Homeschooling In Maryland
Trying to find out how to start homeschooling in Maryland? Families who wish to homeschool in the Old Line State have a few options to do so, however there are several guidelines you must follow depending on the homeschooling option you choose. Although this may sound overwhelming, the steps to homeschooling in Maryland aren’t as complicated as they seem, however, it’s important for families to be informed and do their homework. This page will provide will helpful information on how to homeschool in Maryland including:
- How to Start Homeschooling in Maryland
- Maryland Homeschooling Laws
- Maryland Umbrella Schools
- Maryland Homeschool Associations
- Maryland Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
- Maryland Homeschool Field Trips
- Maryland Standardized Testing and Test Prep
- Why Time4Learning is the Leading Homeschool Curriculum in Maryland
- How to Build the Best Homeschool Curriculum for PreK-12 in Maryland
This information should by no means be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.
How to Start Homeschooling in Maryland
While there are three options to legally homeschool in Maryland, these steps must be followed regardless of the option you choose.
- Choose an option to homeschool under [portfolio, church umbrella, state approved umbrella]
- File a Notice of Consent form with your superintendent.
- Teach the required subjects: math, English, social studies, science, art, music, health, and physical education.
- Provide the required instruction, that must be “of sufficient duration”.
- Choose your homeschool curriculum (curriculum choice is up to the parent).
- Maintain a portfolio.
- Respond to your superintendent’s requests to review your portfolio, or hold periodical conferences with your umbrella school.
- Begin enjoying learning together!
As a new homeschooling family, researching each one of these options will allow you to make the choice that is best for your family. Read on to get more information on each option.
Welcome to Homeschooling Guide
Download this FREE resource where experienced homeschoolers share their stories for how to begin homeschooling, understanding your child academically, planning your days, and much more.
Maryland Homeschooling Laws
According to homeschool authorities in Maryland, homeschoolers have three basic options to comply with the state’s homeschooling laws:- Option 1: Homeschool under the portfolio option.
- Option 2: Homeschool under a church umbrella.
- Option 3: Homeschool under a state-approved school umbrella.
Maryland Homeschool Umbrella Schools
For families who choose to homeschool under either the church umbrella or school umbrella, there are certain guidelines to adhere to. Knowing what is required of you can help you make the best choice for your family. Homeschoolers in Maryland can learn more about what an umbrella school is and how homeschooling under this option can benefit them in our Maryland Umbrella Schools page.
Maryland Homeschool Associations
Homeschoolers in Maryland can bond with other families while at the same time receiving guidance and support thanks to two homeschool associations in the state. These organizations help both new and experienced homeschoolers by advocating for them, keeping them abreast of changes in legislation, organizing special events, and more. Maryland’s two homeschool associations are:- Maryland Homeschool Association (MDHSA)
- Maryland Association of Christian Home Educators (MACHE)
Maryland Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
There are dozens of homeschool groups and co-ops in the state of Maryland for families to join. Regardless of what part of the state you live in, you’ll be able to find a homeschool group that will fit with your family’s particular homeschool method, beliefs, and goals. Homeschool groups and co-ops in the state help families by organizing group field trips, special events, and even classes on a wide range of subjects. Find a support group near you on our Maryland Homeschool Groups and Co-ops page.
Maryland Homeschool Field Trips
Maryland offers an endless list of field trip destinations that can help families enhance their homeschooling lessons in subjects like social studies, science, and more. From historic sites, informative museums, and inspiring landscapes, homeschoolers will have a seemingly endless array of fun field trips to choose from. To browse all the field trips opportunities in the Old Line State, visit our Homeschool Field Trips in Maryland post. Please make sure to contact each site before you plan your visit, as COVID-19 may have impacted their hours of operations.
Maryland Homeschooling by City
The Old Line State is great for homeschoolers wishing to explore their homeschool journey in these major metropolitan areas. Discover what Maryland has to offer below:
Maryland State Test Prep
Many homeschooling families (even those not required to participate) do find it useful to have their child take a standardized test in order to review their progress in comparison to other students of the same age. Time4Learning offers resources that families can use to prepare for standardized tests. Learn more in our Maryland test prep page.
Why Time4Learning is the Leading Homeschool Curriculum in Maryland
Time4Learning can help families in Maryland comply with the state’s homeschooling laws in several ways. If you choose the portfolio option to homeschool, Time4Learning’s automated grading and recordkeeping can help you stay organized and ready when it comes time to create a homeschool portfolio.
As far as curriculum is concerned, homeschoolers in Maryland are free to use any curriculum or combination of instructional materials and resources. Time4Learning allows you to make the most of that freedom with our flexible, online curriculum. Our comprehensive curriculum includes math and language arts that correlates to all state standards, as well as science, social studies, and more. High schoolers can also choose from electives like health and economics.
Below are a few of the features that make Time4Learning a popular choice for homeschoolers in Maryland.
- Flexible grade levels and access to multiple levels.
- Membership includes math, English (language arts), science, social studies, and more.
- Automated grading and recordkeeping helps you keep detailed reports for your portfolio.
- Student-paced approach that promotes independent learning.
- Low monthly fee, no contracts and a money back guarantee.
- Access to printable worksheets and other resources.
How to Build the Best Homeschool Curriculum for PreK-12
Now that you’ve made the decision to homeschool, it’s important to research and choose the homeschool curriculum that will help your child succeed. But with so much information available online, it’s easy for new homeschoolers to become overwhelmed. In addition to considering your budget and your preferred curriculum type (online, textbooks, DVDs, etc.), it’s also important to think about your homeschool approach and your child’s learning style.
Many parents come to the realization that their children are more successful when they combine various programs, resources, and activities. This allows students to receive a more well-rounded education, while also keeping them engaged and motivated. Learn more on How to Build the Best Homeschool Curriculum for PreK-12.
Maryland Unit Study Supplement
Help your homeschooler learn interesting history and geography facts about Maryland in the Time4Learning unit study supplement.
Online Curriculum for Homeschool, Afterschool and Summer Use
In addition to being an award-winning choice for homeschool families, Time4Learning also offers an online after school program to help build your child’s skills. View our lesson demos and discover why thousands of families in Maryland are already using it!
Give your student the chance to get back on track or explore exciting electives and get ahead for the next school year with Time4Learning’s online summer school. Our educational materials will engage and challenge your child to succeed.
