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Homeschool laws in Maryland

Maryland allows homeschooling through several legal pathways, including the portfolio option supervised by the local school system and umbrella-style options through certain nonpublic schools or church-related programs. The common direct route requires a notice of consent, regular instruction in the usual school subjects, a portfolio of work, and periodic reviews.

Last verified

2026-04-20

Compulsory age range

5-18

Quick-start checklist

What parents need to do first

This is the plain-English checklist a parent can follow to get started without reading a mountain of legal text.

1Choose which Maryland homeschool option you will use before filing anything.
2If you are using the portfolio option, submit the Notice of Consent at least 15 days before you start.
3Pick a curriculum that regularly covers English, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education.
4Set up a portfolio and begin saving samples of work, reading lists, and instructional materials right away.
5Be ready for the required portfolio reviews if you are under local school system supervision.
6If you prefer less direct district oversight, compare Maryland’s umbrella-school options before the year begins.
7Start a transcript early if your student is doing high school-level work.

Full breakdown

Every field is designed to answer the real-world compliance questions parents ask first.

Legal status

Homeschooling is legal in Maryland, but families must follow one of the state’s approved home instruction options.

Compulsory age range

5-18

Notification required

Yes. Most homeschool families submit a Notice of Consent form, though umbrella-style options may route oversight differently.

Who you notify

Usually the superintendent of the local school system for the portfolio option, or the supervising nonpublic school or church umbrella for certain alternative options.

Notification deadline

Generally at least 15 days before starting a home instruction program, again each year, and within 15 days after moving into a new county.

Required subjects

English, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Art, Music, Health, Physical education

Hours or days required

Maryland requires regular, thorough instruction during the school year. The state does not use a simple homeschool hour total in the main guidance, but families should teach consistently across the full school year.

Record keeping

For the portfolio option, keep a portfolio showing instructional materials, reading materials, and examples of the student’s work. The portfolio must be available for review at the times required by the supervising authority.

Testing and evaluation

No statewide standardized testing requirement applies just for homeschooling, but the portfolio option includes regular portfolio reviews and umbrella programs may have their own oversight rules.

Testing frequency

No statewide homeschool testing schedule. Under the portfolio option, portfolio reviews are generally held at least three times each year.

Teacher qualifications

Maryland does not require a parent to hold a teaching license or specific degree to homeschool.

Curriculum freedom

Moderate. Parents may choose their curriculum, but they must provide regular, thorough instruction and be able to show that required subject areas are being taught.

Umbrella school option

Yes. Maryland is well known for umbrella-style options through certain church-related or state-approved nonpublic school programs.

Virtual school option

Yes. Families may use online curriculum privately, and public virtual school options may also exist, but public virtual enrollment is separate from independent homeschooling.

Special education

Access to special education services can depend on local district practice, enrollment status, and whether the student participates through a public or umbrella program.

High school diploma

Parents can generally issue a homeschool diploma and transcript, though some umbrella programs may also provide records or documentation.

College admission

Maryland colleges commonly accept homeschool applicants with transcripts, course lists, outside coursework, and test scores when requested.

Sports access

Public school sports access is not guaranteed statewide for independent homeschoolers and usually depends on local district and activity rules.

Dual enrollment

Yes. Many homeschool students use dual enrollment through community colleges or other local programs if they meet admissions requirements.

Notes

First-pass draft based on the Maryland State Department of Education home instruction page, source inventory, and HSLDA summary. The official Westlaw-hosted regulation link in the source inventory was blocked during source checking, so this entry relies on the MSDE guidance page, the Home Instruction Guidelines PDF, the secondary statute reference, and HSLDA for the practical compliance summary.

Official sources

Parent-friendly reminder

This page is designed to reduce confusion, not replace legal advice. If something changes or feels unclear, verify with your state Department of Education before making compliance decisions.

Want more homeschool guidance and encouragement? Follow Dani at @thedanicerrato.