Maryland Homeschool Funding Options (2026)

Maryland regulates homeschooling more than many states but less than its neighbors in New York or Pennsylvania. You'll need to file for either an umbrella school or direct state supervision, maintain a portfolio, and participate in periodic reviews. It's manageable but requires attention to compliance.

What Maryland doesn't offer is funding. There's no ESA, no voucher program, and no tax credits for homeschool expenses. The state's political environment has not been receptive to school choice legislation, and that's unlikely to change soon. Maryland families rely on federal alternatives and their own resources.

What Funding Is Available for Maryland Homeschoolers?

Maryland provides no state funding for homeschool families. No ESA program, no vouchers, no education tax credits. The state's heavily Democratic legislature has consistently opposed school choice measures, and that political reality isn't changing.

This means Maryland homeschoolers fund their education entirely through personal resources and federal tax-advantaged accounts. The state takes a regulatory interest in homeschooling but doesn't offer financial support in return.

Federal Funding Options

Without state programs, Maryland families rely on federal tax-advantaged accounts:

• Coverdell ESA — Save up to $2,000 per year per child. Contributions aren't deductible, but growth and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. Covers curriculum, tutoring, computers, and supplies.^[1]
• 529 Plan — Maryland's 529 plan offers generous state tax benefits. Federal law allows $10,000 annually for K-12 private school tuition, though homeschool eligibility varies.
• Maryland 529 Tax Deduction — Maryland residents can deduct up to $2,500 per account per year from state income tax. This is one of the better state 529 deductions available.

Umbrella School Option

Maryland homeschoolers can operate under either direct state supervision or through umbrella schools (called "Church-Exempt Schools" in Maryland). Some umbrella schools offer resources that help offset costs:

What some umbrella schools provide: - Curriculum guidance and recommendations - Group purchasing discounts on materials - Co-op classes and shared instruction - Annual review services included in membership

Trade-offs: Umbrella schools have fees (typically $200-$600 annually) and may have specific curriculum or religious requirements. However, they can simplify compliance and provide community that independent homeschoolers don't automatically access.

Public School Options

Maryland offers some public school alternatives for families who need financial support:

Virtual public schools: - Maryland Virtual Learning Opportunities (MVLO) - County-operated virtual programs

Part-time enrollment: Some Maryland districts allow homeschool students to enroll part-time for specific classes. Policies vary significantly by county—some are accommodating, others less so.

The trade-off: Public school options require enrollment, testing, and following the school's requirements. You lose the independence of homeschooling. For families who prioritize educational autonomy, these may not fit.

Maryland Homeschool Funding at a Glance

Community Resources

Maryland's substantial homeschool community offers mutual support:

- Homeschool co-ops — Available throughout the state, especially in suburban areas - Maryland Home Education Association (MHEA) — State organization with resources and events - County homeschool groups — Local support in most Maryland counties - Used curriculum sales — Regular curriculum fairs help keep costs down

These resources help families network and share costs, even without state funding.

Legislative Outlook

School choice legislation has essentially no path forward in Maryland. The state's political composition—a heavily Democratic legislature with strong teachers' union influence—has blocked all school choice efforts.

Unlike neighboring states that have moved toward school choice, Maryland has shown no indication of changing course. Homeschool families should plan around current options rather than anticipating state funding.

Stay informed through HSLDA and MHEA, but don't expect legislative breakthroughs.

The Bottom Line

Maryland won't fund your homeschool, and that reality isn't changing. What the state does require—portfolio reviews and supervision—comes without financial support in return.

Federal Coverdell ESAs and Maryland's 529 tax deduction are your primary financial tools. Umbrella schools can provide resources and simplify compliance, though they add their own costs.

The good news: homeschooling doesn't require expensive programs. Maryland's libraries, museums, and active homeschool community provide rich resources for families at every budget level.