Everything you need to know about homeschooling in Maryland - a moderate-regulation state with two compliance paths and portfolio-based accountability. No standardized testing required. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
Maryland is a moderate-regulation state for homeschooling, with two notable features that set it apart. First, compulsory education begins at age 5 -- one of the earliest start ages in the nation. Second, progress is assessed through portfolio reviews rather than standardized testing.
Maryland offers two compliance paths. Option 1 places your homeschool under direct county school system supervision with semiannual portfolio reviews. Option 2 allows you to enroll with a church umbrella school that provides annual verification to your county. Both options give parents full control over curriculum and teaching methods.
Homeschool requirements are governed by COMAR 13A.10.01 (Code of Maryland Regulations), and oversight is administered by your local county school system. There are 24 counties (including Baltimore City), each with its own home instruction coordinator.
Maryland does not require standardized testing. Progress is assessed entirely through portfolio reviews. This gives you the flexibility to demonstrate your child's learning through work samples, activity logs, and curriculum materials rather than test scores.
Maryland offers two distinct compliance paths for homeschool families. The path you choose determines how often your homeschool is reviewed and who conducts the review.
| Requirement | Option 1: County Supervision | Option 2: Church Umbrella |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Basis | COMAR 13A.10.01 | COMAR 13A.10.01 |
| Notification | Within 15 days to county | Within 15 days to county |
| Review Frequency | Semiannual (twice/year) | Annual (once/year) |
| Reviewer | School system representative | Umbrella school supervisor |
| Required Subjects | 8 subject areas | 8 subject areas |
| Testing | None required | None required |
| Teacher Qualification | None required | None required |
| Typical Cost | Free | $50-$300/year umbrella fees |
Under Option 1, you work directly with your county school system. A school system representative reviews your portfolio twice per year (fall and spring). Reviews are held at a mutually agreed location -- they do not have to be in your home. You present work samples, activity logs, and materials showing educational progress in the required subjects.
Under Option 2, you enroll with a qualifying church-affiliated umbrella school. The umbrella provides supervision and submits an annual verification to your county. The county does not review your portfolio directly. Umbrella fees typically range from $50-$300 per year, and many provide additional support such as transcripts, community events, and curriculum guidance.
Option 1 is best if you want a direct relationship with your county, don't mind semiannual reviews, and prefer not to pay umbrella fees. Option 2 is best if you want less frequent review (annual instead of semiannual), prefer distance from the school system, or want the community support an umbrella provides. You can switch between options by notifying your county.
How you start homeschooling in Maryland depends on which compliance path you choose and whether your child is currently enrolled in school.
Decide between Option 1 (county supervision, semiannual review) and Option 2 (church umbrella, annual verification). If choosing Option 2, find and enroll with a qualifying umbrella school first.
Submit a notification to your local county school system within 15 days of beginning home instruction. Include:
If your child is currently enrolled, notify the school of withdrawal, file your homeschool notification with the county, and request that your child's records be transferred to you.
Choose your curriculum covering all 8 required subject areas and begin teaching. Start building your portfolio immediately -- you will need it for your first review.
File your notification within 15 days of beginning home instruction. If you are withdrawing your child from public school, file the notification and begin instruction promptly to avoid any gap that could trigger truancy concerns.
Keep a copy of your notification letter and any confirmation from the county. Blue Folder can help you track your notification status, organize your portfolio, and prepare for reviews. Try it free →
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Track your notification, organize your portfolio for reviews, and stay on top of Maryland's compliance requirements automatically.
Maryland requires an initial notification to your county school system. Unlike many states, you do not need to re-file annually unless you change your compliance path.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Notification | Required -- within 15 days of beginning |
| Annual Re-filing | Not required (unless changing path) |
| Submit To | Local county school system |
| Withdrawal Letter | Required if removing child from school |
Each of Maryland's 24 counties (including Baltimore City) has its own home instruction coordinator. Contact your county school system for specific forms and procedures. While the regulations are statewide, the actual review experience may vary by county.
Maryland requires instruction "in the studies usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age." This translates to 8 subject areas. Parents choose their own curriculum and materials -- no specific textbooks or programs are mandated.
While Maryland specifies subject areas, parents retain full control over how those subjects are taught. You may use any curriculum, textbooks, online programs, or teaching approach you choose. The county cannot mandate specific curriculum, and religious materials may be included in your portfolio.
Subjects must be taught at age-appropriate levels. There is no requirement to follow the public school scope and sequence -- you simply need to provide "regular, thorough instruction" in each subject area.
