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Maryland occupies a moderate regulatory position in the homeschooling landscape. Unlike truly restrictive states, Maryland still allows substantial educational freedom. But unlike minimally regulated states, Maryland does require notification, portfolio reviews, and instruction in specific subjects.
If you’re considering homeschooling in Maryland, understanding the legal framework is essential. The regulations are manageable, but they’re more detailed than many families expect. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland requires notification to your superintendent at least 15 days before starting
- Three supervision options: Portfolio, Church Umbrella, or Nonpublic School
- 8 required subjects must be covered (English, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, PE)
- No teacher certification required; no specific teaching degree needed
- No standardized testing mandated; portfolio reviews are the primary assessment
- Instruction must be “regular and thorough” and of “sufficient duration”—no specific hours mandated
- COMAR 13A.10.01 may be revised in 2026
The Legal Foundation: Education Article § 7-301 and COMAR 13A.10.01
Maryland’s homeschooling regulations are codified in two places:
Education Article § 7-301 — Maryland’s Compulsory Attendance Law. This statute establishes that children ages 5-18 must receive regular education and specifies what that means.
COMAR 13A.10.01 — The Administrative Code section titled “Home Instruction.” This is the detailed regulatory framework that governs how homeschooling actually works in Maryland.
These two documents form the entire legal structure. Unlike some states with vague or fragmented laws, Maryland’s framework is relatively clear—though it’s also more prescriptive than several other states.
Compulsory Education Age Range: 5-18
Maryland’s compulsory education requirement applies to children ages 5 through 18. This is straightforward:
- Ages under 5: No legal obligation to provide schooling
- Ages 5-18: Must receive regular education during the school year
- Age 18+: No compulsory education requirement (though students may still be in high school)
The Notification Requirement (Most Critical Step)
Maryland requires notification to your local superintendent at least 15 days before beginning home instruction. This is non-negotiable and is the most important legal requirement you’ll face.
How to File Your Notification
- Obtain the form from your local school district (usually called “Home Instruction Notification” or similar)
- Complete required information:
- Parent/guardian name and address
- Student name and date of birth
- Student’s current grade level
- Expected start date of home instruction
- Your chosen supervision option (see below)
- Submit to your superintendent at least 15 days before you begin
- Keep a copy of your submission and any correspondence
What “Notification” Means (and Doesn’t Mean)
Critical distinction: Notification is NOT the same as approval.
Your superintendent acknowledges receipt of your notification. That’s it. The district does not approve or disapprove your homeschooling. You don’t need permission. You simply notify them that you’re beginning home instruction, and they acknowledge receipt.
This distinction matters. If the superintendent had to “approve,” you’d be vulnerable to denial. With notification, you’re simply informing the state of your educational choice.
Three Supervision Options: Choose One
Maryland law provides three ways to supervise home instruction. You must choose one when you file your notification.
Option 1: Portfolio Option (Most Common)
Under the Portfolio Option, you maintain a portfolio of your child’s instructional materials and work. The superintendent may review your portfolio up to 3 times per year, typically at semester ends.
What goes in the portfolio:
- Instructional materials used (textbooks, workbooks, curricula)
- Readings and literature assigned
- Work samples from each subject area
- Writing samples
- Creative materials (art, music projects)
The portfolio must demonstrate instruction in all 8 required subjects and show “regular and thorough” instruction.
What happens if the superintendent reviews your portfolio:
- They check that all 8 required subjects are covered
- They assess whether instruction appears “regular and thorough”
- If adequate: you’re done
- If they find inadequacy: you have opportunity to correct and resubmit
What this means in practice: The Portfolio Option is mostly non-intrusive. Many families keep their portfolios organized throughout the year without drama. Reviews happen; most pass without issue.
Option 2: Church Umbrella School
If your church operates a “Home Instruction Program” or oversees homeschooling families, you can choose Church Umbrella supervision.
Requirements for the church:
- Must be a bona fide religious organization (not just any group)
- Must maintain attendance records
- Must ensure instruction in all 8 required subjects
- Must supervise your homeschooling (typically through regular contact with the supervising pastor or educator)
What this means for you: You report to the church, not directly to the state. The church acts as intermediary. Your church provides the oversight that satisfies state requirements.
Key advantage: Less direct government involvement. You work with your faith community instead.
