Homeschooling in Maryland

Maryland offers three distinct pathways for homeschooling under COMAR 13A.10.01, each with different oversight structures. The most common is Option 1 (Portfolio Review), which requires direct supervision by the local school district through up to three portfolio reviews per year. Options 2 and 3 use 'umbrella schools' — either church-related (church-exempt schools) or state-approved nonpublic schools — that handle compliance on the family's behalf, often providing more flexibility.

Legal framework at a glance

Legal options: Three pathways — Portfolio Review (Option 1, most common), Church Umbrella (Option 2), or Nonpublic School/State-Approved Umbrella (Option 3).

Notification: File a Notice of Consent (Home Instruction Notification Form) with your local school superintendent at least 15 days before beginning home instruction..

Instructional time: No specific minimum days or hours required. Instruction must be of 'sufficient duration to implement the instructional program' (COMAR 13A.10.01)..

Required subjects: Eight required subjects under COMAR 13A.10.01.01: English (reading, writing, language arts), mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education..

Testing and evaluation: No state-mandated standardized testing for homeschoolers under any of the three pathways.

What Maryland families need to know

Notice of Consent (Home Instruction Notification Form): submit to your local school superintendent at least 15 days before beginning home instruction. The form indicates which of the three options you are using. HSLDA argues that the 15-day requirement is unenforceable and that filing on the day of withdrawal is sufficient.

**OPTION 1 — PORTFOLIO REVIEW** (direct supervision, COMAR 13A.10.01.01): you maintain a portfolio that demonstrates 'regular, thorough instruction' in the eight required subjects. The portfolio must include 'relevant materials such as instructional materials, reading materials, examples of the child's writings, worksheets, workbooks, creative materials, and tests.' The local superintendent reviews the portfolio at the conclusion of EACH SEMESTER (up to 3 times per year) at a mutually agreeable time and place.

Portfolio review consequences: if the superintendent determines after review that the child 'is not receiving regular, thorough instruction,' the family is notified of deficiencies and has 30 DAYS to remedy them. Failure results in a requirement to cease homeschooling. Adverse decisions may be appealed to the local school board within 30 days, then to the State Board of Education within another 30 days.

Local districts CANNOT add requirements (COMAR 13A.10.01.01(F)): 'A local school system may not impose additional requirements for home instruction programs other than those in the regulations.' If your district demands extra paperwork, testing, or home visits, contact HSLDA or MACHE for support.

**OPTION 2 — CHURCH UMBRELLA** (COMAR 13A.10.01.05): enroll in a church-related school ('education ministry') registered with MSDE. The church umbrella supervises instruction and handles compliance. You annually verify your continued involvement. Church umbrellas typically require pre-enrollment conferences, lesson plan reviews, and ongoing accountability. Fees vary widely ($200-$600+/year typical).

**OPTION 3 — NONPUBLIC SCHOOL UMBRELLA**: enroll in a state-approved nonpublic school registered to supervise home instruction. The school sets its own academic standards, handles record-keeping, and reports compliance to MSDE on your behalf. Maryland maintains a list of approved nonpublic entities — see MSDE's 'Nonpublic Entities Registered to Supervise Home Instruction' list.

Eight required subjects (all options): English/reading/writing/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education. Curriculum, materials, and methods are at the family's discretion.

Change of status notice: if you stop homeschooling mid-year, switch from one option to another, or change umbrellas, you must notify the superintendent. No specific form is required.

Sports access: Maryland law does NOT mandate equal access to public school athletics for homeschool students. Some districts may permit participation at their discretion — policies vary widely by county.

No state ESA, voucher, or tax credit: Maryland does not currently offer any state funding for homeschool families. Federal Coverdell ESAs ($2,000/year) and Maryland's 529 plan tax deduction (up to $2,500/account/year on state income tax) are the primary tax-advantaged options.

Compulsory attendance: ages 5 through 18 (Maryland's compulsory age was raised to 5 in 2014; some kindergarten-age opt-outs are available).

Always verify current requirements with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) before filing any official paperwork. State rules can change.

Diploma recognition

Maryland homeschool parents issue their own diplomas under Option 1. Under Options 2 and 3, the umbrella school typically issues the diploma. Maryland public colleges (UMD College Park, UMBC, Towson) accept homeschool transcripts. NOTE: some Maryland law enforcement agencies have refused to recognize church umbrella diplomas, taking the position that an umbrella program is not a 'school' that can issue valid diplomas. Homeschool graduates pursuing law enforcement careers should consider this issue and may want to obtain a state-recognized credential like the GED as a backup.

Getting started in Maryland

If you are new to homeschooling in Maryland, here is the practical sequence to follow:

1. Read the statute. Visit the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) website and read the current homeschool regulations in full. The summary on this page is a starting point, but the official statute is the final authority.
2. Choose your legal pathway. Maryland offers specific options described above. Choose the one that fits your family before you file anything.
3. Prepare your notification. Gather the information required for your notice or registration — child's name, date of birth, address, subjects, curriculum plans, and anything else your chosen pathway requires.
4. File before withdrawing. If your child is currently in public school, file your homeschool notification before you send the withdrawal letter to the school. See our withdrawal guide for the full process.
5. Set up your record-keeping system. Even in low-regulation states, keep attendance records, a list of curriculum used, and samples of your child's work. See our record-keeping guide for what to save and how.
6. Connect with a local homeschool organization. Maryland has active statewide homeschool organizations (listed below) and usually several local co-ops in each region. These are your best source of current, practical information.

Maryland homeschool organizations

The following organizations provide advocacy, support, and current information for Maryland homeschool families:

• Maryland Association of Christian Home Educators (MACHE) — Largest statewide Christian organization with annual convention — machemd.org
• Maryland Home Education Association (MHEA) — Inclusive statewide organization — mhea.com
• HSLDA Maryland — Legal defense and member support

Local homeschool co-ops often meet in libraries, churches, and community centers throughout the state. A search for "Maryland homeschool co-op [your city]" typically surfaces groups meeting near you. The statewide organizations listed above maintain co-op directories.

Beyond the legal requirements

Meeting Maryland's legal requirements is only the foundation. The day-to-day work of homeschooling — choosing a curriculum, teaching multiple children at different levels, building a transcript — is the larger task. Once your legal compliance is in order, explore the rest of this site:

Homeschool360 • Maryland State Guide