When building your portfolio for reviews, organize work samples by subject area. This makes it easy to demonstrate progress in all 8 required subjects during your semiannual or annual review.
Maryland requires "regular, thorough instruction during the school year." While no specific number of hours is mandated by regulation, instruction is expected to be comparable to public school -- approximately 180 days per year, running roughly September through June.
Daily scheduling is flexible. You set your own start times, break schedules, and daily routines. There is no requirement to follow the public school calendar exactly.
Keep a basic attendance log or record of educational activities. While not strictly required, this documentation strengthens your portfolio for reviews and provides evidence that instruction is "regular and thorough" as the regulations require.
Maryland's primary accountability mechanism is the portfolio review. There is no standardized testing requirement.
If you choose county supervision, a school system representative reviews your portfolio twice per year (typically fall and spring). You present your portfolio at a mutually agreed location -- a library, school office, or other neutral site. Reviews do not have to take place in your home.
If you choose the umbrella path, your umbrella school handles verification. The umbrella submits annual confirmation to your county that instruction is being provided. The county does not review your portfolio directly.
Reviewers can review the portfolio materials you provide and ask questions about your educational program. Reviewers cannot enter your home without permission, mandate specific curriculum, require standardized testing, or deny your right to homeschool except in extreme cases.
Record-keeping requirements in Maryland depend on your compliance path. Under Option 1, you need organized records for your semiannual portfolio reviews. Under Option 2, requirements depend on your umbrella school's policies.
| Record Type | Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio / Work Samples | Required for review | Depends on umbrella |
| Attendance Log | Recommended | Depends on umbrella |
| Curriculum Records | Recommended | Depends on umbrella |
| Activity Log | Required for review | Depends on umbrella |
Build your portfolio continuously throughout the year rather than scrambling before a review. Date stamp all work samples and organize by subject. Blue Folder makes this easy with built-in portfolio tracking and subject organization. Try it free →
If your child is college-bound, detailed records become essential. Under Option 1, parents create their own transcripts. Under Option 2, your umbrella school may provide transcripts. Maryland public universities accept homeschool applicants -- requirements typically include ACT/SAT scores, a transcript, course descriptions, and a personal essay.
Maryland provides some opportunities for homeschool families, though financial assistance is limited compared to some states.
Maryland does not have a statewide access law guaranteeing homeschooler participation in public school sports or activities. Access to sports teams, extracurriculars, and part-time classes is at county discretion. Some counties allow participation (sometimes with conditions), while many restrict or limit access.
Maryland colleges accept homeschool applicants. University System of Maryland schools (University of Maryland, Towson, Salisbury, etc.) each set their own homeschool admission requirements. Gifted students may dual enroll in college courses or participate in talent search programs.
Homeschoolers can request evaluation through their local school system. Access to IEP services is limited and varies by county. Full special education services require enrollment in public school.
Maryland currently offers no ESA, voucher, tax credit, or tax deduction programs for homeschool families. All costs are borne by the family. Typical annual costs range from $300-$1,500 for curriculum, plus $50-$300 for umbrella fees if choosing Option 2.
Maryland's homeschool regulations are moderate but manageable. Here are the most common mistakes new families make.
Maryland's compulsory education age of 5 is earlier than most states. If your child turns 5 by September 1, you are legally required to begin some form of education. Plan ahead and file your notification before the 15-day window closes.
Choose Option 1 if you want a direct relationship with your county and don't mind semiannual reviews. Choose Option 2 if you prefer annual review only, want umbrella school support, or prefer distance from the school system. You can switch between options by notifying your county.
You meet with a reviewer, present samples of your child's work, discuss your educational program, and demonstrate progress in all 8 required subjects. Reviews assess educational progress -- not your home or personal life.
No. You can request a neutral location like a library or school office. The review location is mutually agreed upon.
No. Maryland requires either semiannual reviews (Option 1) or annual umbrella verification (Option 2). Some form of oversight is mandatory.
If your child turns 5 after September 1, compulsory education does not begin until the following school year. The September 1 cutoff date determines when you must begin.
The reviewer will discuss concerns with you and may request additional documentation. You will have an opportunity to address any issues. If you disagree with the assessment, you can request to speak with a supervisor or contact a homeschool association for support.
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Track Maryland ComplianceDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. Always verify current requirements with your county school system or consult a qualified attorney. For more information, see Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Home Education Association. Last updated February 2026.