Option 3: Approved Nonpublic School Supervision
Some approved private schools offer supervision services for homeschooling families. The school assigns a supervising teacher who:
- Visits your home or meets with you at least 3 times per year
- Reviews your instruction
- Provides progress reports
- Ensures compliance with state requirements
Cost: Usually a fee (varies by school) Advantage: Professional educator oversight and external validation
Eight Required Subjects
Maryland law mandates instruction in eight subjects:
- English (reading, writing, spelling, grammar, literature)
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies (history, geography, civics)
- Art
- Music
- Health
- Physical Education
What This Does NOT Mean
- You don’t need to follow Maryland’s College and Career Ready Standards
- No specific curriculum is mandated
- No grade-level requirements or scope/sequence
- No minimum hours per subject
- Art and Music can be integrated into other subjects
- Health and PE can include outdoor activities, sports, health education classes
What This DOES Mean
- You must demonstrate coverage of all 8 in your portfolio
- Each subject must receive meaningful instruction
- Instruction must be age-appropriate and progress over time
“Regular and Thorough” Instruction: The Core Standard
Maryland’s key phrase is “regular and thorough instruction of sufficient duration.” This standard defines what “home instruction” actually means.
Regular = Consistent, ongoing throughout the school year (not sporadic) Thorough = Comprehensive coverage of required subjects Sufficient duration = Enough time for meaningful learning to occur
The law does NOT specify:
- Minimum hours per day
- Minimum days per week
- Minimum school days per year
- Specific grade-level expectations
In practice: Families typically structure instruction similar to public school schedules (180+ days per year, several hours daily), but the law doesn’t mandate this. It trusts parents to provide “sufficient” instruction.
No Testing Required (Voluntary Assessment Options)
Maryland does NOT require standardized testing for homeschoolers.
You are NOT required to:
- Take the state MCAP (Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program)
- Administer SAT, ACT, or other standardized tests
- Submit test scores to the state
What’s optional:
- Some families voluntarily use standardized tests to benchmark progress
- SAT/ACT available for college-bound students
- Iowa Assessments, Stanford Achievement Test available through private providers
- PSAT available through local high schools
Your portfolio demonstrates progress. Testing is purely optional.
No Teacher Certification Required
You do NOT need:
- A teaching degree or license
- Any formal education or credential
- Background in any subject
- College coursework in education
Parents without any formal training can legally homeschool in Maryland.
Record Keeping & Documentation
Maryland requires portfolio maintenance but not extensive documentation beyond that.
You should keep:
- Organized portfolio (instructional materials, work samples, creative work)
- Records of instruction (optional but recommended—attendance log, lesson notes)
- Copies of your notification form and any correspondence with the district
- Records of all 8 required subjects
You are NOT required to:
- Keep daily attendance logs (though many do)
- Maintain lesson plans (though organization is helpful)
- Report to the state (except for portfolio reviews)
Best practice: Keep your portfolio well-organized throughout the year. Don’t scramble to assemble it at review time.
Switching Between Supervision Options
You can change from one supervision option to another by notifying your superintendent. If you began under Portfolio but want to switch to Church Umbrella, simply notify the district.
Withdrawal from Public School
If your child is currently enrolled in public or private school, you must formally withdraw before beginning homeschooling.
Steps:
- Obtain the Home Instruction Notification form from your district
- Complete and submit at least 15 days before your start date
- Request copies of your child’s records (immunization records, transcripts, assessments)
- Keep confirmation of your submission
COMAR 13A.10.01: Potential Revision in 2026
As of 2026, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has recommended opening COMAR 13A.10.01 for possible amendment or repeal. This means the regulation could change.
Current status: Process is ongoing. No major changes have been enacted yet. Until amended, current regulations apply.
What to watch: If you’re starting homeschool, follow current rules. If regulations change, organizations like MACHE and MHEA will provide guidance.
Pending Legislation (As of 2026)
Two bills are pending that could affect Maryland homeschoolers:
HB 1204: Maryland Education Savings Account (ESA)
- Would create an ESA program allowing families to use state funds for education expenses
- Would benefit homeschoolers
- Status: NOT yet enacted
HB 1043: “Right to Play”
- Would allow homeschoolers to participate in public school sports
- Maryland currently restricts sports to school-enrolled students
- Status: NOT yet enacted
Homeschooling in Context: Free Resources Near You
Maryland’s proximity to Washington, DC is a game-changer. Free resources include:
- Smithsonian museums (all free)
- National Zoo (free)
- Library of Congress
- National Archives
Plus Maryland-specific destinations:
- Fort McHenry (War of 1812, Star-Spangled Banner)
- Antietam Battlefield (Civil War)
- Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
- Chesapeake Bay (ecology, maritime history)
- Annapolis Naval Academy (tours available)
These aren’t just field trips—they’re built-in curriculum enhancers.
Summary: Your Roadmap
- Decide on supervision option (Portfolio, Church Umbrella, or Nonpublic School)
- Plan to cover 8 required subjects
- Obtain the notification form from your superintendent
- File notification at least 15 days before starting
- Maintain organized portfolio (especially if you choose Portfolio Option)
- Keep records of instruction throughout the year
- Prepare for portfolio reviews (if applicable—typically twice per year)
Maryland homeschooling is manageable. The regulations exist, but they’re not oppressive. Thousands of Maryland families homeschool successfully under this framework every year.
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