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Curriculum needs change dramatically from kindergarten through high school. This guide breaks down grade-level expectations, popular curriculum choices, and practical approaches for each stage of Maryland homeschooling.
Key Takeaways
- Elementary (K–6): Focus on foundational skills; all-in-one curricula or literature-based approaches work well
- Middle School (7–8): Transition year; introduce more independence, subject-specific curricula, and co-ops
- High School (9–12): Increase rigor, explore dual enrollment, build transcript, prepare for college
- Maryland’s portfolio requirement applies to all grades; documentation needs adjust by grade level
- Cost ranges from $500/year (elementary, budget approach) to $3,000+/year (high school with dual enrollment)
ELEMENTARY (K–6)
Goals and Expectations
Elementary homeschooling focuses on:
- Building foundational math and reading skills
- Developing strong writing habits
- Fostering love of learning and curiosity
- Establishing healthy routines and habits
- Covering eight required subjects (even in early grades)
Time commitment: 2–4 hours/day (includes breaks, play, exploration)
Typical structure: Structured mornings (math, English), afternoon enrichment (science, social studies, art, music), outdoor play
Popular Elementary Curricula
For All-in-One/Traditional Approach:
- Abeka K–6: Complete, traditional, Christian-worldview, $1,200–$1,800/year
- BJU Press K–6: Similar to Abeka, activity-based, $1,200–$1,800/year
- Sonlight: Literature-rich, book-based, flexible pacing, $800–$1,200/year
For Literature-Based Approach:
- Ambleside Online: Free, Charlotte Mason-based, living books
- A Gentle Feast: Structured Charlotte Mason planning, $200–$400/year
- My Father’s World: Classical with literature blend, $800–$1,200/year
For Math:
- Math Mammoth: Affordable, visual, scaffolded, $200–$400/year
- Saxon Math K–6: Spiral review, consistent structure, $300–$600/year
- Khan Academy: Free, visual, interactive
For Online/Flexible:
- Time4Learning K–6: Affordable complete curriculum, $1,200–$2,400/year
- Power Homeschool: Video-based, flexible, $1,400–$2,000/year
Elementary Portfolio Requirements
What to save for portfolio reviews:
English:
- Reading list (books read aloud and independently)
- Writing samples (2–3 per quarter at minimum)
- Handwriting samples
- Grammar/spelling practice
Math:
- Completed workbook pages from all quarters
- Online program screenshots/reports
- Math assessments or tests (if used)
Science:
- Experiment write-ups or observations
- Workbook pages
- Field trip notes and photos
Social Studies:
- History reading lists
- Simple reports or projects
- Geography activities (maps, drawings)
Art:
- Actual artwork samples (drawings, paintings, collages)
- Photos of 3D projects
Music:
- Music lesson records (if taking lessons)
- Listening logs or music appreciation work
Health & PE:
- Activity logs or sports participation records
- Health lesson notes
- Photos of outdoor play/sports
Organization tip: Use a large binder or digital folder. Save work throughout the year rather than frantically gathering materials before portfolio review.
