Maryland Notice of Intent to Homeschool: Template & Filing Guide

by | May 1, 2026 | Homeschooling in Maryland, Laws & Requirements

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The Notice of Intent to Homeschool (also called Home Instruction Notification) is the formal document that kicks off your legal homeschooling in Maryland.

It’s not complicated, but it must be done correctly and submitted at the right time. This guide walks you through the process step by step.

Key Takeaways

  • File notification at least 15 days before you plan to start homeschooling
  • Each Maryland county has a local school district superintendent
  • The form asks for basic information: names, dates, supervision option
  • Keep a copy of your submission and any district correspondence
  • Notification is NOT the same as approval—the district simply acknowledges receipt

When to File: The 15-Day Deadline

You must submit your Home Instruction Notification at least 15 days before beginning homeschooling.

Important: This means you need to file before your start date. If you want to begin homeschooling on April 1st, your notification must arrive by March 17th.

Pro tip: File early. Many families file 30-60 days in advance to ensure timely processing and give themselves a clear planning window.

Where to Get the Form

Each Maryland county operates its own school district. You need to request the form from your local superintendent’s office.

How to find your superintendent:

  1. Search “[Your County] Maryland School District”
  2. Find the main office number
  3. Call and ask for: “Home Instruction Notification form” or “Home Schooling Notification form”
  4. Many districts now have the form on their website

Common districts:

  • Anne Arundel County
  • Baltimore County
  • Baltimore City
  • Howard County
  • Montgomery County
  • Prince George’s County
  • Cecil County
  • Harford County
  • Frederick County
  • Washington County
  • Wicomico County
  • Dorchester County

Each district’s form is essentially the same, but wording varies slightly.

What Information You’ll Need

Before filling out the form, gather:

  • Your name and address (parent/guardian completing the form)
  • Student’s name, date of birth, and current grade level (if currently enrolled)
  • Effective date of home instruction (when you want to start)
  • Supervision option you’re choosing:
  • Portfolio Option
  • Church Umbrella (with church name)
  • Nonpublic School Supervision (with school name)

Template: What Your Notification Should Include

While each district has its own form, here’s what a complete notification typically includes:

[DATE]

[SUPERINTENDENT NAME] [School District Name] [School District Address]

RE: Home Instruction Notification

Dear [Superintendent]:

I am writing to notify you of my intent to provide home instruction to [STUDENT NAME], date of birth [DATE], currently [grade level/no current enrollment], effective [START DATE].

Student Information:

  • Name: [Student Full Name]
  • Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
  • Current Grade Level: [Grade]
  • Current School (if applicable): [School Name] or “Not currently enrolled”

Parent/Guardian Information:

  • Name: [Your Full Name]
  • Address: [Your Address]
  • Phone: [Your Phone]
  • Email: [Your Email]

Supervision Option Selected:

I am selecting the following supervision option for home instruction:

[ ] Portfolio Option — I will maintain a portfolio of instructional materials and work samples for review.

[ ] Church Umbrella School — Supervising Organization: [Church/Organization Name], [Address]

[ ] Nonpublic School Supervision — Supervising School: [Private School Name], [Address]

I understand that home instruction must include instruction in the eight required subjects: English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education. Instruction must be regular and thorough and of sufficient duration during the school year.

Please acknowledge receipt of this notification. I will retain a copy for my records.

Respectfully,

[Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]

How to Submit Your Notification

Check with your district for preferred submission method:

  1. In person: Deliver to superintendent’s office
  2. By mail: Send via regular mail or certified mail
  3. By email: Email to superintendent’s office (if they accept electronic submission)
  4. By phone: Some districts allow verbal notification followed by written confirmation

Best practice: Use a method that provides proof of delivery and timing (certified mail, email with read receipt, or in-person with signed copy).

Keep documentation:

  • Copy of your notification form
  • Date of submission
  • Proof of delivery (mail receipt, email confirmation, written acknowledgment from district)
  • Any correspondence from the superintendent

What Happens After You File

  1. District receives and processes your notification (may take 1-2 weeks)
  2. Superintendent sends acknowledgment (most districts do this; some are slower than others)
  3. You’re cleared to begin homeschooling — No approval needed, just acknowledgment of notification
  4. If Portfolio Option: You begin organizing portfolio and instruction

Note: You do NOT need written approval to begin. The law says you can start once you’ve notified the superintendent. If you filed correctly with 15 days notice, you’re good to go on your start date.

If Choosing Church Umbrella or Nonpublic School

If you’re selecting Church Umbrella or Nonpublic School supervision, include on your notification form:

Church Umbrella:

  • Name of church/religious organization
  • Address of church
  • Name of supervising pastor or educator (optional but helpful)

Nonpublic School:

  • Name of private school providing supervision
  • Address of school
  • Name of supervising teacher (optional but helpful)

The district will verify that these are legitimate supervising entities.

Annual Notification

Some Maryland districts require annual re-notification each school year, while others accept the initial notification as ongoing. Check with your district to see if they require:

  • Annual re-notification every September
  • Re-notification only if supervision option changes
  • One-time notification sufficient for ongoing homeschooling

Many families choose to send annual notification anyway—it creates a paper trail and keeps you on the district’s radar.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Filing late — Don’t wait until your start date. File at least 15 days in advance.
  2. Not keeping a copy — Always keep a copy of your submission and proof of delivery.
  3. Forgetting the supervision option — You must indicate which option you’re choosing.
  4. Incomplete information — Include all requested student and parent information.
  5. Assuming email was received — If submitting by email, follow up with a call to confirm receipt.

Ready to File?

  1. Contact your superintendent’s office for the form
  2. Fill it out completely with accurate information
  3. Choose your supervision option
  4. Submit at least 15 days before your planned start date
  5. Keep a copy and proof of delivery
  6. Wait for acknowledgment
  7. Begin homeschooling

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