Homeschool Sports Eligibility in Massachusetts
Only where the district allows it. Massachusetts gives homeschoolers no statewide right to public school sports; a homeschooler can play only if the local school committee has adopted a policy allowing it.
How homeschool participation works
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) runs high school sports. Its Rule 54.1 sets the terms for home-educated students, but only in a district whose school committee has chosen to adopt a participation policy.
The state education department leaves the choice to each district and does not review it, so two neighboring towns can answer differently.
Where a policy exists, your child plays for the traditional comprehensive high school in the district where you live. In a district with several high schools, the policy names the school.
Rules that decide participation
Approved education plan
Your child's home education plan has been approved by the superintendent or a designee.
Residence and grade placement
Your child lives in the district with a parent or guardian, and the principal has placed your child in a grade from 9 through 12.
Same athletic standards
The principal certifies that your child meets the academic, age, transfer, and season-limit standards every other athlete meets, on the same schedule.
Before the season
First step
Ask the district's athletic director for its written athletics policy for home-educated students, if it has one.
When to start
Ask before the season, since the principal has to place your child in a grade and certify eligibility first.
School that fits around the season
Lessons start at your child's level and go wherever practice and travel do. We grade the work as it is submitted and keep the grades and transcript a school or league may ask to see.
$149/month per child after the trial.