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Learning for Life – Across the U.S.A. and Around the World
Home Education & Family Services (HEFS) is a full-time organization helping parents and families examine the wide range of choices available to educate their children at home. Our highly qualified staff of consultants and administrators has over five decades of experience with homeschooling and other forms of education.
This is a team effort because we understand the importance of the parents’ involvement in the education of their children. Our staff provides guidance, encouragement, and resources to help the family succeed.
As we work with families to customize an educational plan for each student, we use a variety of educational options, including natural schooling, unit studies, traditionalcurriculum studies.
HEFS networks with like-minded organizations and professional in the areas of counseling, speech therapy, gifted education, and special needs education, offering assistance wherever a family is located and at whatever level is needed.
Services and Information
We are based in Maine, but we work with families throughout the United States and around the world. Our caring staff has over five decades of combined experience in education and home education. They are available for on-site, telephone and e-mail consultations five days a week year ‘round. Whatever the educational needs, from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, we are qualified and we know how to help.
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NEWS!
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Workshops
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Stay tuned for information on workshops held at our offices in Gray. For more information, please call 207-657-2800. Thank you.
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Our Location
Visit our offices and bookstore at 15 Shaker Road in Gray, Maine. See the photo (below) of our upcoming office location. For directions and more information about our NEW location, please click HERE.
Please note: Our mailing address will remain: PO Box 1056, Gray, ME 04039
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15 Shaker Road, Gray, ME
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For State of Maine Residents Only:
Maine Homeschooling Law:
Download State of Maine Statutes 20A 5001-A 3(A)(4)
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(For Children Being Homeschooled for the First Time)
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Download State of Maine Notice of Intent to Homeschool This form is filed for the first year of homeschooling for residents of the state of Maine ONLY. You may use one form for all of your children or one for each, whichever you desire.
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For each year after the first year of homeschooling:
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Download State of Maine Subsequent Letter This form is filed in Maine during the second and "subsequent" years of homeschooling after the initial Notice of Intent has been filed (for the first year the student is homeschooled.) It must be accompanied by your annual assessment. (See the above Statutes for Maine's complete homeschooling law.)
• Note: These are PDF files so you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader
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State of Maine Homeschooling End of Year Assessments
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State of Maine Portfolio Reviews - NEW Options from HEFS
NEW! Home Education & Family Services will be setting aside dates to do Basic Portfolio Reviews. We understand the many ways families choose to homeschool and we can evaluate progress for each unique program. We are family-friendly!
1. (Maine) Basic Portfolio Review Days – Three dates are set aside so that homeschooling families can take advantage of an earlier, simplified portfolio review. Please see Portfolio Assessment Worksheet below for details on what you must include.
Cost: $20/child
Time: 15 minutes maximum per child to review samples of work
Documentation provided by HEFS: One letter per family that verifies the educational program and the progress of each child (per Maine State Requirements: Title 20-A M.R.S.A. §5001-A sub. section 3, A (4).
2012 Simplified Portfolio Days (Space is limited.)
APRIL 27, 2012: 9 a.m. - 12 noon
MAY 14, 2012: 9 a.m. - 12 noon, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
JUNE 21, 2012: 9 a.m. - 12 noon, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
These will be scheduled in the late spring.
PLEASE NOTE: CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT –
(207) 657-2800
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2. (Maine) Full Portfolio Review: This option is for parents who would like to spend a little more time going over their program and would like a more thorough review of their children's work. Please see the Portfolio Assessment Worksheet below for details on what you must include.
More time may be scheduled for further consultation (recommendations, curriculum ideas, etc.)
Time: Extra time can be added and varies depending on your needs.
Documentation provided by HEFS: One letter per family that verifies the program and lists courses.
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3. (Maine) Portfolio by Mail: Please see Portfolio Assessment Worksheet below for details on what you must include.
This option is great for those who live a distance away or whose circumstances preclude travel.
Documentation provided by HEFS: One letter per family that verifies the program and also lists courses.
Note: Copies of samples of work and course descriptions must be included. Portfolios cannot be returned unless return postage has been included. We recommend that you consider sending the portfolio Certified Mail.
