State Law Requirements
Massachusetts General Laws require that a home education program be approved by the school district before a child is removed from school and that the instruction be thorough and efficient, allowing the student to make adequate progress in areas identified as essential by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. An educational plan must be submitted to Newton Public Schools prior to the start of home instruction.
Notice of Intent
Parent(s) or guardian(s) planning to undertake a home education program for their child(ren), either for a full school year or a partial year, shall inform the Newton Public Schools by submitting a Notice of Intent to Pursue a Program of Home Education.
For students will be home educated in the future full-time, fourteen (14) day or two weeks prior to withdrawing the student from school, or by August 31 of the appropriate school year
For partial-year/periodic home education, the Notice of Intent must be submitted as soon as the need is known and must include the anticipated start and end dates of the home education period, as well as the reason for pursuing home education (for example, extended family travel, participation in a student program, medical or personal circumstances, or other educational reasons).
Home instruction may not begin until written approval has been issued by Newton Public Schools.
Registration and Residency Requirements
According to Newton School Committee Policy, the parent(s) or guardian(s) of a homeschooled student(s) must:
- Register the student(s) with Newton Public Schools
- Provide proof of residency
- Verify the student’s address annually when applying for home education approval
Proof of Residency for the initial registration includes one document for Proof of Residency and two documents for Proof of Occupancy. Additional details of acceptable documentation can be found on the Important Registration and Residency Information page. This documentation may be requested at school or district discretion.
Duration and Approval Period
Home education plans are approved for one year only or, in the case of partial-year/periodic home education, only for the specific period requested and approved. Parent(s) or guardian(s) must resubmit notification annually for full-year home education or submit a new request if partial-year/periodic home education will continue beyond the approved dates or recur within the same or subsequent school year.
Review and Approval Process
The home education program shall be considered in an equitable, objective, and timely manner. Factors that may be considered by the superintendent (or their designee) in deciding whether to approve a home education proposal include the following:
Educational Plan Requirements
The application for home education must include an educational plan that provides an overview of the instructional program for the student, including:
- Content
- Instructional materials
- Duration and frequency of instruction
- Methods of instruction
- Evaluation
The plan should enable the student to make adequate progress in the areas identified by Massachusetts as essential. In order to meet the specific educational needs of their child(ren), parent(s) or guardian(s) may adjust instructional materials to achieve the goals of the educational program without further notification to the superintendent’s office.
Instructional Hours
For full-year home education instructional hours, Massachusetts State Law requires a minimum of:
- 900 hours per year for elementary students
- 990 hours per year for secondary students
For partial-year/periodic home education, the required instructional hours are prorated based on the length of time the student is educated at home. Parent(s) or guardian(s) should reflect the prorated total instructional hours in their submitted educational plan.
Instructor Qualifications
The academic background, life experiences, and/or other qualities of those who will be instructing the child(ren), as they relate to the educational program. Home educators need not be certified teachers nor hold diplomas or degrees.
NPS Teachers and Home Education Plans
It is important to note that NPS staff (including classroom teachers) cannot assist families in developing Home Education plans. Families are expected to complete this process independently. Teachers cannot provide guidance on aligning with curriculum or class syllabi, offer or suggest work, review plans, or maintain instructional contact while a student is enrolled in Home Education. This is also consistent with current practice for full-year Home Education filings. Remote schoolwork or learning packets are not provided for students who miss school.
When parents choose to take their child out of school, they assume full responsibility for creating, supporting, and administering their Home Education plan. This process does not change for families who temporarily withdraw their child for an extended absence. Families may choose not to file a Home Education plan and instead have the absences recorded, or they may choose to schedule travel during school breaks to avoid disrupting their child’s learning.
Progress Reporting and End-of-Year Assessment
A mutually agreeable method of progress reporting that corresponds to the type and duration of the educational program being followed must be included in the educational plan. This should include:
- A summary of learning
- One or two work samples that illustrate understanding of a concept
Parent(s) or guardian(s) may also submit a progress report from any online program in which the student is enrolled during the year or approved home education period.
At the conclusion of the approved home education period, families must submit an end-of-year assessment or progress report that aligns with the evaluation method described in the approved educational plan.
End-of-Year or End-of-Period Reporting Timeline
Within one week of the ending date of the approved home education period, Newton Public Schools will email the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) a reminder to submit the required progress report or assessment. The report should be emailed to the Newton Public Schools Home Education Office within:
- 30 days for full year
- upon return to school for partial-year/periodic
Submission of this report is required before approval of any future home education requests.
Participation in Newton Public Schools Activities
Homeschooled students generally do not participate in Newton Public Schools–sponsored extracurricular activities, athletics, or events unless specifically authorized by the superintendent or designee in accordance with district policy.
Forms, Resources, and Contacts
Families pursuing home education should refer to the following resources:
- Newton Public Schools Home Education Application / Notice of Intent
- Sample Home Education Plan
- Newton Public Schools Home Education Office contact information for questions or assistance.
