File:  IHBG - HOME SCHOOLING

The Massachusetts General Law requires the School Committee to determine that a Home Schooling program meet with the minimum standards established for public schools in the Commonwealth prior to approving such a program.

When a parent or guardian of a student below the age of 16 wants to establish a home-based educational program for his/her child, the following procedures shall be followed in accordance with the law:

Prior to removing the child from public school:

The parent/guardian must submit written notification of establishment of the home-based program to the appropriate administrator 14 days before the program is established, and resubmit notification on an annual basis as long as the child or children are being educated in a home-based environment.

The parent/guardian must certify in writing, on a form provided by the District, the name, age, place of residence, and number of hours of attendance of each child in the program.

The Superintendent shall give the notice to produce records required by law if there is probable cause to believe the program is not in compliance with the law.  Factors to be considered by the Superintendent or School Committee in deciding whether or not to approve a home education proposal may be:

1.  The proposed curriculum and the number of hours of instruction in each of the proposed subjects.

2.  The competency of the parents/guardians to teach the child/children,

3.  The textbooks, workbooks and other instructional aids to be used by the child/children and the lesson plans and teaching manuals to be used by the parents/guardians.

4.  Periodic standardized testing of the child/children to ensure educational progress and the attainment of minimum standards.

Only those students who are enrolled and in regular attendance in the Framingham Public Schools will be eligible to participate in the interscholastic athletic program, student government, and the student activity program or to graduate from Framingham High School.

Home education students, upon written request and with the approval of the Principal, may utilize library and guidance services, including testing.

LEGAL REFS.:  M.G.L. 69:1D; 76:1, Care and Protection of Charles

Care and Protections of Charles - MASS. Supreme Judicial Court 399 Mass. 324 (1987)

This policy was updated and approved by the Framingham School Committee in Open Session on December 7, 2022.