Homeschooling in Maryland: Laws & Requirements (2026)

Maryland takes a middle-ground approach to homeschool regulation. You'll need to notify the state and maintain a portfolio of work, with regular reviews to demonstrate educational progress. Unlike high-regulation states, there's no standardized testing requirement and no mandatory curriculum—you have significant flexibility in how you educate.

The key decision for Maryland families is choosing your supervision pathway. Most homeschoolers register directly with their local school system, but you can also operate under a church or umbrella school that assumes supervisory responsibility. Each path has different implications for paperwork, reviews, and autonomy. This guide breaks down both options, the portfolio requirements, and practical strategies from Maryland homeschool veterans.

Maryland Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

Understanding Maryland's Two Pathways

Maryland provides two primary pathways for legal homeschooling. Your choice affects who supervises your program, how often you're reviewed, and how much direct contact you have with the school system.

Option 1: Direct Supervision (COMAR 13A.10.01) You notify your local school superintendent and operate under school system supervision. A designee from the school system reviews your portfolio 2-3 times per year. This is the most common path and keeps you in direct relationship with your local district.

Option 2: Church-Exempt or Umbrella School Supervision You enroll under a church school or umbrella program that provides "regular, thorough instruction" supervision. The umbrella handles oversight instead of the school system. Reviews may be less frequent, and you interact with the umbrella rather than the district.

Key tradeoff: Direct supervision involves more frequent school district contact but is free. Umbrella schools charge fees but may offer less intensive oversight and additional services like transcript support or group activities.

Comparing Your Options

How to Start Homeschooling in Maryland

Required Areas of Instruction

Maryland requires "regular, thorough instruction" in specific subject areas. The law provides flexibility in approach—you determine curriculum, methods, and pacing.

Required instruction areas: - English - Mathematics - Science - Social Studies - Art - Music - Health - Physical Education

What "regular, thorough instruction" means: Maryland doesn't define specific hours, days, or scope. The standard is that instruction must be regular (consistent, ongoing) and thorough (comprehensive, not superficial). Your portfolio should demonstrate meaningful engagement with each required area.

Curriculum freedom: You choose your own curriculum and methods. Textbooks, unit studies, classical education, Charlotte Mason, unschooling, or eclectic approaches all work. The requirement is coverage of subject areas, not adherence to any particular educational philosophy.

Integration is acceptable: Teaching subjects through integrated approaches (like a literature-based history program or science-focused nature study) satisfies requirements as long as you can demonstrate coverage of each required area.

Required Instruction Areas

• English — Reading, writing, grammar, composition, literature
• Mathematics — Age-appropriate math concepts and skills
• Science — Scientific inquiry, life science, physical science, earth science
• Social Studies — History, geography, civics, economics
• Art — Visual arts exposure and creation
• Music — Music appreciation, instruction, or participation
• Health — Health education appropriate to age
• Physical Education — Physical activity and fitness

Portfolio Requirements

Your portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating that education is occurring. Under direct supervision, a school system designee reviews it 2-3 times per year.

What to include: - Work samples: Representative samples from each required subject area. Include a variety—worksheets, written work, art projects, lab reports, book reports. - Reading materials: List of books read or used for instruction - Instructional materials: Overview of curriculum, textbooks, or resources used - Activity documentation: Records of educational activities, field trips, projects - Progress notes: Optional but helpful—notes on what you've covered and how your child is progressing

How much is enough? There's no prescribed quantity. A well-organized portfolio showing regular work in each subject area typically satisfies reviewers. Quality over quantity—show that instruction is happening, not that you've saved every paper.

Organization tips: Many families use a three-ring binder with sections for each subject. Include your best samples, not everything. A table of contents or summary page helps reviewers quickly understand your program.

Portfolio Reviews

Under direct school system supervision, your portfolio is reviewed 2-3 times per year. These reviews assess whether you're providing regular, thorough instruction—not whether your child meets specific academic benchmarks.

Who conducts reviews: Your local school system designates a reviewer, often someone from the homeschool office or a curriculum specialist. Some districts use retired teachers or counselors.

What happens during reviews: The reviewer examines your portfolio, may ask questions about your program, and assesses whether education is occurring in required areas. Reviews are typically 30-60 minutes.

What reviewers look for: Evidence of regular instruction across all required subjects. Work samples showing student engagement. Materials and resources being used. Progress over time (in subsequent reviews).

What reviewers don't do: They don't grade your child's work, mandate curriculum changes, or require minimum achievement levels. They verify that education is happening, not that it meets particular standards.

