This is not legal advice. As someone who lives in a state that is highly regulated, I cannot emphasize enough the need for you to advocate for yourself and make a point to know your state laws. While the school district will most likely provide you with a printed copy of the laws and regulations for home schooling, a local home schooling group can be a valuable asset when it comes to navigating your way through the system.
Although I generally blog on all options for one state in the same blog so that it is easier for those of you who are reading it, Maine has, what I find to be some unusual laws regarding home schooling. There are many states that allow you to home school as a private school. While there are particular requirements to meet, they are generally less than that of operating a home school under a home school statute. However, in Maine, the requirements to operate as a non-approved private school are numerous and so for the benefit of those who may want to do this, I have decided to blog on them separately. I will link them at the bottom of this blog. This blog deals with then, the requirements for option 2.
In Maine, in addition to just operating your own home school, you may also combine with another family and operate what is called a non-approved private school or NAPS. In order to qualify as a NAPS there must be “enrolled” at least two unrelated students. Furthermore, the NAPS must provide similarly equivalent instruction to that of a public school.
Notice: In order to be recognized as providing similarly equivalent instruction, the administrator of the NAPS must submit a letter annually by October 1 to the Commissioner stating that:
*provides instruction in the following subjects: English, (including reading, writing, spelling and grammar), math, science, health, fine arts, social studies (including American history, Maine history, civil government and citizenship)
*the administrator has examined all teachers for competency
*the school will operate at least 175 days per year or at least 875 hours
*the school complies with applicable fire, health and safety laws
*the school will inform parents of the method, subjects, grade levels and results of assessments
*the school will give parents 4 progress reports each year
In addition, the administrator of the NAPS must annually notify parents that the above letter has been sent. The administrator must also report name, address, and grade of students to the public school superintendent of where the student resides by October 1st of each year.
Teacher Qualifications: The administrator must certify that each teacher is competent.
Testing: Testing is not required in a NAPS.
Related Articles
Homeschooling in Maine: Option 1
Related Resources:
HSLDA
Maine Department of Education Home Instruction Information
State Support Groups