Starting a Private School in Massachusetts
Regulations, Resources, & Support
Our team has curated the best resources and information available about starting a private school in Massachusetts. Enjoy!
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Regulations
We’ve curated the laws and regulations about starting a private school in Massachusetts.
Starting a School Guide
See what else you need to know about starting a private school. From your curriculum to your marketing, and everything in-between.
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Massachusetts State Regulations
General Regulations
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Massachusetts has no requirements for registration, licensing or accreditation.
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All schools must be approved by the local school district. To be approved, the committee looks to see that the curriculum is thorough and that private school students are making the same academic progress as public school students.
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The Massachusetts Department of Education has assembled a page of detailed requirements for private schools.
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The US Office of Innovation & Improvement has assembled a summary of regulations for private schools operating in Massachusetts.
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Homeschool programs must be pre-approved before students may begin.
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The Massachusetts DOE has no published requirements for school insurance — consult a professional for guidance in this area.
State Funding Sources & Support
Massachusetts does not provide funding for private education.
Curriculum Requirements
There are no specific requirements for private school curriculum, though the approval committee does look to see that students are making academic progress comparable to the public schools.
Teacher Certification & Hiring
No state policy exists regarding teacher certification in nonpublic schools.
Food Services / Lunch
In Massachusetts, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Department of Education.
Length of School Year
There is no state law regarding length of the school year.
Recordkeeping & Reports
Schools must keep enrollment, attendance, academic, and conduct records for all enrolled students and must file a report with the local school district each year.
Healthy & Safety Requirements
All secondary schools must teach hazing prevention and file an annual report certifying it has taken place.
Transportation
Students who attend approved private schools are entitled to the same rights and privileges to transportation to and from school as are provided by law for public school students
Testing
Testing isn’t explicitly required in state law, but approval committees have used standardized testing as a criteria to determine whether the schools are comparable to public schools.
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters
Massachusetts State Resources
State & Regional Associations
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Association of Independent Schools of New England: With 200 member schools, AISNE is one of the largest regional associations in the country and represents a diverse range of schools in terms of size, pedagogy, religious affiliation, and, of course, mission. They serve schools by providing strategic information, accreditation, advocacy and a wide range of professional development opportunities.
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Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools: MAAPS was founded in 1978 as a statewide association of approved private special education schools dedicated to providing educational programs and services to students with special needs.
Government Websites
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Guide Quick-Nav
Introduction
We’ve developed these 10 topics to help you along the way. Take them all in at once, or start with the areas most relevant right now.
School Identity
There’s plenty you can do to develop your own brand, starting right from your personal ideals and goals for your school.
Curriculum
Our curriculum pages include ideas on where to go to find materials, and different associations and educational models you may want to consider.
Legal & Operating Requirements
You need to know the requirements at both the federal level and for your state. Here are the basic details for every state.
Funding & Finance
Here we share ideas for possible funding sources, and ways you might be able to start with less than you thought necessary.
Business Plan & Budget
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Facilities
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.
Staffing
How can you find and recruit the right talent for your school? What qualifications or certifications are required?
Policies & Procedures
Thinking about more than just a student handbook and conduct code, we've included recommendations & templates to help you develop your school policies & procedures
Marketing & Online Presence
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Associations
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.