Mailing Address: Home Education & Family Services, P.O. Box 1056, Gray, ME 04039
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(Maine) Achievement Tests: We offer a number of nationally normed and well-recognized individual standardized achievement tests as the end-of-year assessment option. The fee is based on the average time for administration, scoring, and analysis. In Maine and other states, the achievement test can be used as the end-of-year assessment. More importantly, it provides the parent and student with helpful information which can be used to help design a program to fit the child’s learning needs. When there are unique circumstances which involve more time with the student or the parent wishes to have a complete diagnostic battery of tests administered, fees will be adjusted accordingly. (See Testing Services below for more information.)
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Services For All Interested in Homeschooling (regardless of State)
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Getting Started: To assure you a solid start, we assist you with the homeschool application process for your state and explain your responsibilities. In addition, we help you determine an appropriate support system. 30 min.
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Homeschool Program Design: This is for the parent and student who want help in customizing a program, selecting curriculum and setting up a plan for the year. The parent and student fill out our educational questionnaire which is used to help identify strengths, previous curriculum choices, and student and parent goals. After reviewing the questionnaire and previous education records, we help you tailor a curriculum and organize a program that will fit your child (and you!). The program design requires a meeting with the parent and student either in our offices or, if distance is a factor, through a telephone consultation. 90 min.
Note: Parents and students who require additional time will be assessed a fee based on the normal consultation rate.
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Consultation Meeting: There are many reasons why families might want an appointment for consultation. Some of the most common reasons are a) review of your child’s test results – either from our testing or results from a previous school experience, b) to help you determine if homeschooling is the best choice for your family, c) practical help and suggestions about getting organized and finding resources, d) a question and answer session if you are undecided whether to homeschool or enroll in Royal Academy, e) help with problems in the homeschooling, f) difficulties with relationship issues in the family, and g) college and career guidance. Please note: This is NOT a Program Design.
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End-of-Year Assessments (Regardless of State)
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Portfolio Assessment:
Homeschoolers in many other states choose to have us conduct the portfolio as the annual assessment of their child’s academic progress. Because this may be a new type of assessment for you, the following list is given to help you prepare a well-organized and complete portfolio to bring to your appointment (either by telephone or at our office).
A written summary of the year for each homeschooled child must be presented. If you combined studies or completed unit studies with more than one child, a combined summary can be written. Make two copies of your report: one for us to keep and one for your records. Please include the following information.
Portfolio Report Contents
1. Child’s complete name, birth date, address, grade, and school year
2. Attendance for your school year:
____________ school began
____________ school ended
____________ days of school
3. Description of each course, including each main textbook. These courses include your state’s required courses as well as your student’s creative courses and ‘electives’. It is necessary to include a scope and sequence for each course (topics and the order in which they were covered).
4. List special projects your child completed. Your child may want to show us a special project via photos or actual reports. We look forward to seeing this creativity.
5. List field trips (site name and place).
6. Summarize areas of growth you have observed in your child over the course of the year.
7. An extensive sample of your child’s work in each subject from the beginning, middle, and end of the year must be mailed or brought to the meeting.
8. Relax and enjoy this special time of reflection.
9. We enjoy talking with you and your child about the year. To schedule an appointment for a phone consultation or in-office meeting, please call our office at the above phone number.
Rules vary from state to state and may be more extensive than the above basic requirements for Annual Evaluations. It would be helpful if you bring in or mail in the law regarding portfolio reviews for your state.
Many states The portfolio is worthwhile for parents and children as they see their progress. It is an effective and comfortable process that allows us to view and discuss your child’s work with you in a friendly environment while meeting your state requirement for academic assessment. Detailed information regarding developing the portfolio and what to bring is provided in our other States Annual Portfolio Assessment information sheet. Mailed portfolios cannot be returned unless correct return postage is included.
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Achievement Tests: We offer a number of nationally normed and well-recognized individual standardized achievement tests as the end-of-year assessment option. The fee is based on the average time for administration, scoring, and analysis. In Maine and other states, the achievement test can be used as the end-of-year assessment. More importantly, it provides the parent and student with helpful information which can be used to help design a program to fit the child’s learning needs. When there are unique circumstances which involve more time with the student or the parent wishes to have a complete diagnostic battery of tests administered, fees will be adjusted accordingly. (See Testing Services below for more information.)
