Starting homeschooling in Maryland is really exciting because you have a lot of choices! It's not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. You get to decide how much freedom and flexibility you want, how much support you need, and what kind of learning environment will help your child thrive.
The most important thing is to understand the different options and choose the one that best fits your family and your child's learning style.
Whether you're leaning toward the flexible portfolio route, a supportive church umbrella, or a more structured state-approved umbrella, each option has different levels of oversight and resources.
In this guide, you’ll find all the essentials—from legal options and paperwork to tips for staying organized. Maryland's homeschooling rules don’t have to be overwhelming, and we're here to help make the process clearer so you can make confident choices for your family.
To start homeschooling in Maryland, it’s essential to know the options available under state law.
Understanding the Legal Options
Maryland offers three main ways to homeschool your child. Each option has different levels of freedom and support, so it's important to choose the one that's best for your family.
1. Portfolio Option
What it is: The portfolio option is like creating a scrapbook or a collection of your child's learning journey. You'll keep samples of their work, like worksheets, projects, essays, and artwork.
You'll also keep track of their attendance, which means keeping a record of the days and hours they spend learning. And you'll need to give them some assessments, like tests or quizzes, to check their understanding.
Responsibilities: With the portfolio option, you have a lot of freedom to choose what your child learns and how they learn it. You get to pick the curriculum, create your own schedule, and decide on the teaching methods that work best for your child.
However, you do need to make sure you're covering the subjects that Maryland requires for homeschooling. You'll need to meet with someone from your local school district a few times a year to show them your child's portfolio and discuss their progress.
Good for: The portfolio option is a great choice for families who want a lot of freedom and flexibility in their homeschooling. It allows you to personalize your child's education and create a learning experience that truly fits their needs and interests.
It's also a good option for families who are comfortable with keeping detailed records and meeting with school officials to review their child's progress.
2. Church Umbrella Option
What it is: This option allows you to homeschool your child under the guidance of a church-based program. These programs are usually run by churches or religious organizations that have been approved by the Maryland State Department of Education to oversee homeschooling families.
The church program provides a framework for your homeschooling, offering support and guidance along the way.
Responsibilities: Even though you're part of a church umbrella program, you're still the main teacher for your child. You'll be responsible for planning and delivering the lessons, grading your child's work, and keeping track of their progress. However, you'll have support from the church program.
They might offer things like curriculum guidance (helping you choose the right materials), lesson plan reviews (checking to make sure your lessons are on track), and regular meetings or conferences to discuss your child's progress.
Good for: This option can be a great fit for families who want to be part of a faith-based homeschooling community. It can provide a sense of belonging and support, especially if you're new to homeschooling or feel more comfortable having some guidance and oversight.
It can also be helpful for families who want to make sure their homeschooling aligns with their religious beliefs and values.
3. State-Approved Umbrella Option
What it is: This option is like a partnership between you and a homeschooling program that has been officially approved by the state of Maryland. These programs are usually run by non-public schools that have met certain standards set by the state.
They provide a lot of support and guidance to homeschooling families, which can be really helpful if you're new to homeschooling or if you want a more structured approach.
How It Works: When you choose this option, you'll enroll your child in the state-approved umbrella program. The program will provide you with a curriculum, which is a plan for what your child will learn.
They might also provide you with textbooks, workbooks, and other learning materials. The program will also help you keep track of your child's progress, give you regular reports on how they're doing, and even help you with assessments, like tests or projects.
Responsibilities: Even though the umbrella program provides a lot of support, you're still the main teacher for your child. You'll work with your child each day, guide them through the lessons, and help them with their assignments.
You'll also have some flexibility to choose specific learning materials or activities that fit your child's interests and learning style as long as they align with the overall curriculum and the state's educational requirements.
Good for: This option is a good choice for families who want a more structured homeschooling experience. It's also helpful for families who want a lot of support and guidance from experienced educators.
If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by the idea of creating your own curriculum or managing all the details of homeschooling, a state-approved umbrella program can provide the structure and support you need to feel confident and successful.
