Homeschooling in Maryland is guided by a clear set of regulations, offering families four distinct legal pathways. Each option differs in how oversight is provided and who issues the high school diploma. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right path for your family and homeschool with confidence.
How Do I Start Homeschooling in Maryland?
Maryland offers four legal options for home instruction:
Option 1: Homeschooling with County Portfolio Review
How it Works: File a “Home Instruction Notification Form” with your county superintendent at least 15 days before starting. Provide “regular, thorough instruction” and maintain a portfolio of your child’s work, such as lesson plans, reading lists, and work samples.
Oversight: The local school district reviews your portfolio up to three times per year.
Diploma: You create the high school transcript and issue the diploma.
Option 2: Homeschooling under a Church-exempt School
How it Works: Enroll in a “bona fide church ministry” school exempt from state approval. File a “Home Instruction Notification Form” with your county superintendent. The church-exempt school supervises instruction, including curriculum reviews and conferences.
Oversight: Provided entirely by the church-exempt school.
Diploma: Issued by the church-exempt school.
Option 3: Homeschooling under a Church Umbrella
How it Works: Enroll in a “bona fide church ministry” umbrella program. File a “Home Instruction Notification Form” with your county superintendent. The program provides oversight via conferences and curriculum reviews.
Oversight: Provided by the church umbrella organization. The local school district is not involved in portfolio reviews.
Diploma: Issued by the umbrella. However, some Maryland employers (notably law enforcement) may not recognize these diplomas.
Option 4: Homeschooling under a State-Approved Nonpublic School
How it Works: Enroll in an MSDE-approved nonpublic school. The school notifies your county and supervises your homeschool program.
Oversight: Provided by the state-approved school according to its policies.
Diploma: Issued by the state-approved school.
Maryland’s Homeschool Requirements
Compulsory Age: 5 to 18 years old.
Instruction: Must be regular, thorough, and generally align with a 180-day school year.
Subjects: English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education.
What You Need to Homeschool in Maryland
A curriculum or learning plan
A workspace suited to your child’s needs
A way to track lessons and progress (binder, digital folder, etc.)
A support network, such as local groups or online forums
What is the difference between a Church Umbrella and a Church-exempt School?
A church-exempt school operates as a school exempt from state approval and provides homeschool supervision. A church umbrella only supervises homeschooling and does not run a school, which may affect diploma recognition with certain employers.
Is standardized testing required in Maryland?
No. Maryland does not require homeschoolers to take standardized tests under any option.
Can I switch between options?
Yes. You can change your oversight method, but you must follow withdrawal and notification procedures for your county.
All information is current as of August 2025. This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) for official guidance.
