Maryland MD Homeschooling

Laws change—always check your state’s official site.

Homeschooling is a form of private, parent-directed education for children who are subject to Maryland’s compulsory school attendance laws. If you choose to homeschool in MD, you take responsibility for providing regular, thorough instruction for your child in core subject areas.

  • File Home Instruction Notification with your local superintendent 15 days before starting; verify annually if continuing.

  • Provide “regular, thorough instruction” in: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Health, PE.

  • Portfolio review by district/supervising entity up to 3×/year (typically twice).

Homeschooling Requirements in Maryland (MD)

DC Portfolio / Records

  • Keep a portfolio with: instructional materials (texts, plans, reading lists), student work samples (worksheets, writing, projects, tests), and evidence of progress across all required subjects.

  • If a review finds deficiencies, you’ll receive written notice and have 30 days to correct.

Legal Requirements

Here are key legal requirements to be aware of when homeschooling:

  • Children generally must be in school (public, private, or homeschool) from age 5 through at least age 16–18 depending on the state. Homeschooling is recognized as a valid alternative if all requirements are met.

  • Before starting, parents must formally notify their local school district or state education office of their intent to homeschool.

    • In Maryland, this is called a Home Instruction Notification Form.

    This notification must usually be filed before beginning instruction and is renewed annually.

  • Parents are expected to be capable of providing instruction.

    • In Maryland, no diploma is required, but instruction must be “regular and thorough.”

  • MD require parents to provide broad, well-rounded instruction. Families must cover at least:

    • English/Language Arts

    • Mathematics

    • Science

    • Social Studies

    • Arts, Music, Health, and Physical Education

  • Homeschooling must be regular and thorough.

    • Maryland do not set a specific number of hours or days but expect consistent teaching across the year.

  • Parents are required to maintain documentation of their child’s learning. This may include:

    • Work samples

    • Reading lists or lesson plans

    • Tests, projects, or progress reports

    • Instructional materials

    • In Maryland, portfolios may be reviewed by the district up to three times per year.

  • Umbrella Programs (MD): Families may choose to homeschool under a church-exempt school or correspondence program instead of direct district review.