Maryland law defines homeschooling (officially called a “home instruction program”) as providing “regular, thorough instruction during the school year in the studies usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age” (Md. Code Regs. 13A.10.01).
The state offers four distinct pathways for families to homeschool legally. Each pathway has its own requirements, level of oversight, and practical considerations. Below is a clear, professional overview of all four options.
Common Requirement for All Options
Regardless of the option you choose, you must submit a Notice of Consent form to your local school superintendent. Maryland regulation COMAR 13A.10.01.01 requires this notice be filed at least 15 days before beginning home instruction. However, the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and many Maryland families successfully file the notice on or after the date of withdrawal from public school, viewing the 15-day advance requirement as unenforceable.
Option 1: Homeschooling Under the Portfolio Review Option
(The most popular and independent option)
- Submit the Notice of Consent Indicate on the form that you are homeschooling under the “portfolio option.”
- Provide instruction in the required subjects: English/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education.
- Deliver regular, thorough instruction of sufficient duration to carry out your educational plan.
- Maintain a portfolio of materials, including:
- Samples of the student’s work (writing samples, worksheets, tests, creative projects)
- Representative instructional materials and reading lists
- Participate in portfolio reviews The superintendent may request to review your portfolio up to three times per year (typically once or twice in practice) at a mutually agreed time and location. Important: You are not required to bring your child to the review. This requirement was eliminated in the 2019 regulatory changes.
- Address any deficiencies If the reviewer identifies deficiencies, you have 30 days to submit evidence of remediation. Failure to do so may result in an order to cease homeschooling. You may appeal first to the local school board, then to the Maryland State Board of Education.
- Notify the superintendent of changes Submit written notice if you stop homeschooling, move, or switch compliance options. Each year, confirm your intent to continue homeschooling (no specific form required).
- Note: Local districts may not impose additional requirements beyond those in state regulation.
Option 2 & 3: Homeschooling Under a Church Umbrella
(Two similar but distinct umbrella categories)
Option 2 – Oversight by a bona fide church organization (non-exempt) Option 3 – Oversight by a church-exempt school (exempt from state approval)
Steps for both church umbrella options:
- Select and enroll in an approved church or church-exempt umbrella program before filing your Notice of Consent. You must list the umbrella’s name on the form.
- Submit the Notice of Consent to your local superintendent.
- Receive supervision from the umbrella, which is required to provide:
- A pre-enrollment conference
- Review of textbooks and lesson plans
- Periodic teacher-parent conferences (may be conducted by phone)
- Annually verify continued participation with the umbrella and notify them of any address changes, withdrawal, or switch in compliance option.
Important consideration: The Maryland State Department of Education has taken the position that church umbrella programs cannot issue a Maryland-recognized high school diploma. Some homeschooled graduates using church-umbrella diplomas have faced challenges when applying for certain law-enforcement positions in the state.
Option 4: Homeschooling Under a State-Approved (Public School) Umbrella
This is the most structured and least commonly chosen option.
- Submit the Notice of Consent, indicating you are homeschooling under a state-approved umbrella (typically your local public school system).
- Work with an assigned public-school teacher who will:
- Assist the home instructor
- Review and mark student work
- Issue progress reports and grades
- Annually verify continued participation and notify the umbrella of any changes in status.
Final Recommendations
- Most Maryland homeschooling families choose the Portfolio Option (Option 1) for maximum educational freedom and minimal ongoing oversight.
- If you anticipate needing a state-recognized diploma or foresee your child applying to certain government or military positions, research diploma acceptance carefully when considering church umbrellas.
- Membership with HSLDA is strongly recommended regardless of option; members have access to pre-filled forms, sample letters, and immediate legal assistance if compliance issues arise.
For the most current forms and sample letters, visit the HSLDA Maryland state page or contact their legal team directly.
Homeschooling in Maryland is well-established and protected when families follow one of these four clear pathways. Choose the option that best aligns with your educational philosophy, administrative tolerance, and long-term goals for your children.
Helpful Links – Official State Site Pages
