How to Homeschool in Maryland

A step-by-step guide to homeschooling in Maryland

Homeschooling in Maryland is guided by a clear set of regulations, offering families four distinct legal pathways. Each option differs in how oversight is provided and who issues the high school diploma. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right path for your family and homeschool with confidence.

How Do I Start Homeschooling in Maryland?

Maryland offers four legal options for home instruction:

Option 1: Homeschooling with County Portfolio Review

• How it Works: File a “Home Instruction Notification Form” with your county superintendent at least 15 days before starting. Provide “regular, thorough instruction” and maintain a portfolio of your child’s work, such as lesson plans, reading lists, and work samples.
• Oversight: The local school district reviews your portfolio up to three times per year.
• Diploma: You create the high school transcript and issue the diploma.

Option 2: Homeschooling under a Church-exempt School

• How it Works: Enroll in a “bona fide church ministry” school exempt from state approval. File a “Home Instruction Notification Form” with your county superintendent. The church-exempt school supervises instruction, including curriculum reviews and conferences.
• Oversight: Provided entirely by the church-exempt school.
• Diploma: Issued by the church-exempt school.

Option 3: Homeschooling under a Church Umbrella

• How it Works: Enroll in a “bona fide church ministry” umbrella program. File a “Home Instruction Notification Form” with your county superintendent. The program provides oversight via conferences and curriculum reviews.
• Oversight: Provided by the church umbrella organization. The local school district is not involved in portfolio reviews.
• Diploma: Issued by the umbrella. However, some Maryland employers (notably law enforcement) may not recognize these diplomas.

Option 4: Homeschooling under a State-Approved Nonpublic School

• How it Works: Enroll in an MSDE-approved nonpublic school. The school notifies your county and supervises your homeschool program.
• Oversight: Provided by the state-approved school according to its policies.
• Diploma: Issued by the state-approved school.

Maryland’s Homeschool Requirements

• Compulsory Age: 5 to 18 years old.
• Instruction: Must be regular, thorough, and generally align with a 180-day school year.
• Subjects: English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education.

What You Need to Homeschool in Maryland

• A curriculum or learning plan
• A workspace suited to your child’s needs
• A way to track lessons and progress (binder, digital folder, etc.)
• A support network, such as local groups or online forums

Recommended Open-and-Go Programs

• All About Reading for colorful, systematic phonics and fluency
• All About Spelling for step-by-step spelling mastery
• All About Math for engaging, hands-on math understanding

Tips for a Smooth Homeschool Year

• Build a routine that works for your family
• Update your portfolio throughout the year
• Take learning outside—parks, museums, and libraries are great
• Connect with other Maryland homeschoolers for support

If you’re new to homeschooling or want tips from veteran homeschoolers, check out these free resources:

• How to Start Homeschooling
• Free Resources for Teaching at Home
• 7 Tips for Staying Organized
• 6 Inexpensive Ways to Build Your Home Library
• I’m Thinking About Homeschooling, but…
• What I Wish I Knew Before Homeschooling

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer:

All information is current as of August 2025. This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) for official guidance.