Maryland Homeschool Reporting & Compliance: Annual Checklist

by | May 1, 2026 | Homeschooling in Maryland, Record Keeping & Compliance

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Maryland homeschooling has light regulation compared to many states, but compliance matters. This checklist walks you through the year, ensuring you meet all legal requirements and are prepared for superintendent review.

Key Takeaways

  • Primary requirement: Notification 15 days before starting; portfolio review up to 3 times/year
  • “Regular and thorough” instruction; no specific hours mandated
  • Superintendent reviews portfolio, not home
  • Consequences for non-compliance: low (mostly negotiable with superintendent)
  • Most Maryland families stay compliant without stress

Annual Compliance Timeline

Before School Starts (Summer/August)

Checklist:

  • [ ] Obtain “Home Instruction Notification” form from local school district
  • [ ] Complete notification form with:
  • [ ] Student name, age, date of birth
  • [ ] Your name and address
  • [ ] Supervision option chosen (Portfolio, Church Umbrella, or Nonpublic School)
  • [ ] If Church Umbrella: name of supervising church/organization
  • [ ] If Nonpublic School: name of supervising private school
  • [ ] File notification form at least 15 days before intended start date
  • [ ] Receive acknowledgment from superintendent (district sends receipt; this is not “approval”)
  • [ ] Keep copy of notification and any correspondence
  • [ ] Set up portfolio organization system (see )
  • [ ] Gather curriculum materials for all 8 required subjects
  • [ ] Plan your instructional schedule and calendar

Why it matters: The 15-day requirement is legal. Submitting early gives buffer time and shows good-faith intent.

September-November (First Quarter)

Checklist:

  • [ ] Maintain attendance log (track school days, noting any breaks or absences)
  • [ ] Collect work samples from all 8 required subjects (at least 3-5 per subject)
  • [ ] Keep curriculum materials organized
  • [ ] Document attendance with rough “regular and thorough” instruction verification (can be simple notes)
  • [ ] Monthly portfolio maintenance (file work, photograph, organize)

Potential superintendent review: Some districts review in fall semester; be prepared.

December-February (Second Quarter/Mid-Year)

Checklist:

  • [ ] Continue collecting work samples from all subjects
  • [ ] Write mid-year progress notes (brief summary of child’s progress in each subject)
  • [ ] Assess portfolio organization; adjust if needed
  • [ ] Consider whether any subjects need more documentation
  • [ ] If reviewed mid-year, gather portfolio and prepare to submit or meet with superintendent

Common review timing: Many districts review at semester end (December/January) or mid-year.

March-May (Spring/End of Year)

Checklist:

  • [ ] Compile year-end portfolio (all final work samples, readings, creative materials)
  • [ ] Write end-of-year progress report/summary
  • [ ] Prepare portfolio for submission (organize by subject, include cover page, curriculum list)
  • [ ] Check that all 8 subjects are represented
  • [ ] Verify attendance log is complete
  • [ ] Submit portfolio to superintendent for end-of-year review (if required/requested)
  • [ ] Be available for questions or meetings about portfolio
  • [ ] Address any concerns superintendent raises about instruction adequacy

Key timing: End-of-year review typically occurs April-May. Plan accordingly.

June-July (Summer/Planning for Next Year)

Checklist:

  • [ ] Receive any written feedback from superintendent on year’s instruction
  • [ ] Store portfolio (keep records 3+ years)
  • [ ] Address any suggestions or improvements superintendent noted
  • [ ] Plan for next school year (curriculum selection, structure)
  • [ ] Research any changes to Maryland homeschool regulations (COMAR 13A.10.01 may be revised in 2026)

Portfolio Review Frequency

Maryland allows: Up to 3 reviews per year under Portfolio Option.

Typical frequency:

  • Once per year (fall or spring)
  • Twice per year (semester-end)
  • Less common: 3 times per year (quarterly)

In practice: Most districts review once or twice annually. Some ask you to submit portfolio; others may conduct brief meetings.

What superintendent looks for:

  • All 8 required subjects covered
  • Work samples show consistent instruction
  • Progress is visible (even if slow)
  • “Regular and thorough” instruction apparent
  • No gaps in core academic areas

What Happens During Review?

