Click here for Home Education Magazine home page.

 
Web homeedmag.com

 


 

 

State Laws and Regulations - Massachusetts

Welcome to homeschooling in Massachusetts! We encourage you to discuss the laws and regulations regarding home education with other homeschoolers who live in your state, and especially with those who are knowledgeable about the homeschooling climate in your local community.

Homeschooling laws and regulations vary from state to state; there is no federal authority for all laws and regulations which can affect homeschooling.

Each parent who chooses to homeschool their children in Massachusetts takes on a responsibility to familiarize themselves with the specific laws and regulations which affect homeschooling families in their state.

There are many good resources for help, beginning with the homeschool support groups, organizations, listservs, websites and helpful individuals. To find out more visit the Support Groups section of this web site.

Please Note: This is not intended to be legal advice and is distributed for informational purposes only. For more information about the laws and regulations in this state please contact a state or local support group.

Additional Resources

Groups Page
Helpful resources and support

HEM Group News
Monthly newsletter via email

Homeschool Networking
Connect with others

Foundations of Freedom
Articles on homeschooling freedoms

Laws & Regulations
Listed by State with resources

Other States

 

Massachusetts State Legislature

From Advocates for Home Education in Massachusetts:

Massachusetts has no statute that specifically addresses homeschooling. Rather, homeschooling is governed by case law, in conjunction with applicable statutes. The most important case is Care and Protection of Charles & others, 399 Mass. 324 (1987). In this case, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts upheld the compulsory attendance statute, General Laws Chapter 76, Section 1. In its decision, the Court was aware of the need to balance two basic tenets: the constitutional right of the parents to homeschool and the state's interest in the education of its citizenry. The result was delegation of homeschooling oversight to local school districts.

Please see http://www.ahem.info/HSinMAPage.htm  for actual text and interpretation of the Charles decision and other cases. Please see our support groups listing for contact with homeschoolers living in the state of Massachusetts.

(top)

 

View Your Shopping Basket

_______________

About HEM   Privacy Policy   Contact HEM Webmaster

Home Education Magazine, PO Box 1083, Tonasket, WA 98855; 800-236-3278
Contents © Home Education Magazine 1996 - 2007

Home | HEM Archives | Subscribe | Contact HEM | About Us | FAQ | HEM Catalog | Classifieds | Advertise
Support Groups | Free Guide | Resources | HEM Online News | News & Commentary | Blogs & Email Lists

_______________