Maryland Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Maryland Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: Yes

2 Options for Homeschooling: Home instruction, Umbrella School Options

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 5-18

Record-Keeping Requirements: Yes

Proof of Immunization Required: No

Options for Homeschooling in Maryland

Families in Maryland have a few options for homeschooling. Parents can teach their children at home or arrange to have others teach them. They can also participate in several types of umbrella schools.

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Home Instruction (Non-Umbrella School)

When families choose this option, they are responsible for all aspects of their child’s home education. Legal requirements include the following:

• File an initial Notice of Intent to Homeschool
• Teach the required subjects
• Maintain a portfolio documenting your child’s education
• Meet with the local superintendent or other approved reviewer up to three times a year to review your portfolio

You’ll find more information on each of these requirements below.

Umbrella School Options

An umbrella school is an organization that oversees groups of homeschool students. Typically, parents pay fees in exchange for services such as group classes, instruction monitoring, sports, field trips, and more. There are several types of umbrella schools in Maryland:

• Approved Nonpublic School: Umbrella schools in this category have been approved by the state to oversee homeschool education students. A certified teacher assists parents, including curriculum planning, paperwork, and student assessment and evaluation. 
• Church-Exempt Nonpublic School: These umbrella schools are not required to meet state educational standards. Therefore, students don’t need to receive instruction in any required subjects. Other homeschool regulations still apply. Learn more about church-exempt nonpublic schools here.

If you’re interested in learning more about umbrella school options in Maryland, consider contacting one of the approved umbrella schools on this list.

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Home Instruction Notification Form

Regardless of which type of homeschool option you choose, families must notify their local school superintendent of their intent at least 15 days before starting instruction. Contact your local school district to request a copy of their official notification form. Complete it, make a copy for your files, and return it to the district per their instructions.

TIP: Families must annually verify that they are continuing to homeschool. This may be part of your portfolio review process or handled by your umbrella school. Ask your local district for more information.

Qualifications to Homeschool in Maryland

There are no teacher requirements for homeschools in Maryland. Students may receive instruction from their parents/guardians or contracted outside instructors.

Families may also participate in “co-op” arrangements, where parents from each family share teaching and supervision duties. This is acceptable for part of a home education, but if an organized group of unrelated students is regularly taught by someone who isn’t their parent or guardian, this could be considered an unapproved nonpublic school by law. If you have questions, work with your local homeschooling coordinator.

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Mandatory School Age in Maryland

Maryland requires students to start school when they turn 5 and attend until they turn 18, unless they graduate earlier.

Maryland Homeschool Subject Requirements

In Maryland, home instruction must provide “regular, thorough instruction in the studies usually taught in public schools to children of the same age.” (This does not apply to church-exempt umbrella schools.) This includes the following subjects: 

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social studies
• Art and music
• Health
• Physical education

Parents may choose their curriculum programs, textbooks, workbooks, and other instructional materials. They can also use online curriculum programs provided by outside providers.

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Maryland Homeschool Attendance Requirements  

Maryland requires home instruction to be regular and thorough, but it does not set a required number of days or hours. You may align with your local school calendar or conduct year-round school with longer breaks. Families can also choose the schedule that works best for them.

Maryland Homeschool Portfolio Review 

To verify homeschool students are making adequate progress each year, the local district or umbrella school must review a portfolio of student work several times each year. 

TIP: A portfolio review usually occurs at the end of each semester but no more than three times per year. 

If your student is making satisfactory progress, you can continue home instruction. If your student is not making satisfactory progress, you’ll be given a chance to correct the issues. As long as you do, you can continue homeschooling. Otherwise, your child may be enrolled in a public or nonpublic school.

Who conducts the portfolio reviews?

Families have several choices as to who reviews their student portfolios. You can work directly with the local public school superintendent or their representative. Contact your district’s homeschool coordinator to learn more.

You can also have your child’s portfolio reviewed by an approved non-public school, including church-exempt schools and education ministries. See the list of approved nonpublic schools and entities for Maryland.

What should the student portfolio include?