Portfolio Submission Process

Option A: Written Submission

  • Superintendent requests portfolio (in person, email, or phone)
  • You provide portfolio (physical or digital copy)
  • Superintendent reviews at own pace
  • District contacts you if questions arise
  • You receive written acknowledgment or feedback

Option B: In-Person Meeting

  • Schedule brief meeting with superintendent or designee
  • Bring portfolio to discuss
  • Discuss child’s progress, your approach, any questions
  • Keep notes on feedback
  • Receive written summary if requested

Option C: Virtual Submission

  • Some districts now accept digital portfolios via email or shared link
  • Same review process; conducted remotely

If Superintendent Finds Instruction “Inadequate”

This is rare, but here’s the process:

  1. Superintendent identifies concern (e.g., weak work samples, few materials in a subject, large gaps)
  2. District notifies you in writing; gives opportunity to correct
  3. You typically have 30-60 days to submit additional work or clarify instruction
  4. Most families successfully resolve by providing more documentation or explaining their approach

Ultimate consequence if still found inadequate: Potential referral to attendance officer; truancy process begins.

In practice: Nearly all families and superintendents work collaboratively. Referral is rare and usually comes after multiple warnings.

Compliance Red Flags (and How to Avoid Them)

Red Flag 1: No Notification Filed

Risk: Truancy complaint possible if reported to attendance officer.

Avoid: File notification form at least 15 days before starting. Keep proof.

Red Flag 2: Portfolio Missing Subjects

Risk: Superintendent finds instruction inadequate; asks for correction or documentation.

Avoid: Track all 8 subjects from day one. If weak in a subject, add materials to portfolio and explain your approach.

Red Flag 3: Large Instructional Gaps

Risk: Weeks without documented instruction raises questions about regularity.

Avoid: Keep attendance log showing regular school days. Note any extended absences. Keep work samples consistently.

Red Flag 4: No Contact with Superintendent

Risk: District loses track of you; may follow up if child’s previous school flags non-attendance.

Avoid: Respond to any letters or requests. Maintain communication. Submit portfolio when asked.

Red Flag 5: Misrepresenting Instruction

Risk: Biggest credibility issue. Claiming instruction you didn’t provide.

Avoid: Document honestly. Include struggles alongside progress. Superintendents understand that learning is uneven.

Staying Compliant: Best Practices

  1. File notification form timely — 15 days before starting
  2. Choose supervision option carefully — Portfolio, Church Umbrella, or Nonpublic School
  3. Keep organized portfolio — All 8 subjects represented; work samples collected regularly
  4. Maintain attendance log — Shows “regular and thorough” instruction
  5. Respond to superintendent requests — Don’t ignore letters or requests for portfolio
  6. Document your approach — Brief curriculum list and progress notes help superintendent understand your methodology
  7. Address concerns promptly — If superintendent notes weakness in a subject, respond constructively
  8. Keep records 3+ years — Supports college applications, future school placement, credibility

Common Questions

Q: What if I move mid-year?

A: Notify new superintendent at least 15 days before starting in new state. Bring documentation from previous superintendent. Maryland’s records are recognized through MIC3 Interstate Compact.

Q: Can superintendent require testing?

A: No. Maryland doesn’t mandate standardized testing for homeschoolers. Portfolio is the assessment method.

Q: What if superintendent and I disagree about adequacy?

A: Request written feedback. If serious disagreement, contact HSLDA, MHEA, or MACHE for advocacy support.

Q: Do I have to follow an IEP?

A: No. You control accommodations when homeschooling. (See )

Your Annual Checklist (One-Page Quick Reference)

Before school starts:

  • [ ] Get notification form
  • [ ] File 15 days early
  • [ ] Keep receipt

Throughout year:

  • [ ] Attend school regularly
  • [ ] Collect work samples all 8 subjects
  • [ ] Update portfolio monthly
  • [ ] Track attendance
  • [ ] Document progress

End of year:

  • [ ] Compile portfolio
  • [ ] Organize by subject
  • [ ] Write progress summary
  • [ ] Submit to superintendent
  • [ ] Respond to feedback
  • [ ] Store records 3+ years

Next year:

  • [ ] Review feedback
  • [ ] Plan improvements
  • [ ] Repeat

Moving Forward

Compliance in Maryland is straightforward. The system trusts homeschool parents to deliver “regular and thorough” instruction. Your responsibility is to document that you’re doing so.

Build good habits now — organized portfolio, timely notification, responsive communication — and compliance becomes routine. You won’t stress about reviews; they’ll just confirm what you’re already doing.

Internal Links

— Building portfolio documentation — What records to keep — Full Maryland legal framework