Maryland has allowed homeschooling since 1987. The laws were last updated in 2019. Today, nearly 45,000 students are homeschooled in the state.
Whether you are just starting out or want to stay compliant, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is Home Instruction in Maryland?
Maryland law says every child aged 5 to 17 must attend school. But the law also makes exceptions. A child does not have to attend public school if they receive regular, thorough instruction at home in the same subjects taught in public schools.
Maryland fully recognizes homeschooling as a legal alternative to public and private school enrollment.
Basic Homeschool Laws
Who Must Be Notified
Before you begin homeschooling, you must notify your local school district. You must submit a Notice of Consent form to your local superintendent. This form must be submitted at least 15 days before you start.
You must also re-submit this notice every year before the school year begins. If your child’s status changes, you must notify the school district right away.
No Extra Requirements Allowed
Your local school system cannot add extra rules beyond what Maryland state law requires. Only state rules apply to your home instruction pro
The Three Oversight Options
Maryland gives families three ways to homeschool legally.
Option 1: Portfolio Option (School District Supervision)
You teach your child yourself. You keep a portfolio of their work. A local school official reviews the portfolio twice a year. This is the most common option in Maryland.
Option 2: Church Umbrella School
A church organization supervises your homeschool program. Church officials must visit your home annually to check on the program. They notify the superintendent of any changes on your behalf.
Option 3: Nonpublic School Supervision
You enroll in a state-approved private school’s homeschool program. A supervising teacher from the school handles progress reports and manages compliance.
Required Subjects
Maryland requires all homeschooled students to study eight subjects:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Art
- Music
- Health
- Physical Education
Your program does not need to follow Maryland’s College- and Career-Ready Standards. You also do not need to use any specific curriculum. You are free to choose materials that fit your child’s needs.
Portfolio Requirements
What Goes in a Portfolio
A portfolio must show that your child is receiving regular, thorough instruction. It should include:
- Instructional materials
- Reading materials
- Writing samples
- Worksheets and workbooks
- Creative projects
- Tests and quizzes
When Portfolios Are Reviewed
Under the portfolio option, a school official reviews your portfolio at the end of each semester. Reviews happen at a time and place you both agree on. The school may not require more than three reviews per year.
Parents under Option 1 are no longer required to allow school officials to observe live instruction. This changed with the 2019 law update.
Curriculum and Testing
Curriculum
Maryland does not provide a required curriculum. You choose the materials. The state does not approve or reject curriculum choices. Your program just needs to cover the eight required subjects.
Testing
Maryland does not require standardized tests for homeschooled students. If you want to test your child, they can take the Maryland state test for free. You may also buy a nationally normed exam on your own.
Parent Qualifications
There are no teaching certifications required to homeschool in Maryland. Any parent or guardian may teach their child at home. Your level of education does not affect your right to homeschool.
Penalties and Consequences
If You Don’t File a Notice of Consent
If you pull your child from public school but do not file the Notice of Consent, your child may be considered truant. You could face legal consequences even if you are actively teaching your child at home.
If Your Portfolio Fails Review
If a superintendent finds that your child is not getting proper instruction, they will notify you in writing. You then have 30 days to fix the problem. If the issue is not resolved, your child must be enrolled in a public or approved private school.
Truancy Penalties for Parents
If a parent fails to ensure any form of schooling, Maryland law treats this as a misdemeanor. For a first offense, parents may face a fine of up to $50 per day of unlawful absence, up to 3 days in jail, or both.
Special Circumstances
Extracurriculars and Sports
Maryland does not give homeschooled students access to public school sports, classes, or extracurricular activities. This also applies to special education services.
Many homeschool families join co-ops, local groups, and community programs to fill this gap. There are many active homeschool networks across the state.
Part-Time Enrollment
Your program may include part-time or full-time enrollment in courses at accredited or unaccredited colleges. Check the Maryland State Department of Education’s guidelines for details.
Graduation and College
Diplomas
Homeschooled students in Maryland do receive a diploma. However, the diploma comes from the parents, not from the state or a school. You set your own graduation requirements.
Going to College
Maryland colleges accept homeschooled students. They may ask for more documentation than a typical high school graduate provides. Common requests include:
- A homeschool transcript with courses and grades
- Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, etc.)
- Letters of recommendation
- Portfolio samples
Contact each college directly to learn their specific requirements.
How to Start Homeschooling in Maryland
Here is a simple step-by-step overview:
- Choose your oversight option (portfolio, church umbrella, or nonpublic school).
- Download the Notice of Consent form from the Maryland State Department of Education website.
- Submit the form to your local superintendent at least 15 days before starting.
- Choose your curriculum and instructional materials.
- Begin teaching and keep a portfolio of your child’s work.
- Submit your annual renewal notice each year before the school year starts.
- Participate in portfolio reviews at the end of each semester.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool in Maryland?
No. Maryland has no certification or education requirements for parents who homeschool.
How many hours a day do I need to teach?
Maryland does not set a daily hour requirement. Instruction must happen regularly and for enough time to cover the required subjects.
Does my child need to take standardized tests?
No. Standardized testing is optional for homeschooled students in Maryland.
Can my homeschooled child play sports at a public school?
No. Maryland does not allow homeschooled students to participate in public school sports or extracurricular activities.
What happens if I forget to file the annual renewal notice?
Your child could be considered truant. Always file the renewal notice before the school year begins to stay compliant.
Can my child get a high school diploma?
Yes. You issue the diploma as the parent. Maryland does not require the diploma to come from the state.
What subjects must I teach?
You must teach eight subjects: English, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education.
Final Thoughts
Maryland is considered a low-regulation state for homeschooling. You have a lot of freedom in how you teach, what curriculum you use, and how you structure your day. The key requirements are simple: notify your district, teach the eight required subjects, and keep a portfolio.
Stay organized, file your paperwork on time, and you will be in good standing with the law. Thousands of Maryland families homeschool successfully every year.
References
- Maryland Code, Education Article § 7-301 – Compulsory attendance law and homeschool exemptions
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=ged§ion=7-301 - Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 13A.10.01 – Official homeschool regulations
https://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DEE/NPSA/Home-Instruction.aspx - Maryland State Department of Education – Home Instruction
https://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DEE/NPSA/Home-Instruction.aspx - Maryland People’s Law Library – Home Schooling
https://www.peoples-law.org/home-schooling - Maryland People’s Law Library – Truancy
https://www.peoples-law.org/truancy - HSLDA – Maryland Homeschool Laws
https://hslda.org/legal/maryland - Coalition for Responsible Home Education – Maryland
https://crhe.org/state-by-state/maryland/ - Johns Hopkins Homeschool Hub – Maryland (Updated January 2026)
https://education.jhu.edu/edpolicy/policy-research-initiatives/homeschool-hub/states/maryland/
