Homeschooling in Maryland

Schooling is required from age 5 until 18, subject to statutory exceptions including qualifying home instruction and completion. A five-year-old may qualify for a one-year maturity-based delay through a written request to the district.

Parents must submit the prescribed signed consent form to the local superintendent at least 15 days before beginning home instruction. Parents must verify continuation before each subsequent school year, report any changes in homeschool status, and retain the filing acknowledgment.

Parents must provide regular, thorough instruction of sufficient duration during the school year in English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education. The regulation does not specify a fixed day or hour count, and MSDE does not require alignment to Maryland curriculum standards.

Teacher certification is not required for home instruction. Parents may select the curriculum, use tutors and online instruction, and arrange supplemental co-op classes.

Parents must maintain instructional and reading materials as well as representative work, including writing, worksheets, creative work, and tests. District portfolio reviews occur at the conclusion of each semester at a mutually agreeable time and place, not to exceed three reviews per school year. College report cards or transcripts may replace portfolio materials for those specific courses.

Standardized testing is voluntary under the home instruction regulation. Parents may request participation in scheduled testing at the public school their child is eligible to attend.

Within 30 days of written notice from the district, the parent must supply evidence of correction or that a correction is underway. Unresolved noncompliance can result in required prompt school enrollment.