Cost Breakdown: Elementary
| Approach | Annual Cost | |—|—| | Budget (Ambleside + Khan Academy + library) | $200–$500 | | Mid-range (Sonlight + supplemental math) | $800–$1,200 | | Comprehensive (Abeka all-in-one) | $1,200–$1,800 | | Online program (Time4Learning complete) | $1,200–$2,400 |
MIDDLE SCHOOL (7–8)
Goals and Expectations
Middle school is a transition year. Expectations:
- Increasing academic independence
- Introduction to subject-specific curricula
- Stronger writing and analytical skills
- Beginning exposure to higher-level thinking (classical “logic stage”)
- Continued focus on all eight required subjects
Time commitment: 4–6 hours/day
Typical structure: Math and English mornings; science, social studies, art, music, PE afternoons; co-op classes 1–2 days/week (optional but common)
Popular Middle School Curricula
All-In-One Programs:
- Abeka 7–8: $1,400–$1,800/year
- BJU Press 7–8: $1,400–$1,800/year
Subject-Specific Combinations:
- Math: Saxon 7–8, Algebra I (pre-algebra for younger 7th), $300–$500/year
- English: Abeka/BJU English, Writing With Writers, or literature curriculum
- Science: Abeka/BJU science, biology intro, or specialized science programs, $300–$600/year
- History/Social Studies: Mystery of History, American History literature curriculum, or traditional textbooks
Semi-Boxed:
- Sonlight Middle School: Literature-based, flexible, $900–$1,300/year
- Classical Conversations: 2-day/week structure for grammar-logic-rhetoric transition, $500–$1,000/semester + materials
Online Options:
- Time4Learning 7–8: $1,200–$2,400/year (complete)
- Khan Academy + Outschool: $0–$800/year (free + supplemental classes)
Adding Co-Ops
Many Maryland families introduce co-ops in middle school:
- 1–2 days/week of in-person instruction
- Classes in science labs, art, PE, music, or advanced subjects
- Cost: $50–$500/semester depending on co-op
- Major Maryland co-ops: Classical Conversations, regional co-ops in Central/Western/Southern MD
Advantage: Peer interaction, expert instruction, portfolio documentation from non-parent
Middle School Portfolio Requirements
Similar to elementary but with higher expectations:
English:
- Reading list (more independent, longer books)
- Writing samples across genres (essays, creative writing, reports)
- Grammar/writing assignments
Math:
- Completed assignments showing all work
- Tests/quizzes or online program records
Science:
- Lab reports with observations and conclusions
- Science workbook pages
- Experiment documentation
Social Studies:
- History reading lists
- Written essays or reports
- Research projects
Art, Music, Health, PE: Same documentation as elementary
Organization: Shift toward student responsibility in portfolio organization (parent oversees but student gathers materials).
Cost Breakdown: Middle School
| Approach | Annual Cost | |—|—| | Budget (free online + library + co-op) | $200–$800 | | Mid-range (mix of traditional + co-op) | $1,000–$1,600 | | Traditional program | $1,400–$1,800 | | Online complete program | $1,200–$2,400 | | Traditional + co-ops (popular) | $1,200–$2,500 |
HIGH SCHOOL (9–12)
Goals and Expectations
High school dramatically shifts:
- Building a transcript for college
- Increasing academic rigor
- Developing independent research and writing
- Exploring potential college interests
- Preparing for SAT/ACT
- Earning dual enrollment credits (optional but valuable)
Time commitment: 5–8 hours/day (varies by course load and dual enrollment)
Typical structure: Core subjects at home or online; some courses through community college; AP or honors courses for motivated students
High School Curriculum Considerations
Core Subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Studies):
- Can continue homeschool curriculum or transition to online programs
- Many families use traditional curricula for core subjects
- Community college dual enrollment is an excellent option
Quality Matters: High schools and colleges reviewing homeschool transcripts scrutinize curriculum quality. Popular choices:
- Abeka/BJU High School: Recognized as rigorous, acceptable to colleges
- Community College Dual Enrollment: College courses (strongest evidence of rigor)
- Online Programs: Time4Learning acceptable; honors-level coursework preferred
- AP or Honors Courses: Demonstrate advanced capability
Example Course Load (One Year):
Junior (11th grade example):
- English III: American Literature (homeschool-directed or community college)
- Algebra II or Pre-Calculus (online or traditional)
- Chemistry (homeschool or community college)
- US History (homeschool, AP-level preferred)
- Art History or Foreign Language (co-op or online)
- PE (homeschool sports/activity)
- Electives (music, dual enrollment college course, etc.)
Dual Enrollment (Excellent for Maryland HS)
Maryland has strong community college systems. High school homeschoolers can earn college credits:
Options:
- Montgomery College: Accepts homeschool students; online and in-person
- CCBC (Community College of Baltimore County): In-person and online
- Anne Arundel Community College: Accepts homeschoolers
- Other Maryland community colleges have varying policies
Cost: $150–$250 per course (far cheaper than private universities)
Benefit: College credits count toward high school transcript AND transfer to four-year universities. Demonstrates rigor and college readiness.
