https://hslda.org/legal
https://projects.propublica.org/graphics/homeschool
https://www.maine.gov/doe/schools/schoolops/homeinstruction

Enlightium Academy is a private Christian school that is accredited by Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Enlightium has served homeschool, online, and co-op school students in K-12 since 2003.  In general, state institutions recognize Enlightium Academy as an out-of-state private school that allows students to transfer in or transfer out to public and private schools. Enlightium Academy provides our families with standard information about their state’s requirements, and parents are encouraged to review their state’s requirements at hslda.org/legal and/or the Maine Department of Education website, as educational policies are subject to change over time.

Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states and Washington D.C. With this freedom comes a responsibility to understand and fulfill legal requirements. This can be worrisome, but you’re not alone in this endeavor. Enlightium Academy is here to help! As you review your state’s homeschooling requirements, please keep in mind that Enlightium Academy holds dual accreditation from Cognia and ACSI. This enables the Enlightium team to serve students in all 50 states, providing an accredited education that leads to a high school diploma recognized nationwide.

Please note that the resources below serve as a starting point for your family; it is important that you research Maine’s requirements.

Homeschooling Options

There are two options in Maine. Families with students enrolled at Enlightium Academy can choose Option 1: Homeschooling under Maine’s home instruction. The guidelines below are based on option 1.

Maine’s Requirements at a Glance

State Educational Funds

No state educational funds are available for Maine families at this time.

Notifying the State

Your First Year of Homeschooling:

You must submit a notice of intent to your local school superintendent and commissioner, which can be done through the Home Instruction Portal or by submitting to the local Superintendent's office (a paper form). One submission serves as notification to both. This notice needs to be sent within ten days of you starting to homeschool your student. Your notice of intent must include the following information:

• The parent or guardian’s name, address, and signature
• Each student’s name and age
• The date that home instruction will begin
• A statement that you will provide instruction to your student(s) for at least 175 days a year, will cover the required subjects, and will submit a year-end assessment

Each Subsequent Year of Homeschooling:

By September 1, you need to send a letter to the local school superintendent which includes:

• Your student’s year-end assessment, and
• A statement that you intend to continue your student’s home education for next year

Academic Calendar

The Maine Department of Education requires at least 175 days of education each school year. Enlightium’s school calendar has 180 school days (around 210 days with summer school). Additionally, students have access to the courses 24/7 for most days of the school year, including weekends and holidays.

Age Requirement

Ages five or younger:

Students are not required to attend school, but can enroll in primary school at Enlightium Academy to have a head start and be ready for Kindergarten.

‍Ages six through 16:

Students must continue their education at a school of their parents’ choice until they either graduate or turn 17. This includes enrolling at Enlightium Academy.

Instructor Qualifications

The Maine Department of Education requires the teacher to be “competent.” 

As a part of Enlightium Academy’s dual accreditation, Enlightium teachers are state and/or ACSI-certified. A number of our faculty members have Master's and Doctorate degrees in their fields. 

Students in the Book-Based Program use textbook Christian curricula from AOP or BJU Press, while students in the Online Program use the Ignitia digital Christian curriculum or Enlightium’s custom online curriculum (available to select grade levels). Students in the Sapphire Live program use a collection of the best-vetted curriculum options by our curriculum department. Each curriculum includes Bible, English, math, science, social studies, and elective courses. Click here to learn about the curriculum used at Enlightium Academy and to find the curriculum option that works best for your family.

Required Subjects

The Maine Department of Education requires the following subjects:

• English/Language Arts
• Math
• Social Studies
• Maine studies (in one grade between grades 6-12)
• Science
• Physical and Health Education
• Library skills
• Fine Arts
• Computer Proficiency (in one grade between grades 7-12)

The first five bullet points are core courses at Enlightium Academy and will likely already be assigned by your student’s counselor. The latter bullet points are electives or resources available at Enlightium Academy.

Standardized Assessment

The Maine Department of Education requires that you submit a year-end assessment to your local school superintendent under option 1. The assessment is due by September 1st each year, to be submitted with the letter of intent. 

• Grades PreK-8: As Enlightium Academy also requires students in grades pre-kindergarten through 8th grade to take an assessment, it is simplest for Maine families enrolled at Enlightium to take the Iowa Complete Annual Assessment. The test covers the required material, and test scores are provided via email to the parent. Alternative options include a letter written by a Maine-certified teacher following a portfolio review or other approved standardized tests, according to Title 20-A.

• Grades 9-12: Enlightium provides guidance for college-preparatory assessments such as the PSAT, SAT, and/or ACT.

Keep a Portfolio

Maine law says that you must keep for your records: 

• A copy of each annual letter and a copy of each year-end assessment - If the commissioner of education asks to see the letter or the year-end assessment, you must provide it.
• Test scores - This can include occasional screenshots of test scores and/or standardized assessment scores.

Enlightium recommends that you keep a digital record every year your student is enrolled at Enlightium Academy, as you may need to provide your state with additional information, or if fulfilling the assessment requirement through a portfolio review. The portfolio should include:

• Attendance - Enlightium provides your family with progress reports via email. You can screenshot the details in these emails to show attendance.
• Curriculum information and samples - Enlightium provides its families with both curriculum overviews by grade level and samples by course.
• Academic plans - Enlightium Academy counselors provide academic plans during the admission process for each of our four divisions of grades: primary school (PreK-2), elementary school (3-5), middle school (6-8), and high school (9-12).
• Grades - Enlightium provides report cards for all students at the end of each quarter. Transcripts are available upon request.
• Academic Awards - Enlightium provides qualifying students with certificates for Honor Roll, Scholar’s List, Dean’s List, Outstanding Improvement, and the Presidential Award.
• Social/Competition Achievements - Enlightium holds social events and competitions throughout the school year, such as art competitions and involvement in the Student Council.

Enlightium Parents App with Group for Maine Families

Enlightium Academy has an app and desktop platform for families of currently enrolled students. Within this app is a group just for families living in Maine to inform and support each other in fulfilling their state’s requirements. Your family will be provided a link to download the app after enrolling.

Ready to Enroll at Enlightium Academy?

1. Explore Enlightium Academy’s website
2. If you have any questions:
   
   1. Chat with a team member
   2. Email consultants@enlightiumacademy.com
   3. Call (866) 488-4818 option 2
3. Ready to enroll? Click here to start the enrollment process, and select the “Enroll Now” button.

Since 2003, Enlightium faculty and staff have served partner schools, hybrid, online, and book-based program K-12 students. With parental support, excellent instruction, and a personalized approach to learning, Enlightium equips students with the academic, spiritual, physical, social, and emotional skills they need to succeed in life. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (509) 319-2288 or visit EnlightiumAcademy.com.

We review state requirements and regulations annually; however, each state may update its guidelines more frequently. If you have additional questions, please contact your state board of education.

Sources reviewed in September 2025:

• https://hslda.org/legal
• https://www.maine.gov/doe/schools/schoolops/homeinstruction

https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/20-A/title20-Asec5001-A.html