📚 Getting Started with Homeschooling in Massachusetts
Massachusetts law allows families to homeschool, but it requires:
- Annual approval from your local school district (submit an education plan).
- Regular progress evaluations, which can include portfolios, standardized tests, or written reports.
- You are not required to follow the public school curriculum—but your plan must show an equivalent education.
👉 Massachusetts Homeschool Law Summary
🌟 Local Homeschool Groups & Co-Ops
1. North Shore Homeschoolers (NSH)
A long-standing Facebook-based group offering meetups, park days, field trips, and curriculum support. Open to all homeschooling styles.
📍 Covers: Beverly, Salem, Danvers, Peabody, Ipswich, Gloucester, and more
🔗 North Shore Homeschoolers Facebook Group
2. NSH Co-op (Danvers/Peabody area)
A weekly parent-led enrichment group offering science, art, PE, and social activities. Affordable and community-driven. Waitlists may apply.
3. MassHOPE (Massachusetts Homeschool Organization of Parent Educators)
A statewide Christian-based group with an active North Shore presence. Offers a large annual homeschool convention, support network, legal guidance, and a newsletter.
🔗 masshope.org
🏫 Enrichment Programs & Learning Centers
4. The Community House – Hamilton/Wenham
Offers homeschool-specific enrichment classes in STEM, drama, and nature studies. Rotating seasonal programs.
🔗 communityhouse.org
5. Wenham Museum – Homeschool Programs
Hands-on history, STEAM, and archaeology workshops designed for small homeschool groups or pods.
📍 Wenham, MA
🔗 wenhammuseum.org
6. North Shore Children’s Museum – Homeschool Days
Monthly museum days and workshops for homeschoolers with hands-on learning themes. Ideal for younger learners.
📍 Peabody, MA
🔗 nschildrensmuseum.org
7. Kaleidoscope Learning – Rowley, MA
A project-based learning center offering homeschool day programs, outdoor learning, and workshops in art, STEM, nature, and social studies.
🔗 kaleidoscopelearning.org
🧠 Curriculum & Tutoring Support
8. Classical Conversations – Local Chapters in Salem, Beverly, & Middleton
A Christian classical homeschooling community offering structured weekly programs for grades K-12.
🔗 classicalconversations.com
9. Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) – Andover, North Andover, Peabody
Math enrichment after school or daytime classes (some locations offer homeschool-friendly hours).
🔗 russianschool.com
10. Sylvan Learning or Kumon – Peabody, Danvers, Haverhill
Tutoring in math, reading, and test prep—helpful if you need academic reinforcement alongside homeschooling.
🧩 Social Opportunities & Field Trips
- Appleton Farms (Ipswich) – Homeschool nature and farming classes through The Trustees.
- Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary (Topsfield) – Offers naturalist-led homeschool programs.
- Historic New England Sites – Saugus Iron Works, Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, and more offer homeschool days.
- Macaroni KID North Shore MA – Follow for local homeschool-friendly events, nature walks, and museum days.
🧑💻 Online Homeschool Tools
- Outschool.com – Live virtual classes on every topic for ages 3-18.
- Khan Academy – Free mastery-based learning in math, science, and more.
- Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool – Complete, free online curriculum for all grade levels.
✅ Quick-Start Checklist for New North Shore Homeschoolers
- Submit an education plan to your school district (ask for your town’s requirements).
- Choose your curriculum (DIY, boxed, online, or co-op-based).
- Join a local group for support and socializing.
- Schedule enrichment classes or workshops to supplement your academics.
- Keep records of progress, samples, and reading logs.
- Enjoy flexibility—field trips, outdoor learning, and one-on-one focus are major perks!
Would you like a printable checklist, sample education plan, or help drafting a letter to your school district? I can create that for you!
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