Massachusetts schools are increasingly using sexuality education that goes beyond basic biology and introduces children to adult topics too early. MFI believes these conversations belong first and foremost in the home, where they can happen in a loving, age-appropriate way rooted in a family’s values. Parents are the primary teachers of their children. No government program can replace the trust, guidance, and moral framework that moms and dads provide.
FAQs
Comprehensive Sexuality Education is a specific approach to sex education that goes beyond basic biology. It often introduces explicit sexual concepts at young ages and promotes sexual and gender ideology. Nearly 1 in 4 teens report feeling pressured to have sex after receiving this type of instruction. Many parents are concerned that it normalizes teen sexual activity and undermines family values.
Learn More About CSENo! The school district could adopt a Sexual Risk Avoidance (SRA) curriculum instead. SRA programs focus on healthy relationships and delaying sexual activity. Research shows these programs produce the best outcomes by helping students avoid emotional, physical, and social harm associated with early sexual activity.
Yes. Parents are the primary educators of their children. While schools may offer sex education, parents have legal rights in Massachusetts, including the right to review materials and opt their child out of sex education instruction.
No. Massachusetts law does not require schools to teach sex education. Local school districts decide whether to offer it and which curriculum to use.
Proposed bills like HB656/ SB340 would shift control away from local communities and parents, giving state bureaucrats enhanced authority over sex education curricula and pushing more schools toward Comprehensive Sexuality Education.
Use our interactive Massachusetts Sex Ed Map to see what sexuality education curriculum is being used in your local school district.Gathering this information is an ongoing project. If your district is not listed, we’ve provided a sample email you can use to request curriculum details from your district. If you already know what curriculum is being used but don’t see it on the map, or if you receive a response from your district, please contact Jessica Richardson so we can keep the map up to date.
Search your district on the Sex Ed Map
Use our interactive Massachusetts Sex Ed Map to see what your local school district is using. Curricula are reviewed based on whether they include content that:
- Undermines parents or parental rights
- Sexualizes children
- Promotes sexual or gender ideology
- Encourages transgender identification
- Normalizes abortion
Gathering this information is an ongoing project. If your district is not listed, we’ve provided a sample email you can use to request curriculum details from your district. If you already know what curriculum is being used but don’t see it on the map, or if you receive a response from your district, please contact Jessica Richardson so we can keep the map up to date.
What Should Parents Do?
Opt Out
Massachusetts law allows parents to opt their child out of sex education instruction. You also have the right to review curriculum materials in advance. Knowing and using these rights is an important step in protecting your child.
Join Massachusetts Informed Parents (MIP)
Join Bay State parents staying informed about sex education in Massachusetts schools. Massachusetts Informed Parents, a grassroots initiative of MFI, equips families with research and practical tools to protect their kids and local control. Get updates on curriculum and legislation by joining the Massachusetts Informed Parents Facebook group and Substack.
Take Action at the State House
Nearly every year, the MA legislature proposes bills that would take decision-making away from parents and local communities and push schools toward Comprehensive Sexuality Education. Make your voice heard and urge lawmakers to protect parental rights.
Explore Education Alternatives
Some families choose education options that better align with their values. Learn about alternative education opportunities available in Massachusetts and find what works best for your family.
Opting Out of Sex Education in Massachusetts
Massachusetts law gives parents the right to review sex education materials, opt their child out of sex education instruction, and receive advance notice of student surveys that ask about personal beliefs, behaviors, or family matters. Parents may opt their child out of these surveys.
Parents may also request reasonable accommodations when sex education or related content conflicts with their family’s beliefs. Schools are required to consider and respond to these requests.
Opting out or requesting an accommodation does not affect a student’s grades or academic standing.
How to Opt Out
- Submit a written request to your child’s school or district.
- Specify whether you are opting out of sex education, opting out of student surveys, requesting an accommodation, or any combination of the three.
- Keep a copy for your records, as well as a copy of all correspondence, and follow up if necessary.
Resources for Parents
We’ve made it easy to take action with these tools:
Learn what Massachusetts law requires schools to do and what your rights are as a parent.
Learn MoreRead this memo that corrects misinformation surrounding sexually explicit content in schools.
Learn MoreAn adaptable letter you can submit to your school that covers both sex education and surveys.
Learn MoreIf your school fails to notify you about surveys, refuses to honor an opt-out request, or challenges your parental rights, help is available. Massachusetts Liberty Legal Center, MFI’s legal arm, defends parental rights and religious freedom across the Commonwealth.
Learn More