Typical HS approach: 1–2 college courses per year (starting junior or senior year)
Building a High School Transcript
Maryland doesn’t issue homeschool diplomas. Parents create their own. Essential elements:
Information to include:
- Student name, school name (your “school”), graduation year
- Course titles, grades, credit hours, dates
- GPA calculation method
- Course descriptions (especially important for homeschool courses)
- Cumulative GPA
- SAT/ACT scores (optional but helpful for college)
- Dual enrollment courses with college transcripts
- Extracurriculars and leadership
Example transcript entry:
English III: American Literature (0.5 credit, Grade A)
Includes: Great Gatsby, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Emerson essays, literary analysis, essay writing. Equivalent to standard HS English III.
High School Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio becomes transcript. Save:
- Graded assignments and essays
- Tests/quizzes
- Course descriptions you write
- Grade calculations (how you determined grades)
- Supporting documentation of college coursework
- Verification of extracurricular participation
High School Popular Programs
Online High School Options
- Time4Learning High School: $1,200–$2,400/year (all subjects)
- Power Homeschool HS: $1,800–$2,400/year
- Keystone Online High School: $300–$600/course (Pennsylvania-based, national reach)
- Outschool: Mix of classes as needed, $10–$60 per class
Traditional High School Curricula
- Abeka Academy (Video): $2,400–$3,200/year for comprehensive program
- BJU Online High School: Similar to Abeka, $2,400–$3,200/year
- Dual enrollment: $400–$2,000/year for multiple college courses
Hybrid Approach (Common)
- Math: Khan Academy (free) + SAT prep (Khan Academy prep courses)
- English: Homeschool-directed reading + community college writing course
- Science: Online or homeschool curriculum
- Social Studies: College dual enrollment course (US History, etc.)
- Electives: Outschool, community college, homeschool tutorials
Cost Breakdown: High School
| Approach | Annual Cost | |—|—| | Budget (DIY + community college) | $400–$800 | | Mid-range (online program + dual enrollment) | $1,500–$2,500 | | Comprehensive (all homeschool traditional) | $2,400–$3,200 | | Hybrid (homeschool + 2 college courses) | $1,500–$2,500 |
Grade-Level Summary Table
| Grade | Primary Goal | Popular Approach | Cost | Time/Day | |—|—|—|—|—| | K–3 | Foundational skills | All-in-one or literature-based | $500–$1,200 | 2–3 hours | | 4–6 | Building competency | Same as K–3 or transitioning | $800–$1,800 | 3–4 hours | | 7–8 | Independence/transition | Subject-specific + co-ops | $1,200–$2,500 | 4–6 hours | | 9–12 | College prep/rigor | Dual enrollment + homeschool | $1,500–$3,000 | 5–8 hours |
Tips for Transitioning Between Levels
From Elementary to Middle:
- Introduce one co-op class to break up home learning
- Shift toward student-directed learning (student reads textbook, takes notes)
- Add more writing assignments
- Introduce subject-specific curricula if previously using all-in-one
From Middle to High School:
- Strongly consider dual enrollment to show rigor
- Begin building formal transcript
- Increase academic independence
- Emphasize college-prep courses (honors-level material)
- Start SAT/ACT prep (junior year)
From High School to College:
- Ensure transcript is complete and properly formatted
- Gather all supporting documentation for college applications
- Have at least 2 years of rigorous coursework on transcript
- Maintain SAT/ACT scores
- Document extracurriculars and leadership roles
Internal Links
Key Principles Across All Grades
- All eight subjects apply at every grade: Art, music, health, and PE are just as important as math and English
- Portfolio is your documentation: Save work throughout the year, not just before review
- Flexibility is an advantage: Adjust pace, approach, and curricula as needed without permission
- Community matters: Co-ops, 4-H, and extracurriculars provide peer interaction and enrichment
- College readiness isn’t automatic: Plan high school intentionally (dual enrollment, rigor, transcript)
Maryland homeschooling works at every grade level. The shift from elementary to high school is significant, but clear planning and documentation make it manageable.