Maine asks for a notice when you start, an annual letter after that, a set list of subjects, and a yearly assessment — structured but very doable.
Homeschooling is legal in Maine and thousands of families do it. The state's system is structured — notice, required subjects, and an annual assessment — but once you understand the rhythm, it runs on autopilot: one filing at the start, then a short annual letter with your assessment results attached.
You'll provide at least 175 days of instruction per year and cover a specific subject list, which is longer than most states' but still fits naturally into a normal homeschool week.
File a written notice of intent with your local school administrative unit and the state when you begin — check your district's current deadline, as it's tied to when instruction starts. In following years, you send a shorter letter continuing your program along with your assessment results.
Maine's list includes English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health, library skills, fine arts, and Maine studies in at least one grade, plus computer proficiency in at least one grade. It sounds long, but several of these are one-time or easily woven into daily work.
Each year you choose an assessment: a standardized test, a review by a Maine-certified teacher, or another state-recognized review option. The results go in with your annual continuation letter.
Withdraw your child from their current school if they're enrolled.
Send your notice of intent to your local school unit and the Maine Department of Education before beginning instruction.
Map the required subjects onto a weekly schedule — most fit into the reading, math, science, and social studies you'd teach anyway.
Decide now which annual assessment option you'll use so it isn't a scramble next summer.
Pick a curriculum that tracks progress as you go — Cullinan Academy's adaptive lessons cover the core subjects and produce a clear record you can hand to a reviewing teacher.
Whatever Maine asks for — attendance, subject coverage, progress evidence, transcripts — Cullinan Academy tracks it automatically as your kids learn: verified mastery records, time-on-task, printable transcripts with GPA, and state report templates. No spreadsheet required.
You need an annual assessment, but a standardized test is only one option — a portfolio review by a certified teacher is a popular alternative.
It's state history, geography, and government, required in at least one grade of your choosing. Many families do it as a fun unit study in upper elementary.
At least 175 days of instruction per year, which is slightly fewer than the public school calendar.
No. Parents don't need a degree or teaching certificate to operate a home instruction program.
One rough result doesn't end your homeschool. The system is designed to show reasonable progress over time, and you have multiple assessment formats to choose from.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool law changes, and districts sometimes apply it differently. Verify current requirements with your state's department of education or a local homeschool association before filing anything. Content last reviewed 2026-07.