CURRENT GRADE: F
Maine offers students some ability to attend other public schools outside their districts with stipulations. There are no public funds that provide options for other than public schools.
Homeschooling requires government oversight and does not offer a religious exemption. Homeschooled student are provided resources such as special education and access to extracurricular activities in public schools.
Compulsory education is required for ages 6 through under 17 years (with certain exceptions permitted for students aged 15 or older).
Education Options
- Maine permits students to attend public schools outside their district, but students must pay for tuition and transportation.
- Superintendents may agree to accept the transfer of a student from another district without charging tuition and the state dollars would follow the student.
- The state has 9 charter schools and it authorized up to 10.
- In 2023, 2,727 students enrolled in charter schools out of a total of approx. 170,000 total students in the state.
- If applications exceed space, a lottery is used to decide who is accepted.
- A grant can be given to a qualified student for tuition and fees at a qualified school through a scholarship granting organization.
- Contributions to a scholarship granting organization are tax deductible up to $1,000.
- Grants cannot exceed $3,500 per student.
Homeschooling Laws
Here are state laws on the topic of homeschooling:
- Parent/guardian must provide a written notice of intent to homeschool that indicates at least 175 days of instruction will be provided in the following subjects: English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health education, library skills, fine arts and, in at least one grade from grade 6 to 12, Maine studies. At one grade level from grade 7 to 12, the student will demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers; and . . . A statement of assurance that indicates that the home instruction program will include an annual assessment of the student’s academic progress that includes at least one of the forms of assessment allowed by law.
- Homeschooled students are eligible for special education services in public schools.
- Homeschooled students are eligible to participate in athletics in public schools as long as they meet certain conditions such as academic, disciplinary, and attendance standards.
Religious Exemptions:
There is no standard procedure by which a parent can receive a religious exemption to homeschool.
The First Amendment states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Many argue that a religious conviction to provide a home-based education is constitutionally protected and a state religious exemption law is not a requirement to be able to homeschool on religious grounds.
It should be noted that the U.S. Supreme Court in Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) established that “Under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, a state law requiring that children attend school past eighth grade violates the parents’ constitutional right to direct the religious upbringing of their children.” (The case involved a challenge of a 16-year-old student to be exempt, so the scope was limited)