Your portfolio should include evidence that your student is receiving the “regular, thorough instruction” required by law. You can document this with attendance records, a list of textbooks and instructional materials, grades or test scores, writing and other work samples, and more. Families may wish to talk with their portfolio reviewer in advance to learn what they’ll be looking for.

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Maryland Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

Maryland homeschool families need to maintain a portfolio for each student. Along with a collection of student work, families may also want to keep attendance records, a list of textbooks and other materials, courses and grades, and copies of evaluations and assessments. 

TIP: Detailed records help parents create transcripts students may need later.

Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Maryland

Homeschool students in Maryland are not required to follow immunization standards. Public school and private schools must abide by Maryland’s immunization guidelines, but homeschool students are not considered private students, and therefore are exempt.

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Resources for Homeschool Families in Maryland

Homeschooling families often seek opportunities to enhance their children’s education, promote socialization, and empower their homeschooling journey. Families can achieve this by joining homeschool groups, co-ops, or larger associations. These connections can provide valuable resources and opportunities for homeschooling families to engage with other like-minded individuals, share ideas, and learn from each other. 

Homeschool Groups and Co-ops in Maryland

Homeschool families can benefit greatly from the resources and support homeschool organizations, groups, co-ops, and associations provide. Homeschool associations are typically more formal than traditional groups or co-ops and may require membership fees. These entities often offer access to events, information, resources, legal assistance, and advocacy efforts. Children and home educators will also find friendships, assistance, and guidance. We recommend checking online when you begin your search, but here are two well-known options to get you started.

• Maryland Home Education Association: This organization has been around for over 40 years and supports the state’s homeschoolers.
• Maryland Association of Christian Home Educators: Christian families will find similar-minded homeschoolers here for support, advice, and more.

Find more Maryland homeschool groups at The Homeschool Mom.

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Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Maryland

Maryland homeschoolers aren’t permitted to participate in sports at local public schools. Instead, they can seek out local homeschool sports leagues or participate in one of the many community youth sports programs. These offer kids competitive sports opportunities at every age and welcome homeschoolers to join. Try these youth sports options in Maryland:

Maryland Homeschool Field Trips 

Homeschooling families can schedule field trips year-round to explore and learn in the real world. Talk with other homeschoolers to set up a larger group to qualify for discounts and special programs.

Maryland’s proximity to Washington D.C. gives you the chance to visit places like the Smithsonian museums, the Capitol Building, and the White House. Baltimore has much to see, like the Baltimore Museum of Art, Maryland Zoo, and National Aquarium. History buffs can check out Antietam National Battlefield and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park. And don’t forget about the many beautiful state parks just waiting to be discovered.

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Special Education Homeschoolers

Homeschooling in Maryland comes with its own set of regulations and requirements. When homeschooling students with special needs in Maryland, there is no provision to provide special education services to children not attending public school. 

For families of students with special needs, that means that there is little chance of obtaining special education support and services should they elect to homeschool. Even though there are different paths to homeschooling in Maryland, none of them receive the special education federal or state funding that would be earmarked for students with special needs.

TIP: Families wanting to provide special education services in Maryland must pay for them out of pocket.

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Maryland Homeschool FAQ

Is Maryland a homeschool-friendly state?

While Maryland’s homeschool laws require more oversight than some other states, families still have a lot of freedom in their homeschool choices. They can decide how to teach the required subjects and set school schedules that work for them.

Maryland homeschool students cannot play sports or participate in classes at their local public schools. Families are responsible for all homeschooling costs, which can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year. But overall, Maryland is a fairly friendly state for homeschoolers.

Can Maryland homeschool students take classes or participate in extracurriculars at public schools?

The law prohibits homeschool students from participating in public school activities aside from standardized testing and Junior Reserves Officer Training Corps.

How do Maryland homeschoolers receive diplomas or transcripts?

Homeschoolers can take the GED and apply for a Maryland High School Diploma. Home educators or umbrella schools may issue their own diplomas, but they will not be certified by the state. 

TIP: Home educators and umbrella schools are also responsible for creating transcripts. Keeping detailed academic records makes creating transcripts easier.

Is unschooling legal in Maryland?

Unschooling is legal in all 50 states, including Maryland, provided the education program meets all the state’s laws and requirements.