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Frequently Asked Questions Pertaining to Homeschooling in Maine

  1. How many children are being homeschooled in Maine?

The followingstatistics pertain to students that are registered with their local superintendent of schools and the State for homeschooling:

a. 2004 -2005= 4,094

b. 2005-2006= 4,721

c. 2006-2007= 4,584

  1. When should a parent or legal guardian use the Notice of Intent or the Subsequent Year Letter?

The Notice of Intent should be used when the parent or legal guardian is homeschooling for the first time in Maine. The Subsequent Year Letter should be used each subsequent year after the Notice of Intent is used.

  1. Does the Department of Education send the parent a letter or notice after the Notice of Intent or Subsequent Year Letter has been received?

No. Many parents will send the materials with a postal return receipt for their records.

  1. Does the annual assessment have to be submitted along with the Subsequent Year Letter?

Yes. Subsequent Year Letters that are submitted to the Department of Education without the annual assessment will be returned.

  1. Is the parent or legal guardian required to submit an annual assessment every year?

Yes. In the event that the student will not be homeschooling in the subsequent year, the annual assessment is required. However, it would be helpful to include a note along with the assessment stating that the student will no longer be homeschooling.

  1. What should a parent or legal guardian do in the event that the student ceases homeschooling during the school year?

The parent or legal guardian should notify the Department of Education and the local superintendent of schools that the student is no longer homeschooling during the school year. No annual assessment is required in this case.

  1. If a parent or legal guardian begins the homeschooling during the school year, must they provide at least 175 instructional days?

No. The number of days that the student attended school can be deducted from the 175 instructional day requirement.

  1. What instructional materials are provided to homeschooling students by the local school?

The local school will provide textbooks as long as extra copies are available. No other instructional materials must be provided.

  1. Do homeschooled students qualify for the laptop initiative?

No.

  1. Can a parent or legal guardian file a Notice of Intent to homeschool a student for one course?

No.

  1. Will the State of Maine issue a diploma or certificate of completion when a parent feels that their student has completed their studies?

No. Since there are no standards of achievement for homeschooling in Maine, the State does not issue grades, credits, diplomas, transcripts, letters of course completion or letters of grade level promotion. Parents are advised to contact post secondary institutions, the military recruiter or potential employer to inquire about what will be required for acceptance/admission/employment.

  1. Is there a fee to homeschool in Maine?

No.

  1. Where do I get instructional materials?

The local school will provide textbooks if they have extra copies. The local school is not required to provide additional instructional materials such as workbooks, lesson plans, computers, etc.