Homeschooling in Maryland? Here’s your plan.

Homeschooling in Maryland is governed by COMAR 13A.10.01. Under the standard pathway, you notify your local school superintendent at least 15 days before starting and provide instruction in eight required subjects — including art, music, health, and physical education alongside the core academics. Your primary accountability mechanism is a portfolio review: a school-system-designated reviewer examines your work samples, instructional log, and materials at least three times per year to verify "regular, thorough instruction."

What stands out about Maryland is what it does not require. There is no minimum number of instructional hours or days. There is no standardized testing. There is no specific curriculum or textbook mandate. The portfolio review is the whole system — if your reviewer sees evidence that you are teaching the required subjects regularly and thoroughly, you are in good standing.

Maryland also has a well-developed umbrella school network, particularly among religious organizations. Enrolling in an umbrella program or church-exempt school is a separate pathway that replaces the portfolio review entirely — you report to the umbrella organization instead of the school district. This is a popular choice for families who prefer less direct interaction with the school system.

Maryland has two pathways. Home Instruction Supervised by the Local School System (COMAR 13A.10.01) is the standard option — you deal directly with your school district and undergo three portfolio reviews per year. The Umbrella Program or Church-Exempt School pathway (COMAR 13A.09.09) lets you enroll under an organization that handles oversight instead. No state portfolio reviews, no required subject list from the state, and no direct reporting to the district. Many families, especially those affiliated with a church organization, prefer this route. A "bona fide church organization" must operate under a recognized church — families cannot self-declare church-exempt status.

Portfolio preparation. Your portfolio should include work samples in each of the eight required subjects, evidence of the materials and resources you used, and a log of instructional activities and topics covered. Organize it by subject to make each review straightforward.

Co-op caution. Maryland treats regular daily instruction of unrelated students by a non-parent as potentially constituting an unapproved nonpublic school. Structure co-ops as occasional enrichment or parent-taught arrangements, or operate under an approved umbrella school, to stay clearly within the law.

Dual enrollment and extracurriculars. Maryland does not guarantee homeschool students access to public school courses or extracurricular activities. Access varies by county and is determined at the local district level.

High school diplomas. Parent-issued diplomas are recognized. You create your own transcript — there is no state template. Maintain your portfolio as supporting documentation.

IEP and special needs. Maryland does not guarantee special education services for homeschooled children, but your district must evaluate your child under Child Find if you suspect a disability. Some counties will work with homeschool families to provide limited services like speech therapy. Contact your district to discuss options.

Withdrawal process. Submit your notification of intent to homeschool and written notice of withdrawal at the same time. No mandatory waiting period — instruction may begin upon proper notification. Some districts may request a conference, but you are not required to obtain approval before beginning.