Giving Tree is not a school. It is a learning community serving families who are registered as homeschoolers in the state of Maine. We help parents navigate the requirements involved in homeschooling in Maine.

Why does a child have to be a registered homeschooler to enroll at Giving Tree?

Maine laws regarding compulsory education require every child to be enrolled at a school (public or private) or registered as a homeschooler. Giving Tree Learning Center is not a school. Therefore, Giving Tree families fulfill their legal requirement regarding compulsory schooling by registering their children as homeschoolers. Giving Tree supports kids by providing part time educational experiences for each learner.

What are the homeschooling requirements for parents?

Homeschooling means that your family chooses how your child will receive their education. As the parent of a registered homeschooler in Maine, you must:

• Register your children as homeschoolers each year by sending a Notice of Intent
• Provide at least 175 days of instruction in: English and Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Health Education, Library Skills, Fine Arts, and, at least once from grade 6 to 12, Maine Studies
• Complete an annual assessment or accepted standardized test
• Submit annual assessment results

The annual assessment may be fulfilled by having a certified teacher review and approve of your child’s learning portfolio for that year.

While the final responsibility to provide an education to your child lies with you as a homeschooling parent, Giving Tree partners with all enrolled families to support them in completing necessary steps in this process. Learners at Giving Tree work on their portfolios throughout the year. Portfolios are reviewed in June by a certified educator.

How does Giving Tree support families to fulfill the legal requirements of being a registered homeschooler in the state of Maine?

Giving Tree will provide the following support to enrolled families each school year:

• Step-by-step information about the homeschool registration process.
• Student-directed learning with individualized student support and mentorship. It is the responsibility of parents to meet the requirements of Maine home instruction laws.
• Regular meetings throughout the school year with our guides to check-in on their child’s experiences.
• Creation and maintenance of learner portfolios in collaboration with parents.
• Homeschool portfolio reviews.
• A letter with the teacher’s signature stating the child had a successful year. Parents will supply this letter when registering to homeschool for the next school year.

Resources/Links:

Maine DOE Home Instruction Resources https://www.maine.gov/doe/schools/schoolops/homeinstruction/resources

Maine DOE Home Instruction Requirements, Forms, and Laws https://www.maine.gov/doe/schools/schoolops/homeinstruction/requirements

Maine DOE Home Instruction FAQ https://www.maine.gov/doe/schools/schoolops/homeinstruction/faq

Homeschoolers of Maine summary of the law https://www.homeschoolersofmaine.org/maine-law/steps-to-comply/