Want to homeschool in Maryland? The Old Line State has more rules than most, but thousands of families navigate them successfully every year. You must notify your county and complete portfolio reviews twice annually. Once you learn the process, it becomes routine.
This guide covers all the laws. You’ll learn your two main options. You’ll learn how to get started today.
Looking at other states? Check out our guides for Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey.
Laws at a Glance
The Old Line State has moderate to high regulation. You must notify your county. Your child’s progress gets reviewed twice yearly.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal with oversight |
| Notification | Required (15 days before) |
| Subjects Required | Yes (8 subjects) |
| Portfolio Review | Twice yearly |
| Record Keeping | Required |
| Compulsory Ages | 5-18 years old |
The state defines home education under COMAR 13A.10.01. This rule covers notification and reviews. Know these rules and you’ll be fine.
Your Two Legal Options
Families can pick from two legal paths. Each has different rules. Each has different levels of oversight.
Option 1: County Supervision
Most families choose this path. You notify your county. You follow county rules. Most counties need these steps:
- Written notice 15 days before you start
- Portfolio reviews twice per year
- Teaching all 8 required subjects
- Keeping records all year
This option has clear steps. You know what to do. The county helps you through their coordinator.
Option 2: Umbrella Program
You can join an umbrella program. This is often a church school. Or it may be a private school. The umbrella handles oversight. They keep records for you. You have less contact with the county.
Programs vary in rules and costs. Some give you curriculum. Others just give coverage. Look at several before you pick one.
Under this option, you follow the umbrella’s rules. You don’t deal with county rules directly. Some families like this setup better.
Getting Started: Option 1 Steps
Step 1: Notify Your County
Send written notice 15 days before you start. Your letter should include:
- Your full name and address
- Names and ages of your children
- A statement that you’ll teach the subjects
- Your phone or email for follow-up
Each county has a coordinator. Find yours on the county school website. You can also call the main office. Keep a copy of your letter for your records.
Step 2: Plan Your Approach
Pick curriculum for the 8 subjects. You choose what to use. The county just checks that you cover the subjects. How you teach is up to you.
You can use any method. Textbooks work fine. So does Charlotte Mason. Unschoolers can show natural learning. Compare this to Texas or Indiana where there’s no oversight at all.
Take time to research options. Talk to other families. Join local groups for ideas. Don’t rush this step.
Step 3: Start Teaching and Keep Records
Begin your program. Build a portfolio as you go. Save work samples from each subject. Keep a log of what you do. Note learning in every subject area.
Good records make reviews easy. Poor records make them stressful. Stay organized from day one. Set up a system that works for you.
Step 4: Schedule Portfolio Reviews
You need reviews twice yearly. One at mid-year. One at year end. You can be reviewed by:
- Your county’s official reviewer
- A person you choose (must meet state rules)
Reviews check if teaching is regular and thorough. If issues come up, you can fix them. Problems are rare for families who try.
Step 5: Continue Each Year
Keep going year after year. Notify the county each year. Continue your reviews. It becomes routine after year one.
Required Subjects
You must teach these 8 subjects:
- English (reading, writing)
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social studies (history, geography)
- Art
- Music
- Health
- Physical education
You can combine subjects. Unit studies work well. Projects cover multiple areas at once. You have flexibility in how you meet these.
Field trips count too. Museums cover art and history. Nature walks cover science. Sports cover PE. Think creatively about how you teach.
Building Your Portfolio
Your portfolio shows “regular, thorough” teaching. Include these items:
- Work samples – Examples from each subject
- Materials list – What you used
- Activity log – What you did each week
- Progress evidence – Signs of learning
Portfolios don’t need to be fancy. Just show real teaching happens. Quality beats quantity. A simple binder works fine.
Save work throughout the year. Don’t wait until review time. Weekly sorting takes just minutes. It saves stress later.
What Reviews Are Like
Reviews happen twice a year. Here’s what to expect.
Who Reviews You?
Either the county’s reviewer or someone you pick. Your pick must meet state rules. Usually that means teaching background or homeschool experience.
What Happens?
The reviewer looks at your portfolio. They check if teaching seems regular. Most reviews take 30-60 minutes. They want to see learning, not perfection.
Come prepared but relaxed. Bring your portfolio organized by subject. Be ready to discuss your program. Ask questions if you have them.
If There Are Issues
You get feedback first. You can fix things before more happens. Big problems are rare. Most families pass with ease.
Leaving Public School
If your child is in school now:
- Send notice to the county (15 days early)
- Tell the school you’re leaving
- Get copies of records
- Start your program
Time this right. Get county approval first. This avoids truancy worries. Some families wait for a natural break like summer.
About Umbrella Programs
Want less county contact? Use an umbrella instead. These programs provide an alternative to direct county supervision.
