Maryland homeschooling requirements explained. Learn about Maryland homeschool laws, notification procedures, required subjects, testing rules, parent qualifications, and local support resources.
Maryland offers two legal options for homeschooling: direct supervision by the local school system or participation through a church-exempt umbrella program. As a moderately regulated state, Maryland requires portfolio reviews or assessments but gives families freedom in choosing curricula and teaching methods.
Maryland provides two primary legal options for homeschooling, each with different levels of oversight. These options are governed by COMAR (Code of Maryland Regulations) 13A.10.01.
The most common option, where families homeschool under the supervision of the local school system:
This is the standard path for most Maryland homeschool families.
Families may also homeschool through a church-affiliated umbrella group that provides supervision:
This option provides an alternative supervisory structure with potentially less government oversight.
Maryland's compulsory attendance law (Education Article §7-301) requires children ages 5 through 18 to attend school. COMAR 13A.10.01 provides the regulatory framework for home instruction, which exempts children from public school attendance when parents provide "regular, thorough instruction" in specific subject areas. Maryland's homeschool regulations have been in place since 1984.
Maryland requires families to notify the local school superintendent of their intent to homeschool. The specific process varies slightly by county, but the core requirements are consistent statewide.
Under Option 1, parents must notify the local superintendent at least 15 days before beginning homeschool instruction. The notification typically includes:
Some counties provide specific forms; others accept a written letter. Contact your county's home instruction office for local requirements.
Under Option 1, families must participate in portfolio reviews with the local school system. The reviews are typically:
Some counties also allow standardized test results in lieu of a portfolio review. Check with your local school system for their specific review process.
If your child is currently in public school, withdraw them by:
Some counties allow you to begin homeschooling before the 15-day period if they acknowledge receipt of your notification sooner.
Maryland's 24 school systems (23 counties plus Baltimore City) may implement the homeschool regulations somewhat differently. Always contact your specific county's home instruction coordinator to understand local procedures, forms, and review schedules.
Maryland requires that home instruction provide "regular, thorough instruction" in specific subject areas. COMAR 13A.10.01.01 lists the required subjects.
Maryland requires instruction in the following areas:
These subjects must be covered at a level appropriate to the child's age and grade.
Despite the subject requirements, families retain curriculum freedom:
The portfolio review process focuses on whether instruction is taking place, not on specific curriculum choices.
During portfolio reviews, you'll need to show evidence that you are providing instruction in each required subject area. This can include work samples, textbook pages, project photos, written assignments, and activity logs. The reviewer is looking for evidence of a "regular, thorough" program — not perfection in every subject.
Maryland does not require any special qualifications for parents who homeschool. There is no requirement for teacher certification, a college degree, or any specific educational attainment.
Any parent or legal guardian can homeschool their child in Maryland regardless of their own educational background. The regulations focus on the quality of instruction being provided, not on the credentials of the instructor.
Maryland does not require parents to:
Maryland homeschool families have access to numerous supports:
These resources are optional and can supplement a parent's instruction in any subject area.
The bottom line: no credentials or training are needed to homeschool in Maryland.
Maryland's assessment requirements center on the portfolio review process rather than standardized testing. The specifics vary by county.
Under Option 1, the local school system conducts portfolio reviews to evaluate the homeschool program. During the review:
If the review is satisfactory, the family continues homeschooling with no further action needed until the next review. If the reviewer finds the program insufficient, the family is given time to make improvements.
Some Maryland counties accept alternatives to portfolio review:
Check with your county's home instruction office to see what alternatives they accept.
College-bound homeschoolers should plan for:
University of Maryland system schools accept homeschool applicants with appropriate test scores and transcripts.
Prepare for portfolio reviews by organizing work samples from each subject area throughout the year. Include a variety of items: written work, math problems, science projects, reading logs, art samples, and documentation of physical education activities. A well-organized portfolio makes the review process smooth and straightforward.
Maryland regulations require that home instruction be provided on a "regular, thorough" basis. While there is no specific day or hour requirement in the homeschool regulations, the instruction should be comparable to what the student would receive in a public school.
Maryland public schools operate approximately 180 days per year. While homeschoolers are not required to match this exactly, providing a comparable amount of instruction is expected.
Because Maryland requires portfolio reviews, maintaining organized records is essential:
Organize your portfolio by subject area and maintain it throughout the year. Do not wait until review time to gather materials.
Maryland homeschool parents create their own transcripts and issue their own diplomas. For high school students, maintain detailed records of:
Maryland has moderate oversight of homeschooling, primarily through the notification and portfolio review system. The level of oversight under Option 1 (local school system supervision) is higher than in many states.
The local school system's role in overseeing homeschools includes:
The school system cannot dictate specific curricula, teaching methods, or materials. Their role is to verify that instruction is taking place in the required subjects — not to approve or control the educational approach.
If a portfolio review is found unsatisfactory, the county typically provides a notice of deficiency and allows the family time (often 30-60 days) to address the concerns. A follow-up review is then conducted.
If significant deficiencies persist after multiple reviews, the superintendent could recommend that the child be enrolled in a public or private school. However, this outcome is extremely rare for families making a good-faith effort to educate their children.
Maryland provides these legal protections for homeschoolers:
Be aware of these potential issues in Maryland:
Failing to notify the superintendent
Notification is required at least 15 days before beginning. Failure to notify can result in truancy proceedings.
Unsatisfactory portfolio reviews
Inadequate portfolio documentation could lead to a finding of deficiency. Keep organized records throughout the year.
County-level inconsistencies
Some counties apply the regulations more strictly than others. Understand your specific county's practices and expectations before your first review.
Maryland reviewers may only evaluate whether "regular, thorough instruction" is taking place. They cannot require specific curricula, grade-level performance, or particular teaching methods.
If you believe a reviewer is overstepping their authority, contact a Maryland homeschool organization or HSLDA for guidance.
Maryland has a strong homeschool community with multiple organizations and resources:
MHEA is a statewide inclusive homeschool organization offering:
MACHE serves Christian homeschool families in Maryland:
Maryland has active local groups across the state:
MHEA and MACHE maintain directories of local groups.
Legal resources for Maryland homeschoolers:
Our AI-powered tools can help Maryland homeschoolers with curriculum planning, content creation, and assessment design across all required subject areas. Generate work samples, lesson plans, and educational materials that will help build a strong portfolio for your reviews.
Learning Corner offers several AI-powered tools that can assist Maryland homeschoolers:
Analyze your student's activity to understand which concepts they're learning, helping Maryland homeschool parents track academic progress across required subject areas.
Create custom quizzes and assessments to track student progress and ensure comprehensive coverage of Maryland's required subject areas.
Generate customized worksheets for practice and reinforcement across all required Maryland subject areas.
Create structured lesson plans that can serve as documentation of your instruction and help maintain recommended records for Maryland homeschoolers.
These curriculum providers, apps, and services are available to homeschool families in Maryland:
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Co-ops & Learning Communities PaidLast Updated: March 23, 2026