Homeschool laws · State guide
Homeschooling in Maryland
Maryland requires a consent form 15 days before starting, yearly verification, eight subjects, and a portfolio reviewed each semester (or a registered nonpublic school or church umbrella).
Maryland at a glanceLevel: Moderate
- Notice to the state
- Yes
- Submit the MSDE consent form to the local superintendent at least 15 days before starting, and verify continuation each year before the school year begins (COMAR 13A.10.01.01).
- Testing
- No
- No testing requirement; home instruction students may join the local school system's standardized testing voluntarily (COMAR 13A.10.01.02; MSDE FAQ). Instead, see portfolio reviews below.
- Record-keeping
- Required
- Keep a portfolio of materials and the child's work for local school system review each semester (up to three a year), or be supervised by a registered nonpublic school or church organization (COMAR 13A.10.01.01).
- Immunization
- Not required
- Immunization and proof requirements apply to children enrolled in school, not home instruction (COMAR 10.06.04.03; 13A.10.01.01).
- Required subjects
- Yes, 8
- English, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Art, Music, Health, Physical education
- Instruction time
- 'Regular basis during the school year' and 'of sufficient duration to implement the instruction program'
- COMAR 13A.10.01.01
Ways to homeschool here: Home instruction with local school system portfolio review · Home instruction supervised by an MSDE-approved nonpublic school · Home instruction supervised by a church-exempt nonpublic school or bona fide church organization (education ministry)
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Overview
Maryland’s compulsory attendance law (Education Article §7-301) exempts a child ‘receiving regular, thorough instruction during the school year in the studies usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age,’ and MSDE recognizes home instruction as such. Home instruction must be supervised either through local school system portfolio reviews or by a registered nonpublic school or church organization; MSDE keeps a list of registered supervising entities. Local school systems may not add requirements beyond COMAR 13A.10.01.
Legal options
- Home instruction with local school system portfolio review
- Home instruction supervised by an MSDE-approved nonpublic school
- Home instruction supervised by a church-exempt nonpublic school or bona fide church organization (education ministry)
Requirements at a glance
- Notice: Sign the MSDE home instruction consent form and submit it to the local superintendent at least 15 days before starting; verify continuation annually before the school year begins, and report any change in status. (COMAR 13A.10.01.01; MSDE FAQ)
- Testing or assessment: No testing requirement; home instruction students may join the local school system’s standardized testing voluntarily (COMAR 13A.10.01.02; MSDE FAQ). Instead, see portfolio reviews below.
- Records: Keep a portfolio (instructional and reading materials, examples of the child’s writings, worksheets, workbooks, creative materials and tests) reviewed by the local school system at the end of each semester at mutually agreeable times, no more than three reviews a year; or be supervised by an MSDE-registered nonpublic school or church organization instead. College report cards/transcripts may replace portfolio materials for college courses. (COMAR 13A.10.01.01; MSDE FAQ)
- Subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Art, Music, Health, Physical education
- Instruction time: ‘Regular basis during the school year’ and ‘of sufficient duration to implement the instruction program’ (COMAR 13A.10.01.01)
- Parent/teacher qualifications: None; teacher certification is not required (MSDE FAQ)
- Compulsory attendance ages: 5 to under 18 (Education Article §7-301, per MSDE)
If a review finds deficiencies, the parent has 30 days after written notice to show they have been or are being corrected; otherwise the child must be enrolled in a public or nonpublic school (MSDE FAQ).
Sources
This page summarizes the statutes and official pages listed in the sources block, as read on the last-checked date. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm current requirements with your state or local education agency.