If concerns arise: If a reviewer has concerns, they typically request additional documentation or a follow-up review. Serious concerns are rare. If you disagree with a reviewer's assessment, you can request a meeting with supervisory staff.

Umbrella school reviews: Under umbrella supervision, review frequency and format depend on the umbrella's policies. Many conduct annual reviews rather than 2-3 per year.

High School, Graduation & Transcripts

Maryland homeschool parents determine graduation requirements and issue their own diplomas. There's no state-specified graduation standard for homeschoolers—you define what constitutes completion.

Creating transcripts: Build your transcript as you go through high school. Include course titles, credits, grades, and GPA. Use a consistent methodology (4.0 scale is standard). Include course descriptions for unusual or non-traditional courses.

Diploma options: - Parent-issued diploma: You create and award the diploma when your child completes your graduation requirements - Umbrella school diploma: Some umbrellas issue diplomas to enrolled students who meet their requirements

College preparation: Maryland colleges routinely accept homeschool applicants. Community colleges, state universities (University of Maryland system), and private colleges all have established processes. Typically required: - Transcript with courses and grades - SAT or ACT scores - Application essays - Sometimes: course descriptions, portfolio, or interview

Dual enrollment: Maryland community colleges welcome homeschool students for dual enrollment. This provides college credit, creates official transcripts, and demonstrates academic capability. Some high schools offer dual enrollment partnerships as well.

Sports and Extracurricular Access

Maryland law does not require public schools to allow homeschool students access to sports or extracurricular activities. Access depends on individual school district policies.

Current landscape: Some Maryland districts permit homeschool participation in sports; many don't. Contact your local school district's athletic director to inquire about their specific policy.

MPSSAA rules: The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) sets eligibility rules for member schools. Districts that allow homeschool participation must still meet MPSSAA requirements (age limits, academic eligibility, residency).

Alternatives to public school sports: - Homeschool sports leagues and teams (active in Baltimore and DC suburbs) - Community recreation leagues - Club sports teams - YMCA and community center programs - Church-based athletic programs

Other extracurriculars: Co-ops, community programs, and private organizations provide drama, music, debate, robotics, and other activities. Many homeschool families find richer extracurricular options outside public schools.

Special Situations

Starting mid-year: You can begin homeschooling at any point. File your notice 15 days before starting. If withdrawing from public school, submit withdrawal and homeschool notices simultaneously.

Special needs students: Maryland allows homeschooling for students with IEPs, but you forfeit IEP services when leaving public school. Some families access private therapies. The portfolio review requirements remain the same. Consider an umbrella school that has experience with special needs students.

Moving to Maryland: File your homeschool notice within 15 days of establishing residency (or 15 days before starting instruction). Bring records from your previous state to demonstrate educational history.

Moving from Maryland: Keep copies of all your portfolios and review documentation. Maryland's records will serve you well in most other states.

District variations: Each Maryland county has its own homeschool office and procedures. Some are very homeschool-friendly; others are more bureaucratic. Connect with local homeschool families to understand your district's culture before filing.

Annual Compliance Checklist

Resources and Community

Maryland has an active homeschool community with organizations, co-ops, and support networks throughout the state.

State organizations: - Maryland Association of Christian Home Educators (MACHE): Provides resources, convention, and support for Christian homeschoolers - Maryland Home Education Association (MHEA): Inclusive organization serving all Maryland homeschool families - Regional groups: Baltimore, DC suburbs, Eastern Shore, and other areas have active local organizations

Umbrella schools: Several umbrella schools serve Maryland homeschoolers, offering varying levels of support from basic registration to full academic services. Research options that match your needs and philosophy.

Co-ops: Homeschool co-ops throughout Maryland offer group classes, from elementary enrichment to high school academics. These provide academic support, social interaction, and community.

Support groups: Local support groups organize field trips, park days, and informal gatherings. These are often the best source of practical advice on navigating your specific district's processes.

The Bottom Line

Maryland's moderate regulation creates a structured but manageable homeschool environment. The portfolio review system provides accountability without the testing mandates and detailed reporting required by high-regulation states.

Your key decision is choosing between direct school system supervision and umbrella school coverage. Direct supervision is free but involves 2-3 district reviews annually. Umbrella schools charge fees but may offer less intensive oversight and additional support services.

First steps: decide on your supervision pathway, file your notice 15 days before starting, and set up a system for collecting portfolio materials from day one. Connect with Maryland's homeschool community—local families are your best resource for understanding your specific district's approach and finding support.