Homeschool benefits and savings in Scituate
Scituate Town Library opens its whole collection of books, ebooks, audiobooks, DVDs, and online databases to homeschool families, plus bookable study rooms and museum passes such as half-price Museum of Science tickets for up to four people. Scituate residents with a library card can reserve the passes online or by phone. Other options include college classes and scholarships.
Scituate Town Library homeschool resources
Who qualifies
Has a library card
Museum passes are for Scituate residents with a library card and for cardholders from Old Colony Library Network (OCLN) towns. Your card must be in good standing.
An adult books passes
Online pass reservations need a valid adult library card and an active email address. You can also book by phone.
An adult borrows Library of Things
Library of Things items are available to any adult OCLN cardholder with a card in good standing.
What the card gives you
These terms come from Scituate Town Library's museum pass booking page and its Library of Things rules.
- Museum of Science, up to 4 people
- 50% off tickets
- New England Aquarium, up to 4 people
- $20 each
- Museum of Fine Arts, adults and youths 7-17
- $15 and $10
- Plimoth Patuxet, up to 6 people
- $18 adult, $12 child
- USS Constitution Museum, up to 5 people
- Free
- Library of Things loan
- 7 days, no renewal
Library of Things items run $5 a day late, up to $35, and some passes, such as the Franklin Park and Stone Zoo coupon and the Trustees GO PASS, must be picked up at the library.
How to use it
- Before you go
Get a library card
Have a library card in good standing and an email address ready for reservations.
- To plan a field trip
Reserve a museum pass
Book online through the library's pass page or call 781-545-8727, then read the confirmation email for how to redeem the pass.
- For group work
Book a study room
Reserve a study room online; meeting rooms are for nonprofit and community groups running free, public programs.
- At the library
Borrow and return
Return Library of Things items to the designated area inside the library, not the book drop, within seven days.
What it includes
Included
- Books, ebooks, audiobooks, CDs, and DVDs
- Online databases and research help
- Library of Things items
- Study rooms
- Discounted or free museum passes
Not included
- Library of Things delivery to other libraries
- Renewals on Library of Things items
Who to contact about the library
Youth librarians and staff help homeschool families find materials and book museum passes, at 85 Branch Street.
781-545-8727 Home-school families page
Massasoit Community College IDEA dual enrollment
Who qualifies
Approved Massachusetts homeschool student
Your student must be enrolled in an approved homeschool program and live in Massachusetts. Submit evidence that your district superintendent or school committee approved the program.
Holds a 2.5 GPA
Your student needs at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale and good academic standing, plus your approval as parent or guardian.
Places into college-level courses
Your student must place out of Massasoit's developmental coursework using Multiple Measures.
Under 16 gets extra approval
Students under 16 are considered case by case and need Youth Learner approval from the Early College office before registering.
What it is worth
Massasoit charges IDEA students $100 per credit; its 2026-2027 rate for Massachusetts residents is $233 per credit, $24 in tuition plus a $209 General College Fee.
- 3-credit course on IDEA
- $300
- 3-credit course at the regular resident rate
- $699
- 4-credit course on IDEA
- $400
- 4-credit course at the regular resident rate
- $932
- Two 3-credit courses on IDEA
- $600
IDEA courses can add online, lab, or special course fees and the cost of books, and not every online course gets the reduced rate, so confirm the course with the IDEA coordinator before you register.
From applying to keeping it
- Before you apply
Gather homeschool proof
Get written evidence that your superintendent or school committee approved your homeschool program.
- 60 days before the term
Finish placement testing
All placement testing must be done at least 60 days before the term starts.
- 30 days before the term
Submit all documents
Apply online and turn in every required document no later than 30 days before the term.
- Before registering
Confirm the course
Ask the IDEA coordinator whether the evening, weekend, or online section you want is eligible for the $100 rate.
- Each term
Pay and attend
Pay tuition and fees at Student Central or in the MyMassasoit portal, and keep your student in good academic standing.
What it pays for
Covered
- Reduced tuition for approved IDEA courses
- Courses after 4:00 p.m. on weekdays
- Weekend courses
- Eligible online courses
Not covered
- Online, lab, and special course fees
- Textbooks and course materials
- Daytime weekday courses
- Online courses not approved for the IDEA rate
Good to know
Students under 16 may enroll after review
Students under 16, including a 14-year-old, are reviewed one at a time based on maturity, placement scores, prerequisites, and the course. Email earlycollege@massasoit.mass.edu to request a Youth Learner approval meeting.
The $100 rate does not cover daytime classes
IDEA pricing covers approved courses that meet after 4:00 p.m. on weekdays, on weekends, or online. Some online courses are excluded.
Who to contact
IDEA Academic Coordinator Kristine Bohmer confirms which courses qualify for IDEA pricing and answers eligibility questions.
kfortinib@massasoit.mass.edu 508-588-9100 IDEA program page
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Massachusetts
Obtain approval of your home education plan from the resident district before instruction begins or withdrawing a child of compulsory school age. Renewal and reporting follow the district’s homeschool policy.
Massachusetts sets these rules:
- Subjects: The approved plan must provide instruction in the studies required by law, equal in thoroughness, efficiency, and progress to the local public schools. Districts review content, materials, instructional time, methods, and evaluation.
- Testing: Assessment methods and reporting follow the locally approved plan. Massachusetts does not impose one statewide annual standardized-test requirement.
- Records: Keep the progress evidence and reports required by your approved district plan; the state does not prescribe a single homeschool portfolio format.
- Teachers: State educator-licensing requirements for public schools do not apply to home instruction.
Read the Massachusetts homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Massachusetts
Questions parents ask
- How do I find homeschool curriculum books at Scituate Town Library?
- Run a subject search in the catalog for terms such as Curriculum Planning, Home schooling, Tutors and Tutoring, or Education-Parent Participation.
- Can we use Scituate's museum passes on a weekday field trip?
- Yes, if the museum is open that day. Museum hours vary, so check the museum's website before you book.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
Books and library resources give your child something to explore. We turn their interests into coursework, so library discoveries can lead to deeper study at home.
$149/month per child after the trial.
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