School for Maine Homeschoolers
K-12 online schooling is like a magic wand for parents. These schools handle all the hard work within the programs, guaranteeing the child receives a quality education. Let’s take a look at one of the top K-12 online schools in Maine, Legacy Online School.
Legacy Online School offers an accredited curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school. Legacy Online School’s curriculum covers core subjects. These subjects include Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Students choose electives like Spanish and Art. This curriculum includes live teaching in small groups for personalized attention.
Legacy Online School’s curriculum is created to meet the needs of each student. This personalization helps students target challenging areas. Homeschooled students receive full support and guidance to have quality education.
Legacy Online School provides access to certified teachers with experience in online and special education. These teachers know how to support diverse learning needs, offering the right balance of guidance and independence. Teachers check on each student’s progress regularly, adjusting methods as necessary.
You can learn more about Legacy Online School on our website, in the following sections:
