Under Massachusetts law, parent(s) or guardian(s) have the right to teach their school-aged (six to sixteen) children at home as long as they notify the local school district and receive approval for a home schooling/otherwise educated plan.
It is the responsibility of the Superintendent, and/or his/her designee, to approve the plans for students residing in the Town of Wellesley.
Plans should be submitted to the Director of Student Services in advance of beginning an otherwise educated program. If a student’s plan is not approved in advance, the student’s name will remain on the roster of his or her neighborhood public school and the child will be listed as absent until such time as the plan is approved.
The home schooling process is initiated by a written request from parent(s) and/or guardian(s) and the submission of a home schooling/ otherwise educated plan. The plan must include the following elements:
- Subjects of study
- Home teaching schedule
- Materials and/or curriculum
- Agreed upon evaluation methods
- Academic credentials or other qualifications of the parent(s) and/or guardian(s) who will be instructing student
If it is determined the program is equal to public schooling in its thoroughness and efficiency, approval will be granted. In addition to the above approval, a written evaluation must be submitted to the Director of Student Services at the end of the school year, indicating the progress student obtained in each subject area.
The state of Massachusetts does not establish any graduation requirements for homeschooled students, nor does it issue high school diplomas to homeschooled students. The parent/guardian is responsible for establishing graduation requirements, creating a high school transcript, and issuing their student a high school diploma.
Home Schooling Application (Fillable PDF)
To submit a Home Education Plan for approval, please contact the Director of Student Services:
Dr. Kathleen Bernklow, Director of Student Services
40 Kingsbury Street
Wellesley, MA 02481
781-446-6210 ;5629
bernklowk@wellesleyps.org