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

Parents/guardians who choose to educate their children at home, as allowed under Massachusetts law, can fulfill the requirements of the compulsory attendance statute by notifying the Worcester Public Schools 14 days before the program is established, and resubmiting notification on an annual basis as long as the child or children are being educated in a home-based environment.. 

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/guardian to teach the children,

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

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

Students completing high school through home schooling programs are not eligible for a Worcester Public Schools' Diploma.

A student being educated through Home Schooling may have access to public school activities of an extra-curricular nature (e.g. sports, clubs) with the approval of the Superintendent or designee.

The district reserves the right to allow enrolled students to have precedence or priority over the home schooled student with regard to placement on sports teams and activities that have limited enrollment.  With approval of the Superintendent or designee, and in consultation with the principal, a home schooled student may participate in sports teams and activities that have limited enrollment provided that he or she does not displace an enrolled student.  Home schooled students applying to participate in district-sponsored sports must follow athletic eligibility guidelines.

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

Approved on August 17, 2023.