Homeschooling in Maryland offers two main paths. You can choose between direct supervision from your local school system or oversight from a church or umbrella school. Each option has its own benefits and requirements.
Maryland is home to approximately 30,000 homeschooled students, making it one of the active homeschooling communities in the nation (NCES estimates, 2023). Homeschool regulations vary dramatically across the U.S. — 11 states have no requirement to notify the government, while 6 states require curriculum approval, standardized testing, or professional evaluations (HSLDA, 2024).
Maryland homeschool requirements at a glance
Maryland has two main ways to homeschool legally. Your choice affects how much the school system oversees you and how often they check in.
Option 1: Direct Supervision (COMAR 13A.10.01)
You tell your local school superintendent and follow their rules. A representative from the school system will review your portfolio 2-3 times a year. This is the most popular choice and keeps you connected with your local district.
Option 2: Church-Exempt or Umbrella School Supervision
You enroll in a church school or umbrella program that provides oversight. The umbrella takes care of reviews instead of the school system. You may have fewer check-ins and deal more with the umbrella school than the district.
Key Tradeoff:
Direct supervision is free but involves more contact with the school district. Umbrella schools charge fees but might offer less frequent oversight and extra services like transcripts or group activities.
How to start homeschooling in Maryland
To start homeschooling, you need to notify your local school system. This has to be done at least 15 days before you start teaching. Gather your materials and get ready to show your portfolio.
Required areas of instruction
Maryland requires you to give "regular, thorough instruction" in several subjects. You have the freedom to choose your curriculum and how you teach.
Required subjects include:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Art
- Music
- Health
- Physical Education
What does "regular, thorough instruction" mean? It means you need to teach consistently and cover the subjects well. There are no specific hours or days required. Your portfolio should show that your child is engaging deeply with each subject.
Portfolio requirements
Your portfolio shows that your child is learning. If you choose direct supervision, a reviewer will check it 2-3 times a year.
What to include:
- Work samples: Show different types of work from each subject. Include worksheets, art projects, and reports.
- Reading materials: List books read.
- Instructional materials: Overview of your curriculum and resources.
- Activity documentation: Records of activities and projects.
- Progress notes: Optional notes on progress and coverage.
How much is enough?
There’s no set amount. A well-organized portfolio showing regular work usually satisfies reviewers. It's more about quality than quantity.
Portfolio reviews
If you're under direct supervision, your portfolio gets reviewed 2-3 times a year. Reviewers check for consistent instruction, not specific grades.
Who reviews?
A designated reviewer from your local school system, often a curriculum specialist.
What happens during reviews?
The reviewer looks at your portfolio, asks questions, and checks if learning is happening. Reviews last 30-60 minutes.
What do they look for?
Evidence of regular instruction and student engagement across all subjects.
What they don’t do:
They don’t grade your child’s work or require curriculum changes. They just verify that education is occurring.
High school, graduation & transcripts
Parents decide on graduation requirements and issue diplomas in Maryland. There’s no state standard for homeschool graduation.
Creating transcripts:
You can build your transcript during high school. Include course titles, credits, grades, and GPA. Use a standard method like a 4.0 scale.
Diploma options:
- Parent-issued diploma: You create this when your child completes requirements.
- Umbrella school diploma: Some umbrella schools offer diplomas for students who meet their standards.
College preparation:
Maryland colleges accept homeschoolers. Typically required are transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and essays.
Sports and extracurricular access
Maryland doesn’t require public schools to let homeschoolers join sports or activities. This depends on your school district's policy.
Current landscape:
Some districts allow homeschool participation; many do not. Check with your local athletic director.
Alternatives to public school sports:
- Homeschool sports leagues
- Community leagues
- Club teams
- YMCA programs
- Church sports programs
Other extracurriculars:
You can find drama, music, debate, and more through co-ops and community programs.
Special situations
Starting mid-year:
You can start homeschooling anytime. Just notify the school system 15 days before.
Special needs students:
You can homeschool students with IEPs, but services stop when you leave public school.
Moving to Maryland:
File your notice within 15 days of moving. Bring records from your previous state.
Moving from Maryland:
Keep copies of your portfolios and reviews. These will help if you move to another state.
District variations:
Each Maryland county has its own procedures. Some are more friendly to homeschoolers than others.
Resources and community
Maryland has a strong homeschool community. Here are some resources:
- State organizations:
- Maryland Association of Christian Home Educators (MACHE)
- Maryland Home Education Association (MHEA)
- Umbrella schools:
Many offer support tailored to your needs. - Co-ops:
These provide classes and social opportunities. - Support groups:
They organize field trips and gatherings, offering practical advice.
The bottom line
Maryland’s homeschool laws are moderate, making it a manageable experience. You’ll choose between direct school supervision or umbrella school coverage. Direct supervision is free but involves more reviews, while umbrella schools charge fees and offer additional support.
First steps:
Decide on your supervision type, file your notice 15 days before starting, and set up your portfolio from day one. Connect with local families for support.
