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One of Maryland’s biggest advantages for homeschooling families is its approach to assessment: the state doesn’t require standardized testing.
Many parents expect mandatory testing. Others assume they need to administer tests to prove their child is learning. Neither is true in Maryland. Here’s what you actually need to know about testing and assessment.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland does NOT require standardized testing for homeschoolers
- Portfolio review is the primary assessment mechanism
- Superintendent may review portfolio up to 3 times per year
- Standardized testing is entirely optional
- MCAP (state testing) is not required for homeschoolers
The Primary Assessment: Portfolio Review
Instead of standardized testing, Maryland uses portfolio review as its main assessment tool.
What is a Portfolio Review?
Under the Portfolio supervision option, your superintendent may review your child’s portfolio of instructional materials and work samples up to 3 times per year.
Typical schedule: Reviews happen at semester ends, so usually twice per year in practice.
What Happens During a Review
- You submit your portfolio showing work across all 8 required subjects
- Superintendent examines the materials to assess:
- Is all 8 required subjects covered?
- Does the work demonstrate “regular and thorough” instruction?
- Is the work age-appropriate and progressing?
- Outcome:
- Adequate: Portfolio is approved, no further action
- Inadequate: You’re given opportunity to add materials or improve instruction and resubmit
What Should Be in Your Portfolio
- Instructional materials: Textbooks, workbooks, curricula you’re using
- Work samples: Completed worksheets, tests, assignments from each subject
- Writing: Essays, creative writing, written responses
- Reading records: Books read, reading comprehension work
- Creative work: Art projects, music studies, science fair projects
- Evidence of all 8 subjects: English, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, PE
Organization tip: Organize by subject or chronologically. Make it easy for a superintendent to see that instruction is happening across all required subjects.
No Standardized Testing Required
This is worth repeating because it’s so different from many states:
Maryland does NOT require:
- SAT or ACT testing
- Iowa Assessments or Stanford Achievement Test
- PSAT administration
- MCAP (Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program—the state test)
- Any other standardized assessments
- Any test score submission to the state
Your portfolio is sufficient. Testing is purely optional.
Optional: Voluntary Testing for Tracking Progress
Many families choose to use standardized tests even though they’re not required. This is entirely optional and done at family discretion.
Why Families Voluntarily Test
- Benchmark progress: Compare your child’s performance to national standards
- College prep: SAT/ACT required for college applications
- Peace of mind: External validation that learning is happening
- Record-keeping: Standardized test scores in homeschool transcript
Available Testing Options
College entrance exams:
- SAT — available at local high schools or testing centers
- ACT — available at local high schools or testing centers
- PSAT — available through local high schools
Achievement assessments (optional, available privately):
- Iowa Assessments — can be administered by parents or through testing centers
- Stanford Achievement Test — available through educational distributors
- GATES of the Mind — for gifted assessment
AP Exams (for high school):
- Available through local high schools
- No requirement to take; optional for college credit
How to Administer Tests Voluntarily
Most families work with:
- Local high schools (for SAT, ACT, PSAT)
- Private testing companies
- Homeschool groups or co-ops that offer testing administration
- Online test proctoring services
Assessment Under Different Supervision Options
Portfolio Option
Portfolio review is the assessment mechanism. Superintendent reviews work samples and instructional materials up to 3 times per year.
Church Umbrella Option
The church organization supervises and assesses progress. Specific assessment methods vary by church. The church may:
- Review portfolios
- Administer progress assessments
- Conduct visits and evaluations
- Provide progress reports to families
Nonpublic School Supervision
The supervising teacher:
- Visits at least 3 times per year
- Reviews curriculum and instruction
- Assesses student progress
- Provides progress reports
Portfolio Review: What to Expect
If your child is under Portfolio supervision, here’s the likely timeline:
Throughout the school year:
- Keep organized portfolio showing all 8 subjects
- Add work samples regularly (don’t scramble at review time)
- Take photos or scan important work as backup
At semester end (typically two review periods per year):
- Superintendent notifies you that a review is scheduled
- You compile and submit your portfolio
- Superintendent reviews for adequacy
- You’re notified of results
If portfolio is approved:
- Your homeschooling is validated
- You move forward with next semester
If portfolio is found inadequate:
- Superintendent explains what’s lacking
- You have opportunity to:
- Add more evidence of instruction
- Improve the area of concern
- Resubmit portfolio
If you can’t resolve inadequacy:
- Superintendent may refer to attendance officer
- In practice: This rarely happens. Most families work collaboratively with districts to resolve concerns.
MCAP and State Testing: Not Required
Maryland administers the MCAP (Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program) to public school students. Homeschoolers do NOT take MCAP.
You are not:
- Required to administer state tests
- Required to report test results
- Expected to follow public school testing calendars
Your portfolio is your assessment.
Assessment Best Practices
To pass portfolio reviews smoothly:
- Keep organized throughout the year — Don’t wait until review time to gather materials
- Document all 8 subjects — Make sure each required subject is represented
- Include varied evidence — Mix of worksheets, tests, creative projects, writing
- Show progression — Include work from across the year showing growth
- Note ages and dates — When possible, date work so timeline is clear
- Take photos or scan — Keep digital backup of art, science projects, physical work
- Maintain curriculum records — Document what you’re using (textbooks, online programs, etc.)
High School Assessment and Transcripts
For high school students, assessment looks different:
- You’re responsible for creating transcripts with courses, grades, and credits
- You determine grade scale and GPA
- Include extracurriculars, community service, awards
- Include dual enrollment college courses and AP exams if taken
- Portfolio still applies, but transcript becomes primary documentation
See post on Homeschooling High School in Maryland for details.
Summary
Maryland’s assessment approach is parent-friendly:
- No standardized testing required
- Portfolio review is primary assessment
- Superintendent may review up to 3 times/year (typically 2 times)
- Standardized testing is entirely optional
- If you choose to test, results stay with you
This flexibility allows families to focus on learning rather than test prep.
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