Homeschooling in Maine
Homeschooling in Maine is a legal educational option, allowing parents to provide home-based education. While homeschooling is not state-funded, homeschooled students can access some publicly-funded programs.
Legal Status: Homeschooling in Maine is a private educational choice and is not state-funded through school choice programs.
Requirements
- Notice of Intent: File annually with the Maine Department of Education
- Annual Assessment: Required to demonstrate educational progress
- Parents must provide instruction equivalent to public school standards
State Funding: None. Maine does not provide direct funding for homeschooling through vouchers, ESAs, or tax credits.
Access to Public Programs: Homeschooled students can access certain publicly-funded programs:
1. Dual Enrollment in Public High School Courses
Free under Maine public school access law. Homeschooled students can take individual courses at local public schools.
2. Dual Enrollment in College Courses
Homeschooled students who file a Notice of Intent are eligible to take free college courses while homeschooled.
3. Charter School Services
Some charter schools may offer part-time enrollment or specific services to homeschooled students (varies by school; contact schools directly).
Future Funding Option – Federal SGO Scholarships: When Maine certifies SGOs (expected early 2026), homeschooled families may be eligible for scholarships funded by federal tax credits to help pay for curriculum, tutoring, and educational materials.
Important Restriction: Students cannot simultaneously use homeschool registration and private school enrollment for state assessment purposes. Families must choose one educational pathway.
Can Combine With
- Dual enrollment in public courses: Yes (free)
- Dual enrollment in college courses: Yes (free if eligible)
- Federal SGO scholarships: Yes (when available in Maine)
Cannot Combine With
- Town tuitioning: No (town tuitioning is for students in sending towns attending approved schools, not for homeschooling)
- Charter schools: Cannot be fully enrolled in charter school and homeschool simultaneously
For other Maine School Choice Programs: Refer to our Maine State Summary.