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New Hampshire Portfolio Assessment: New Hampshire homeschoolers can choose the portfolio as the annual assessment of their child’s academic progress. Because this may be a new type of assessment for you, the following will help you prepare a well-organized and complete portfolio to bring to your appointment.
See New Hampshire Education Code for Homeschooling
• NH Annual Portfolio Description and information sheet.
In addition, NH homeschoolers should fill out our checklist which will help organize your portfolio:
• NH Annual Portfolio Checklist For more information about the New Hampshire Annual Assessment Regulations please click on this link: NH Annual Assessment Regulations
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High School Transcript for Homeschool Students (Regardless of State)
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Credit Recognition Transcript for Homeschool Students: This service is provided through Royal Academy for homeschooled students at the high school level. It is especially helpful when transferring into a secondary school or for college entrance.
Homeschool parents award a diploma to their students. However, colleges require a high school transcript that clearly outlines and explains all courses, grades and their explanation, and credits the student has completed. The Royal Academy Credit Recognition Transcript verifies to the receiving institution that coursework has been completed and credits have been earned.
Coursework completed through the homeschool is compared to Royal Academy standards in order to determine credit. For over ten years, high schools, colleges, and universities have been accepting Royal Academy Credit Recognition Transcripts. Basic Fee: $125. (See our fees page.)
See CRT Information Sheet below or Click Here.
Read what a parent wrote about our Credit Recognition Transcript service:
Dear Shirley,
I am happy to report that S. has been offered admission to Grand Valley State University, his first choice school. They loved his transcript.
I had no problems due to the fact he was homeschooled ... Thank you so much for your excellent transcript preparation. It made all the difference presenting the information that way. I will be sending you my daughter's transcript after I rework it. Thank you again so much! S. is thrilled and so am I!
Sincerely,
J.A., Delaware
Frequently Asked Questions about the Royal Academy Credit Recognition Transcript for Homeschooling Students
What is a high school transcript?
The high school transcript is the written record of the high school student’s educational program for grades 9 - 12. It includes important information such as the student’s complete name, address, telephone number, and parent name. Each school year and course names, grades, and assigned credits are listed. The total credits for each subject area are listed along with the grade point average and the specific graduation date.
Does every student need a high school transcript?
Because colleges and other institutions of higher learning require a transcript, it is necessary. Colleges prefer a high school transcript that clearly outlines and explains all courses, grades and their explanation, and credits the student has completed.
Every high school graduate should have this written record so, should it ever be needed, it is already compiled and ready for use. It is easier to keep records through the high school years rather than to have to recollect courses, grades, and credits after high school has ended.
Who grants a homeschooled student a high school diploma?
If the student is homeschooled, it is the parent’s decision as to when the high school program is complete and when graduation will take place. The parent can make a diploma and present it.
If the student wants to receive a diploma from a public or private school, the parent will need to contact the high school to find out what steps are needed to enroll and receive their diploma. The high school will want to have a transcript presented at that time.
What is the Royal Academy Credit Recognition Transcript?
For over eleven years, high schools, colleges, and universities have been accepting the Royal Academy Credit Recognition Transcript. This service is provided for homeschooled students at the high school level. They have found it to be especially helpful when transferring into a secondary school or for college entrance.
The Royal Academy Credit Recognition Transcript verifies to the receiving institution that appropriate coursework has been completed and credits have been earned. Coursework completed through the homeschool is compared to Royal Academy standards in order to determine credit.
How does the Royal Academy Credit Recognition Transcript compare to other high school transcripts?
As well as listing important data, courses, grades, and credits, our transcript includes PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, and ACT test scores. Equally important is the list of student interests, achievements, and other information which in effect introduces the student to the school or employer. This personal touch is appreciated because it speaks on behalf of the student. For those students who are accomplished in specific fields such as sports or music, an addendum can also be compiled which lists awards, professional presentations, and organization memberships to further substantiate readiness for college.
How do I receive a Royal Academy Credit Recognition Transcript?
The Royal Academy Credit Recognition Transcript (‘C.R.T.’) is an excellent choice for families planning to grant their high school students a diploma from their own homeschool without formally enrolling in a private or public school.
When a complete packet as outlined in the Royal Academy C.R.T. Information sheet is submitted, with the correct fee. See our FEES page for details. Please note that in cases where information is lacking or unclear, a consultation fee will apply.
Compare and Save.
