Maryland Homeschool Laws
Maryland homeschool requirements are contingent on the path you choose to take when homeschooling. There are three options for families to choose from and each one comes with its own set of guidelines.
Regardless of the one you choose, all families must file a Notice of Consent form with their local superintendent and teach the required subjects. When it comes to homeschool curriculum, families are free to choose the program(s) that they deem best for their child. Learn more about these and other Maryland homeschool laws, including recordkeeping, graduation requirements, and more below.
- Maryland Homeschooling Requirements
- Option 1: Homeschooling under the portfolio option
- Option 2: Homeschooling under the church umbrella option
- Option 3: Homeschooling under the state-approved school umbrella option
- Homeschool Recordkeeping in Maryland
- Homeschool Graduation Requirements in Maryland
- Returning to Public School after Homeschooling
- Additional Resources Related to Homeschooling 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.
Maryland Homeschooling Requirements
Families who plan on homeschooling have three options to choose from. The guidelines for each vary, therefore it’s up to families to decide which one is best for them.
- Option 1: Homeschooling under the portfolio option
- Option 2: Homeschooling under the church umbrella option
- Option 3: Homeschooling under the state-approved school umbrella option
Detailed information on how to comply with each of these options is discussed below.
More information relating to the home education rules for Maryland can be found at A2ZHomeschooling.com.
Option 1: Homeschooling Under the Portfolio Option
Homeschooling under the portfolio option requires families to comply with these guidelines:
- 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 is “of sufficient duration”.
- Maintain a homeschool portfolio. This should include instruction and reading material, examples of your child’s writing, worksheets, tests, etc.
- Meet with the superintendent as requested to review your child’s portfolio. Please note that these meetings can be requested no more than three times per year.
It’s also important important for families homeschooling under this option to know that local schools cannot require anything further from you, other than what is already listed above.
Option 2: Homeschooling Under the Church Umbrella Option
The first step for families homeschooling under this option is to select a church umbrella. Once one has been chosen, families can then submit their Notice of Consent.
Select and join a church umbrella.
- File a Notice of Consent form with your superintendent.
- Have the church umbrella supervise your instruction which includes reviewing lesson plans, annual visits to the site of instruction, and periodic conferences.
- Verify your involvement to your church umbrella. This includes notifying them that you plan on staying involved, if you are moving, going to stop homeschooling, or switching to another option to homeschool under.
Option 3: Homeschooling Under the State-Approved School Umbrella Option
In order to homeschool under this option, families must first have their local school assign a teacher that will issue progress reports as well as grade papers and tests.
- File a Notice of Consent with your superintendent.
- Verify your involvement to your state-approved school umbrella. This includes notifying them that you plan on staying involved, if you are moving, going to stop homeschooling, or switching to another option to homeschool under.
Homeschool Recordkeeping in Maryland
Families homeschooling in Maryland must keep their own records if they plan on homeschooling under the portfolio option. Your child’s records must include information such as attendance, samples of student work, grades, and any other pertinent information.
Those who choose to homeschool under the other two choices can take advantage of the added convenience of having the church or school umbrella maintain and/or issue records and progress reports.
Homeschool Graduation Requirements in Maryland
Since homeschoolers in Maryland cannot receive a state-issued high school diploma, there are no specific graduation requirements for students to meet. It is up to families to decide everything from courses to credits, as well as any volunteer hours or standardized tests to take, if any.
If your student is planning on attending college, a high school transcript will be of utmost importance. Knowing the college or university’s entrance requirements can help point you in the right direction when it comes to what coursework to complete during the high school years.
Enrolling in Public School after Homeschooling
If a family decides to enroll their child in public school after having homeschooled, they must first contact their local school to find out what the procedures are for switching from public school to homeschool, as these may vary by county. It is up to the local superintendent to determine the grade placement and, for high school students, the number of credits to be awarded. This can be done by way of an evaluation, which may include standardized tests, exams, and/or interviews with the student.
Additional Resources Related to Homeschooling in Maryland
Have other questions about homeschooling in Maryland? You may find the following pages helpful.
- Homeschooling in Maryland
- Maryland Homeschooling Groups & Co-ops
- Maryland Homeschool Associations
- Maryland Umbrella Schools
- Homeschool Field Trips in Maryland
- Maryland Test Prep
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