Once you understand the legal options, the next step is knowing how to meet the specific guidelines Maryland sets for homeschoolers.
Following the Rules to Homeschool in Maryland
Maryland wants to make sure that homeschooled children are getting a good education. So, there are some rules and guidelines that you need to follow if you choose to homeschool in Maryland.
1. Notice of Intent
Telling the State: Before you start homeschooling, you need to fill out a form called a Notice of Intent and send it to your local school district. You need to do this at least 15 days before you start homeschooling.
Choosing Your Option: On the form, you'll choose how you want to homeschool. You can either do regular portfolio reviews (where you show the school district what your child is learning) or work with a state-approved homeschool program.
2. What to Teach
Required Subjects: You need to teach your child a variety of subjects, including English, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education.
Flexibility: You have a lot of freedom to choose how you want to teach these subjects and what materials you want to use. The most important thing is that your child is learning and making progress.
No Set Schedule: You don't have to follow the same schedule as a public school. You can create a schedule that works best for your family.
3. Keeping a Portfolio
What it is: A portfolio is like a big folder where you keep examples of your child's work, like worksheets, projects, and tests. It also includes any materials you're using to teach them.
Why it's Important: The school district or the homeschool program you're working with will want to look at your child's portfolio a few times each year. This is to make sure your child is learning and making progress.
Fixing Problems: If the school district finds any problems with your child's education, they'll give you 30 days to fix them. If you don't fix the problems, you might have to send your child to a regular school.
By understanding and following these guidelines, you can create a successful and rewarding homeschooling experience for your child in Maryland.
After you choose the homeschooling route that fits your family best, it’s time to think about the administrative side.
Homeschooling in Maryland: Notification and Record-Keeping
When homeschooling in Maryland, a few important steps help you stay on track and meet state requirements. Notifying your local school district and keeping organized records are essential parts of homeschooling in this state.
Let’s dive into the details of how to handle these requirements smoothly so you can focus on your child’s learning journey.
1. Telling the School District
Notice of Intent: Before you start homeschooling in Maryland, you need to let your local school district know. You do this by filling out a form called a "Notice of Intent to Homeschool" and sending it to the superintendent of your school district.
When to Send It: You need to send this form at least 15 days before you start homeschooling.
Do It Every Year: You need to send a new form every year that you homeschool.
2. Keeping Good Records
Why It's Important: Keeping good records is really important for homeschooling, especially if you're using the "portfolio option" in Maryland. This means keeping track of your child's work, attendance, and grades.
Homeschool Portfolio: You can create a homeschool portfolio to keep all your child's work and records organized. This can include things like worksheets, projects, test scores, and even photos or videos of them learning.
Portfolio Reviews: Someone from your school district might want to look at your child's portfolio a few times a year to make sure they're learning and making progress.
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The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers Transparent Classroom, a powerful online tool that simplifies homeschool record-keeping and helps you create beautiful digital portfolios.
With Transparent Classroom, you can:
Effortlessly Track Your Child's Progress: Keep detailed records of their coursework, grades, and achievements.
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Manage Portfolios With Ease: Build comprehensive portfolios that highlight your child's work and accomplishments.
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3. Church or School Umbrella Programs
Who Keeps the Records: If you're homeschooling through a church or school umbrella program, they will usually handle the record-keeping for you. This can make things a bit easier!
Maryland allows families flexibility in how they teach and assess their children’s progress, which means you have room to personalize your approach.
Flexibility in Teaching and Assessment to Homeschool in Maryland
In Maryland, homeschooling families have a lot of flexibility in how they teach and assess their children, giving parents the freedom to tailor their approach to fit their child’s unique learning style and needs. This flexibility means that families can focus on what works best for them, without strict requirements for certification, testing, or specific curriculums.
Let’s explore what this freedom looks like and how it can benefit both parents and students.
1. No Teaching Certification Required
Anyone Can Homeschool: You don't need to be a certified teacher to homeschool your child in Maryland. Any parent can do it as long as they're committed to providing a good education.
