Maryland Laws and Requirements for Homeschool

In Maryland, homeschooling is a legally recognized educational option, and parents must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure compliance with state laws.

Maryland Homeschooling Laws and Requirements

  1. Compulsory Attendance: Maryland law mandates that children aged 5 to 18 must attend public school unless they are receiving regular, thorough instruction during the school year in the studies usually taught in public schools to children of the same age.

  2. Notice of Intent: Parents intending to homeschool must submit a Notice of Intent form to their local county school board before beginning a home instruction program.

  3. Instructional Requirements:

    • Subjects: Instruction must include English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education.
    • Duration: Instruction should be of sufficient duration to implement the instructional program.

  4. Supervision Options: Parents have three options for oversight of their homeschooling program:

    • Portfolio Review by the Local School System: Parents maintain a portfolio of the student's work, which is reviewed periodically by the local school system to ensure compliance.
    • Supervision by a Nonpublic School with a Church Exemption: Families may choose to homeschool under the supervision of a nonpublic school that holds a certificate of approval from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) or operates as a church-exempt school.
    • Supervision by a State-Approved School: Homeschooling under the supervision of a nonpublic school that is approved by the MSDE.

  5. Recordkeeping: Parents are required to maintain a portfolio of materials, including instructional materials, reading materials, and examples of the child's writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the child.

Maryland Homeschool Support Groups and Resources

  • Maryland Homeschool Association (MDHSA) 

  • Maryland Association of Christian Home Educators (MACHE)

  • Maryland Homeschool Resource Network (MHRN)

  • Maryland Homeschoolers Facebook Group


Maryland State Department of Education