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For Maine families who are thinking about homeschooling, there are many things to consider: what curriculum to use, whether to use your dining room table or create a dedicated school space, and, of course, how much it will all cost. Parents who educate their children at home often take on many roles typically funded by the state or the school: teacher and lunch monitor and administrator, to name a few. It’s natural, then, to wonder, “Does Maine pay for homeschooling?”
The simplest answer is no. Maine does not pay parents to homeschool their children. However, for some families, there is financial assistance. The Maine Education Children’s Scholarship Fund provides homeschool scholarships to low-income students, giving more families access to this important educational option.
Understanding the Maine Children’s Scholarship Fund Program
The Maine Education Children’s Scholarship Fund (MCSF) is a state-funded educational scholarship program that awards funding to low-income students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Eligible children can receive as much as $1,400 each year, covering up to 75% of the total cost of school tuition. Homeschooled children may also apply for funding, receiving up to $500 toward their educational expenses. Information may change. For the most accurate information please visit the official Maine Children’s Scholarship Fund website.
For homeschoolers, MCSF funds can cover a wide range of expenses, including:
- Technological devices used primarily for educational purposes
- Textbooks, workbooks, instructional materials and software
- Fees for state-required testing
- Private school classes
- Homeschooling agency fees
At this time, MCSF funds can not be used for internet access, printers, furniture, backpacks and clothing, field trips, tutoring, or non-educational association fees, such as homeschooling co-ops. A full list of eligible MCSF expenses and regulations can be found online on the program website.
Who is Eligible for Homeschool Scholarships in Maine?
The Maine Children’s Scholarship Fund Program is intended to help low-income families with greater access to educational alternatives. Because of this, eligibility is primarily based on household income and limited to those with the greatest need.
Families who meet the federal guidelines for free and reduced lunch qualify for the MCSF. They must also reside in Maine, and children should be at least 5 years old and entering kindergarten through 12th grade for the scholarship award year.
The exact financial requirements of the program depend on the size of the household. Parents can look up those requirements on the MCSF website, or call a Bridgeway Admissions Counselor at (800) 863-1474 for help.
Benefits of Financial Support for Homeschooling Families in Maine
Homeschooling is the “fastest growing form of education” in the United States, according to a recent analysis from the Washington Post. In some Maine towns, homeschooling has doubled since 2020. Parents often list overcrowded classrooms, flexibility, religious interests, concerns over school bullying, and the ability to customize their child’s education as some of the primary motivators for deciding to educate their children at home.
Despite the many reasons to educate a child at home, homeschooling is not without its challenges. The cost of curriculum, textbooks, and community resources can quickly add up, even before considering the value of a parent’s time. While this investment is invaluable for many children, the reality of these expenses means that homeschooling is more difficult for low-income families. The funding available through the MCSF gives parents a better chance to choose the right educational options for their family and their children.
How to Apply for Maine’s Children’s Scholarship Fund
Applications for the Maine Children’s Scholarship fund are accepted between January 1 and April 30 each year. Parents must apply on behalf of their child or children and can submit the application form online through the MCSF website or by printing and mailing it to the MCSF team.
One application must be submitted for each eligible child, even if those children are part of the same household. Parents may be asked to prove their residency and income as part of the approval process. Most families use their most recent tax return documents for both purposes.
After the application window closes, awardees are chosen at random from the pool of qualifying applicants, and awardees are notified by mid-June.
For families with multiple children who submitted an application for each, the chances of being selected increase. If one student in the household is chosen for the scholarship, additional scholarships will be awarded to each eligible child in the household who applied for funding.
Which Homeschool Programs are Eligible Under the Maine Scholarship Fund?
For homeschooling families, there is good news: all of Bridgeway Academy’s accredited homeschool programs and homeschool curriculum are eligible for reimbursement under Maine’s educational scholarship fund.
Bridgeway’s expansive homeschool curriculum suite includes options for pre-K, elementary, middle school, high school, and dual enrollment students. Every academic offering can be curated and customized to fit a child’s individual interests, goals, and learning style.
Bridgeway students also receive one-on-one academic guidance from a team of trusted advisors and educational professionals and have opportunities to engage with other students nearby and around the world. Plus, the Bridgeway Academy community offers support for parents too—something that’s especially important for new homeschooling families.
Making Homeschool Affordable in Maine
While public school is available to all Maine students, it’s not always the best option. Homeschooling allows parents to take a different approach to their child’s education, creating a unique learning experience and environment to support their child’s academic success.
At home, parents can choose what their child studies and how. They also have greater control over who and what their children encounter during the day, helping to reduce their child’s exposure to bullying and school violence while creating a supportive educational environment.
For parents considering a switch from public or private schools to homeschool, Bridgeway Academy’s Admissions Counselors can help. We guide parents through the legal requirements to homeschool in Maine, handle credit transfers, and offer tailored onboarding to help keep children on track as they move from the schoolhouse to home.
Drawing on more than 40 years of homeschooling excellence, our homeschooling experts offer unmatched flexibility, personalized learning plans, and a thriving community. To learn more, connect with our Bridgeway Academy team. Call us toll-free at (800) 863-1474, join our next virtual open house, or request a meeting online.
FAQ: Homeschooling Financial Assistance in Maine
Still have questions about the MCSF or homeschooling in Maine? Below are some of the most frequently asked questions.
Is Maine a Good State to Homeschool?
Yes. Maine offers both flexible education options and funding for homeschoolers.
State laws allow home study (traditional parent-led homeschooling) or home-based private school, with minimal reporting requirements. Parents only need to register their intent to homeschool with the local school district or enroll their child in a private school. The funding available for these options further demonstrates local support for educational choice.
Does Maine offer any direct payments for homeschooling?
No. Homeschool financial assistance in Maine is offered on a reimbursement basis only. Parents are required to submit receipts for eligible expenses. These expenses are reimbursed three times a year. No funding will be paid directly to homeschooling families without proof of a qualifying expenditure.
Are there income restrictions for financial assistance programs?
Yes. Maine’s educational financial aid programs are income-based, with maximum household income based on the number of people in the household. Detailed information related to MCSF income requirements can be found on the program website.
Can homeschoolers access public school resources?
Yes. Homeschoolers in Maine may utilize public school facilities, resources, and programs, as long as they request access in advance and follow local regulations. These resources include extracurricular activities, academic courses, and resources such as the school library.
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