Maine Homeschooling

It can be a challenge to homeschool in states with many legal regulations like Maine. We'll help you get started and will give you the information you need to successfully homeschool your child. We cover all the laws, how to find support, different homeschooling methods, and throw in tips and ideas to make it fun and rewarding!

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§5021. Participation in public schools by students enrolled in equivalent instruction programs.
A school administrative unit shall conform to the following standards in making public school resources and services available to a student enrolled in a home instruction program under section 5001-A, subsection 3, paragraph A, subparagraph (4) for a student otherwise eligible to attend school in that school administrative unit. [2003, c. 181, §2 (amd).] 1. Participation in regular classes. A student receiving home instruction may enroll in specific day school classes at the appropriat...
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,180-mile footpath along the ridgecrests and across the major valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in northern Georgia. It traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, it was built by private citizens and completed in 1937. The trail traverses Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsyl...
Roosevelt Campobello International Park
Located near Lubec, the Roosevelt Campobello International Park is a unique example of international cooperation. This 2800 acre park is a joint memorial by Canada and the United States and a symbol of the close relationship between the two countries. Here are the cottage and the grounds where President Roosevelt vacationed, the waters where he sailed, and the woods, bogs, and beaches where he tramped and relaxed.
Portland Museum of Art
he Portland Museum of Art's extensive collection of fine and decorative arts dates from the 18th century to the present. Works by Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, Rockwell Kent, Marsden Hartley, and Andrew Wyeth showcase the unique artistic heritage of Maine. The Museum is housed in an award-winning building, which opened in 1983, designed by I.M. Pei & Partners.
Central Maine Self-Learners
Central Maine Self-Learners is an inclusive homeschool group for families living in central Maine. They serve as a network for homeschooling families to engage in events, field trips and activities with other homeschooling families in the area.
§5023. Standards for participation when tuition payment is required.
When the local public school unit does not provide academic instruction for specific grade levels, the following applies for students enrolled in an approved program of equivalent instruction. [1995, c. 610, §1 (new).] 1. Class participation. The home-schooled student or the student's parent or guardian shall request authorization from the resident local school unit to apply to another school unit for permission to participate in classes or activities in that other school unit. [1995, ...
2005-06 Subsequent Year Letter to Homeschool
This form is intended for use by the parents of children who were homeschooled in Maine during the previous school year. It is provided by the Depatment of Education for the state of Maine.
Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
The National Park Service preserves Saint Croix Island International Historic site as a monument to the beginning of the United States and Canada. The site is focused on establishing a quiet atmosphere of respect meant to promote contemplation of the heroism and suffering of the French colonists in 1604–05. The site is located near Calais.
Acadia National Park
Located on the rugged coast of Maine near Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park encompasses over 47,000 acres of granite-domed mountains, woodlands, lakes and ponds, and ocean shoreline. Such diverse habitats create striking scenery and make the park a haven for wildlife and plants.
§5025. Compliance.
Appeals that question the local school unit's policy compliance with this subchapter must be made to the commissioner, whose decision is final and binding.
New England Jewish Homeschoolers
This list is for Jewish homeschoolers in the New England area, including CT, NH, VT, ME, RI, MA. Members include Orthodox Jews, Conservative Jews, Reform Jews, Reconstructionist Jews, and secular Jews. 
Simply Learning
Simply Learning is an inclusive support network for homeschooling families in southern Maine and New Hampshire. They are a non-directed support group, which means that all activities are initiated by individual families, who then invite others to join them. This is a diverse group, but members share the common desire to meet with other homeschoolers on a regular basis for various activities.
How to Comply with Vermont's Homeschool Law
Vermont law specifically refers to homeschooling in 16 V.S.A. § 11(a)(21) and 16 V.S.A. § 166b. To homeschool under this statute, you’ll need to follow these guidelines. Necessary steps include sending in a written enrollment notice, submitting a narrative describing the content to be provided in each subject area, obtaining acknowledgement of compliance, teaching the required subjects and assessing your child annually. 
Maine Homeschooling
Maine Homeschooling is a statewide email discussion group for homeschoolers to discuss issues that are relevant to homeschooling in Maine. Includes discussions on different methods of homeschooling, help in getting started, national state legislation, resources, and announcements.
§5001-A. Compulsory attendance
1. Requirement. Persons 7 years of age or older and under 17 years shall attend a public day school during the time it is in regular session ... 3. Alternatives to attendance at public day school. Alternatives to attendance at public day school are as follows. A. Equivalent instruction alternatives are as follows. (1) A person is excused from attending a public day school if the person obtains equivalent instruction in: (a) A private school approved for attendance purposes pursu...
Upcoming Events
Not Back to School Camp - Vermont
September 17-26, 2021
Farm & Wilderness, Plymouth, VT
Not Back to School Camp is a non-denominational, non-religious homeschool camp. The camp offers workshops, spontaneous events, and special evening gatherings, bringing together campers who are excited about life and willing to be themselves and to reach out and connect with the others. 
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Featured Resources

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A Different Kind of Teacher: Solving the Crisis of American Schooling
In 1991, shortly after receiving both the New York State and New York City Teacher of the Year Awards, John Gatto resigned to begin a new career as an education reform advocate. In this collection of 16 essays, Gatto analyzes the problems of American...
For the Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School
Shows parents and teachers how children's learning experiences can be extended to every aspect of life, giving them a new richness, stability, and joy for living. Every parent and teacher wants to give his or her children the best education possible....
KONOS
KONOS offers unit studies for homeschoolers, with a focus on character building and the study of history.
America's Spectacular National Parks
The concept of the national park is an American contribution to world civilization, and it remains a defining characteristic of our country. From the rocky shore of Maine's Acadia to the barren crater and lush rain forest of Hawaii's Haleakala, Ameri...
The Exhausted School: Bending the Bars of Traditional Education
These 13 essays, presented at the 1993 National Grassroots Speakout on the Right to School Choice, illustrate how education reform actually works. Written by award-winning teachers and their students, these essays present successful teaching methods ...