Enrollment in a private school is not necessary to have a professionally designed transcript. Your student has worked hard to achieve goals in an excellent educational program and deserves a transcript that accurately represents those accomplishments.
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Testing Services (Description)
Often seen as a threat, testing is one assessment tool that helps determine direction in a student’s education. Testing is administered one-on-one with a specially trained member of our staff working with your student. Achievement tests, diagnostic academic area testing, and special needs testing are available. Career preparation evaluations are all possible for students and adults.
Nationally normed individual standardized achievement tests are given one day and written results are prepared ‘in house’. It is recommended that the parents return to the office to go over the results with Shirley M.R. Minster, M.S. Ed., because of the personalized approach to the discussion. Areas that are covered are observations made during the testing appointment, possible curriculum choices and decisions, and other topics of concern to the parents.
Testing in the home may be arranged in special circumstances. Homeschool groups contract with us when they want us to travel to their state to do individual standardized testing, consultations, and workshops. Call for more information
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North Carolina Consulting and Testing Services
SHIRLEY MINSTER
Shirley Minster, M. S. Ed., of Home Education & Family Services in Gray, ME has been providing academic testing services for homeschooled students. She will be in two locations to administer achievement tests and to work with parents and students who have questions about curriculum, special needs, high school issues, and college preparation. .
There are options for achievement tests that can be given: Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement – II, Peabody Individual Achievement Test, Revised, Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Educational Achievement - III, or Diagnostic Achievement Battery-2. Results can be mailed to your home within the week of testing or you can meet with Shirley to discuss test results and educational recommendations.
Information is available. 207-657-2800
If you have further questions, please call Shirley at (207) 657-2800 or email her at sminster@securespeed.net.
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Workshops & Seminars Available
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Parent training and specialized workshops for parents and students are scheduled throughout the year. They are held in our offices or can be arranged by your homeschool group to be held in your location for your convenience. Our experienced consultants are recognized conference and seminar speakers.
Topics to choose from include:
Making a Successful Start in Homeschooling
Understanding the Legal Aspects
Organization, Planning and Scheduling
Unit Studies and Project Learning
Understanding Achievement Testing
Finding Your Child’s Learning Style and Your Teaching Style
Creative Curriculum Ideas and Materials
Home Education and the High School Student
Dealing with the Socialization Issue
Strategies for Support Group Success
The Daily Challenges: Finding a Balance
Developing a High School Transcript
Me? Teach Reading?
Missions and the Homeschooling Family
Developmental Stages of the Child
College and Career Preparation
Working with Gifted, Highly Gifted, and Profoundly Gifted Students
Homeschooling Special Needs Children
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Home Education & Family Services Forms
Instructions: The forms below are in a PDF format. You will need the free 
Adobe Acrobat Reader to read them. The Educational Questionnaire must be completed for a Homeschool Program Design. After downloading the appropriate form to your computer, you can print it, fill it out and mail it directly to our office: Home Education & Family Services, P.O. Box 1056, Gray, Maine 04039. Make sure to include COPIES of relevant documents: transcripts, report cards, recent test results. When we receive the information, we will call you to set up an appointment. Note: if you do not hear from us within 7 days of sending your application, please contact our office: 207-657-2800.
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Home Education & Family Services Forms
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Our Founder Shirley M.R. Minster, M.S. Ed.
Founder and Director
Shirley M.R. Minster, M.S. Ed., is a Master Degree certified teacher who holds credentials in education, educational guidance, and counseling. As an ardent supporter of homeschooling and individualized learning programs, she uses her extensive credentials to advocate for individual families and the right to choose the educational program that works best for the children. She has been called upon to provide expert legal testimony on behalf of homeschooled children. Shirley’s valuable insight into child development and the dynamics of the homeschooling family has guided many parents to achieve success.
She is founder of Home Education & Family Services, a full-time service organization offering a wide variety of helps and resources for homeschooling families, and Royal Academy, a unique alternative to traditional schools that is based upon the model of parental involvement in the education of their children. Shirley has worked in the field of education and with homeschooling families located throughout the world for over 25 years.
Shirley regularly travels to other states and countries offering individualized testing, portfolio reviews, curriculum design, and consultations as well as presenting workshops, seminars, and addresses at educational conferences.
Read Shirley's article "Questions and Answers" about homeschooling.
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