Homeschooling

1. Write or Submit

• Letter of Intent: Massachusetts requires that parents submit an Educational Plan for each child for approval before beginning to homeschool. Therefore the Educational Plan must accompany the Letter of Intent.
  • Plan should include student name, grade level or undeclared status, student former BPS ID if applicable and parent name, address and phone number.
  • It is within the right of the homeschool department to request a revision.
  • There is no letter of intent or proposal in Massachusetts.  (See AHEM for more info)

*Please Note: We’ve updated our options for submitting your Home Education (educational) plan. You may submit either via our online form (optional for faster processing time) or by emailing your plan to homeschooling@bostonpublicschools.org or mailing it to Boston Public Schools – Homeschooling (Expanded Learning Opportunities) 2300 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02119

OR
 

• The Homeschool Application: Boston Public Schools prefers you complete an online application for official record. The application includes uploading the Educational Plan and the Learning Schedule (see sample) for the student. Please see the application links below:
   

*Please Note: The online form is preferred for systems management and faster processing. Please avoid sending duplicate emails or multiple follow-ups; high email volume floods the inbox and delays response times for all families. 
 

Grades 1-5  2025-2026

Grades 6-8  2025-2026

Grades 9-12 2025-2026

• We do not accept links to online curriculum frameworks. Educational Plans must be submitted as PDF attachments for record.
• Some state-run online programs are not considered homeschooling. These programs include, but are not limited to, TECCA and Connections Academy.

2. Approval Letter

Families must receive an official approval letter before withdrawing their student(s) from Boston Public Schools. Once approved, families have two weeks to complete the withdrawal process. Homeschooling may begin after the approval letter is issued. Please allow 7–10 business days for processing after submitting a complete application.

3. Homeschooling

Don't worry if things don't go according to your education plan, that is why you homeschool. You can change methods, books and curriculum until you find what your child needs. You can notify the BPS if you change curriculum, but it is not required.

Go with what works for your child. 

4. Assessments

At the close of your homeschool year, please submit the End-of-Year Assessment (EOYA) that matches the evaluation method approved in your Education Plan. This helps us document progress and prepare your approval for the next school year.

How to submit: (preferred)

1. Complete the EOYA Google Form HERE 
2. Upload your documents within the form:
   • One PDF per student is preferred (you may also upload multiple files if needed).
   • Recommended file name: EOYA_2025_Last_First.pdf
3. In the form, provide: student full name, date of birth, parent/guardian name, and contact information.

If you cannot use the form: 

Mailing Address:
Boston Public Schools – Homeschooling (Expanded Learning Opportunities)
2300 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02119

Timing: Submit your EOYA by July 15th and before requesting approval for the next year. 

Homeschool end-of-year assessments typically consist of one or more of the following options:

Standardized Test Results

• Examples: MCAS, TerraNova, Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), Stanford Achievement Test
• Typically administered by a third party or homeschool parent if permitted

Portfolio of Work Samples

• A collection of student work from throughout the year in various subjects; may include worksheets, writing samples, projects, artwork, reading logs, and math assignments
• Often accompanied by a brief narrative summary or reflection written by the student

Progress Report or Narrative Evaluation

• A written report by the parent/educator describing the student's academic progress in each subject.
• Descriptions should focus on skills developed, knowledge acquired, and growth observed in each subject area.

Teacher Evaluation or Letter

• An assessment completed or verified by a Massachusetts-certified teacher
• The teacher reviews the student’s work or observes learning and provides a written evaluation

* Boston Public Schools Statement on Homeschool Records
Boston Public Schools (BPS) does not verify or certify the completion of homeschooling. It is the sole responsibility of families to maintain and retain all records of their child’s educational progress, including annual assessments and documentation, for their own files and future needs.

Please contact the Office of Homeschooling at homeschooling@bostonpublicschools.org with any questions about homeschooling and the homeschooling application process.

Homeschooling Law