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One of the biggest misconceptions about Maryland homeschooling is that you need to track specific hours or days of instruction.
You don’t. Maryland’s law is refreshingly flexible about “how much” homeschooling you do—but it does require that instruction be “regular and thorough” and of “sufficient duration.” Understanding what this actually means will help you stay compliant without unnecessary bureaucracy.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland requires NO specific hours per day or days per year
- “Regular and thorough” instruction is the standard—consistent and meaningful
- Portfolio documents instruction; attendance logs are optional but recommended
- Most families structure their year similar to public school (180+ days, 4-6 hours/day)
- Record keeping protects you if questions arise during portfolio review
What “Regular and Thorough” Actually Means
This is Maryland’s core legal standard for homeschooling. It has three components:
Regular = Consistent, ongoing throughout the school year
- Not sporadic or occasional
- Instruction happens on a regular schedule
- Follows a school year calendar (not summer-only, not random days)
Thorough = Comprehensive coverage of all required subjects
- All 8 required subjects are covered
- Each subject receives meaningful instruction
- Content is age-appropriate and substantive
Of Sufficient Duration = Adequate time for learning to occur
- Not a token amount of time
- Enough hours/time to allow meaningful instruction and practice
- What public school does is the implicit benchmark
What “Regular and Thorough” Does NOT Mean
- Specific hours: You don’t need 6 hours per day
- Specific days: You don’t need 5 days a week
- Specific days per year: You don’t need 180 days (though most families aim for this)
- Structured schedule: You don’t need specific class periods or times
- Consistent daily structure: You can vary your schedule day-to-day if you choose
How to Document “Regular and Thorough” Instruction
You do this through your portfolio and optional attendance records.
Portfolio as Primary Documentation
Your portfolio shows evidence that “regular and thorough” instruction is happening:
- Variety of work: Different assignments, projects, tests across the year
- All 8 subjects: Clear evidence of each required subject
- Progression: Work samples from fall, winter, spring showing growth
- Dates: Work samples dated so timeline is visible
- Depth: Substantive work, not token assignments
A portfolio showing regular assignment completion, work from all 8 subjects across the school year, and age-appropriate progression = proof of “regular and thorough” instruction.
Optional: Attendance/Instruction Log
Many families keep a simple log documenting when instruction happens. This is optional but can be helpful.
Simple format:
| Date | Subjects Covered | Hours | Notes | |——|——————|——-|——-| | 9/5/2025 | English, Math, Science | 3 | Reading, multiplication, experiment | | 9/6/2025 | Math, Social Studies, Art | 2.5 | Fractions, history project | | 9/8/2025 | All 8 subjects (Week 1 review) | 4 | Portfolio review prep |
You don’t need to track every minute. A weekly summary is sufficient:
“Week of September 8: Covered all 8 required subjects, averaged 4-5 hours per day, 5 days per week. Work samples included…”
Why keep an optional log?
- Creates timeline if superintendent asks
- Helps you stay accountable to consistency
- Easier to compile portfolio at review time
- Shows “regular” instruction pattern
Best Practices for Attendance/Record Keeping
Simple approach that works:
- Keep portfolio organized with work samples dated throughout the year
- Track which subjects were covered (even just weekly notes)
- Note when instruction is happening (e.g., “Math M/W/F, Science daily, English daily”)
- Photograph or scan major projects
- Keep curriculum materials you’re using (so you can show what instruction sources you’re using)
You do NOT need:
- Minute-by-minute lesson documentation
- Formal lesson plans (though some families keep them)
- Daily check-ins or logs
- Detailed notes on every assignment
What you DO need:
- Evidence that all 8 subjects are covered
- Evidence of consistent instruction throughout the year
- Organized portfolio you can present if reviewed
Instruction Duration: What Looks Reasonable?
While Maryland doesn’t mandate hours, most families align with public school schedules:
Elementary (K-6):
- 3-4 hours per day of instruction
- 4-5 days per week
- ~180 days per school year
- Flexible schedule (some intense days, some light days)
Middle School (7-8):
- 4-5 hours per day of instruction
- 5 days per week
- ~180 days per school year
- More structured subject blocks
High School (9-12):
- 4-6 hours per day of instruction
- 5 days per week
- ~180 days per school year
- Separate courses with grading/credits
Flexible families might:
- Do intensive periods (8 weeks of focused study, then lighter weeks)
- Year-round schooling (fewer hours daily, spread across 52 weeks)
- Seasonal approach (more school fall/winter, lighter spring/summer)
- Project-based learning (weeks of deep dives into topics)
Bottom line: If your portfolio shows all 8 subjects covered with work samples throughout the year, your schedule will demonstrate “sufficient duration.” Superintendent won’t count hours—they’ll look at work completed.
Year-Round vs. Traditional School Year
You can structure instruction however works for your family:
Traditional (180 days Aug-May):
- Aligns with public school calendar
- Standard 4-6 hours per day
- Clear school year/off-time distinction
Year-round:
- Instruction spread across 52 weeks
- Potentially fewer hours per day
- Less clear start/stop points
- May actually total similar hours, just distributed differently
Seasonal:
- Intensive fall/winter, lighter spring/summer
- Follows natural rhythm
- May focus on different subjects in different seasons
Project-based:
- Weeks of focused projects
- Days may vary in instructional hours
- Deep learning in fewer subjects at a time
All approaches are legal in Maryland as long as “regular and thorough” instruction occurs.
Immunization Records
While not technically an “attendance” requirement, immunization records are required for public school.
For homeschoolers:
- You should maintain current immunization records
- Required for dual enrollment at community colleges
- Required for some extracurricular activities
- Important to have on file
Where to keep:
- Original immunization record from doctor/clinic
- Copy in your homeschool records
- Safe, accessible location
What to Do If Superintendent Questions Your Record Keeping
If a superintendent reviews your portfolio and questions whether instruction is “regular and thorough”:
- Present your portfolio showing work across all 8 subjects
- Explain your schedule (describe your regular instructional approach)
- Provide curriculum materials you’re using
- Show progression in student work across the year
- Be honest about what you’re doing
Most superintendents are reasonable. If they question something, it’s usually because they need clarification, not because they’re looking to shut you down.
What helps:
- Organized portfolio (not scattered papers)
- Clear subject labels
- Dated work samples
- Evidence of instruction across multiple months
- Willingness to explain your approach
Record Retention
How long should you keep records?
Minimum: Keep portfolio and records for at least one school year after portfolio review
Recommended: Keep for 3 years (statute of limitations on complaints)
For high school: Keep transcripts and supporting documentation for 7+ years (for college applications, financial aid, etc.)
Summary
Maryland attendance and record keeping is straightforward:
- Provide “regular and thorough” instruction — consistent, comprehensive, adequate duration
- Document through portfolio — work samples from all 8 subjects across the year
- Optional attendance log — helpful but not required
- Organize your materials — be ready to show what you’re doing
- Keep immunization records — separate from homeschool records but important
- Save documentation — keep for 3+ years
You don’t need to obsess over hours. Focus on ensuring your portfolio shows all 8 subjects covered with meaningful work throughout the school year.
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