Under Massachusetts law, parent/guardian have the right to teach their school-aged (six to sixteen) children at home, as long as they notify the local school district and receive approval for a home schooling/otherwise educated plan. It is the responsibility of the Superintendent, and/or designee, to approve the plans for students residing in the Quabbin Regional School District.
Approval must be granted prior to beginning Home School, otherwise your child will remain on the school roster and marked absent until approved.
The home schooling process is initiated by submitting Notice of Intent to Pursue a Program of Home Education to include the following info:
- Subjects of study
- Home teaching schedule
- Materials and/or curriculum
- Agreed upon evaluation methods
- Academic credentials or other qualifications of the parent(s) and/or guardian(s) who will be instructing student.
If it is determined the program is equal to public schooling in its thoroughness and efficiency, approval will be granted. In addition to the above approval, a written evaluation must be submitted to the Home School Liaison at the end of the school year, indicating the progress student obtained in each subject area.
The state of Massachusetts does not establish any graduation requirements for homeschooled students, nor does it issue high school diplomas to homeschooled students. The parent/guardian is responsible for establishing graduation requirements, creating a high school transcript, and issuing their student a high school diploma.
Please review the Quabbin School District's Home School policy found HERE.
For further information on home schooling in Massachusetts, visit the DESE website (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
FAQ
Is home school and virtual/online school the same?
Home school is a parent/guardian guided education that may use online programs to supplement lessons. Virtual Public School is a program led by certified teachers and accredited curriculum. There are currently only 2 Public Virtual Schools in MA and their info can be found on the DESE Website .
My child has an IEP, can they continue services?
Yes, under MA law any student requiring special ed services will continue to receive services.
Is my child able to attend any in-school, after-school or sport programs?
There are opportunities for your child in their local school. Transportation and coordination is the parent/guardian responsibility. Contact the local school administration for information, requirements and procedures. (Find your local school) For MHS sports questions email [email protected]