How They Work
- You enroll with the umbrella program
- The umbrella handles oversight requirements
- You teach at home each day using your chosen methods
- Rules and costs vary by program
Under an umbrella, your child is technically enrolled in a private school. The umbrella takes responsibility for ensuring your program meets state requirements. You report to them instead of the county.
Benefits of Umbrella Programs
Many families appreciate the buffer between themselves and county officials. Umbrellas often provide curriculum guidance, record-keeping help, and community events. Some offer group classes or co-op opportunities for enrolled families.
Finding One
Search for umbrella programs or church schools in Maryland. Compare costs and rules. Some give lots of help. Others give freedom. Pick what fits your family.
Ask other homeschool families for referrals. Join local groups to find options. Visit programs before you commit. Read contracts carefully. Annual fees typically range from $100 to $500 depending on services provided.
High School Planning
Parents can issue their own diplomas. For high schoolers:
- Make a four-year plan
- Build detailed transcripts
- Keep thorough portfolios
- Consider SAT or ACT
- Try dual enrollment at colleges
- Track activities and service
Creating Transcripts
As the home educator, you create official transcripts. Include course titles, grades, credit hours, and GPA. Most colleges want to see 4 years of English, 3-4 years of math, 3 years of science, and 3 years of social studies. Document everything clearly.
Keep course descriptions too. Explain what each class covered. List textbooks and resources used. This helps college admissions understand your program.
Issuing Diplomas
Parent-issued diplomas are legal and recognized. Many families hold graduation ceremonies. Your diploma is valid for employment and college admission in Maryland and beyond.
College Preparation
State colleges take homeschool grads. University of Maryland has experience. So do Towson, Salisbury, and the community colleges. Contact admissions early to learn their rules.
Montgomery College and other community colleges welcome dual enrollment. Your teen can earn college credit while finishing high school. This saves time and money later.
Start planning in 8th or 9th grade. Keep good records from the start. Research college requirements early. This makes senior year smoother.
Where to Find Help
State Groups
- HSLDA Legal Page – Legal help and support
- State Department of Education – Official info
- Maryland Home School Association – Statewide support
County Contacts
Each county has a coordinator. Call your county school system to find yours. Big homeschool counties include:
- Montgomery County – DC suburbs
- Howard County – Central region
- Anne Arundel County – Annapolis area
- Baltimore County – Baltimore area
- Frederick County – Western region
Local Groups
Active groups exist statewide. Look for:
- Co-ops with group classes
- Support groups for parents
- Sports leagues and teams
- Arts programs
- Academic clubs
Facebook has many local groups. Search for your county plus “homeschool.” Meetup.com lists groups too. Libraries often host events.
Special Situations
Military Families
Fort Meade, Andrews Air Force Base, Aberdeen Proving Ground, and the Naval Academy bring military families to Maryland regularly. The state’s clear process helps military families establish their program quickly. Submit your notice within 15 days of arriving. Connect with other military homeschoolers through base community centers.
Keep thorough records even beyond what Maryland requires. Your next duty station may have different rules. Good documentation makes moves easier. Many military families find homeschooling provides stability during frequent relocations.
Special Needs
Your child may get some public services. Ask your county. Many families homeschool for learning differences. You can tailor everything to your child.
Therapies may continue through the school. IEP services vary by county. Ask what’s available. Advocate for your child’s needs.
Age 5 Rule
School starts at age 5 here. That’s younger than most states. With a 5-year-old, you must enroll or begin home education. Some families delay formal work while still meeting review rules.
College Early
Dual enrollment works here. Community colleges welcome it. Some universities too. A great way to get ahead.
Common Questions
What does it cost?
The notice and reviews are free. You pay for curriculum. Some spend a few hundred yearly. Others spend more. It’s up to you.
Can homeschoolers play school sports?
It varies by county. Some allow it. Some don’t. Ask your local school system.
What if I disagree with a review?
Ask for a new reviewer. Use the county appeal process. Keep good records. HSLDA or local groups can help.
Do I need a teaching degree?
No. No credentials needed. No special background required.
Multiple kids, multiple portfolios?
Yes. Each child needs one. But you can often review them together.
How many days must I teach?
There’s no set number. The law says teaching must be “regular.” Most families do 4-5 days per week. But you decide your schedule.
Can I start mid-year?
Yes. Give 15 days notice first. Then begin. You don’t have to wait for fall.
Start Your Maryland Homeschool Journey Today
The Old Line State has more structure than some. But thousands do it well every year. Learn the rules from the start. Keep good records all year.
Connect with your county early. Join local groups for support. Learn from families who’ve done this before.
The portfolio process helps education. It’s not meant to block you. Welcome to home education!
Official Links
- HSLDA Laws Page
- State Education Department
- COMAR 13A.10.01 – The official regulations
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