Flexibility for Parents: This means that people with different backgrounds and experiences can homeschool their children. You don't need to have a college degree in education to be a successful homeschooling parent.
Feeling a little unsure about your teaching skills?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) provides expert advice, video lessons, and helpful guides to boost your confidence and help you create a successful homeschooling experience, even if you don't have a teaching background.
Here's how TSHA supports you:
Easy-to-use curriculum: Our American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) is designed to be simple to follow and implement.
How-to videos: We offer a library of helpful videos that show you how to teach different lessons and activities.
Printable materials: Access a variety of printable materials, such as worksheets and activity guides, to support your teaching.
Live support from educators: Our team of experienced educators is available to answer your questions and offer guidance.
Vibrant community: Connect with other homeschooling parents in our online community to share ideas, find support, and build relationships.
With TSHA, you'll have the tools and support you need to be the best homeschool teacher you can be!
2. No Required Tests
Freedom of Choice: Maryland doesn't require homeschoolers to take standardized tests. These are the kinds of tests that many students in public schools take to measure their progress.
Benefits of Testing (Optional): Even though tests aren't required, you can still choose to have your child take them if you want to. This can be helpful if you're thinking about sending your child back to public school, as it can help the school figure out what grade your child should be in. It can also be a good way to see how your child is doing compared to other students their age.
3. Choosing a Curriculum
Lots of Options: You have a lot of freedom to choose a homeschool curriculum that works for your child and your family. There are many different programs available, both religious and secular (non-religious).
Ready to Bring an Engaging Curriculum into Your Homeschooling Journey?
At The School House Anywhere (TSHA), we know that choosing the right curriculum can make all the difference in your homeschooling experience. Our American Emergent Curriculum is designed to provide structure, creativity, and support so you and your child can focus on enjoying the learning process. Here’s what makes TSHA unique:
A Balanced Approach to Learning: Our curriculum blends academic structure with hands-on learning, project-based activities, and creative exploration. This approach supports your child’s curiosity, critical thinking, and development without overwhelming you with rigid schedules.
Flexibility Meets Support: With TSHA, you have the freedom to adapt our curriculum to fit your child’s learning style and interests. Our resources cover core subjects while also making room for art, nature, and practical activities that bring learning to life.
Tools for Parents: We’re here to make homeschooling simpler for you. With guidance on record-keeping, assessment support, and resources for each grade level, you’ll have everything you need to stay on track and feel confident.
Ready to explore our curriculum? Join TSHA, and let’s make homeschooling an enriching, enjoyable experience for your family!
Getting Advice: You can also talk to other homeschooling families or look online in homeschooling forums to get recommendations for curriculum choices.
By giving parents the freedom to choose their own curriculum and assessment methods, Maryland makes homeschooling a personalized and effective way to learn.
In addition to academic requirements, Maryland has certain health guidelines for homeschoolers. Understanding these immunization and health guidelines can help you stay compliant while keeping your child safe and healthy.
Homeschooling in Maryland: Immunization and Health
Staying informed about immunization and health guidelines is important for every homeschooling family in Maryland. While the state doesn’t usually require homeschoolers to meet the same immunization standards as public or private schools, health practices still play a crucial role.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your child and community healthy, along with where to find more resources if needed.
1. Immunization
No Requirements (Usually): If you're homeschooling in Maryland, you usually don't have to vaccinate your child or show proof of vaccination. This is different from public and private schools, where vaccinations are often required.
But It's Still Important: Even though it's not required, it's still a really good idea to vaccinate your child. Vaccines help protect them from serious diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Maryland Department of Health recommend that all children get vaccinated.
Protecting Others: Vaccinating your child also helps protect other people in your community, especially those who can't get vaccinated because they're too young or have health problems.
2. Church or School Umbrella Programs
Different Rules: If you're homeschooling through a church or private school program, they might have their own rules about vaccinations. Some programs might require your child to be vaccinated, so it's important to check their rules.
3. Staying Healthy
Regular Checkups: Even though you're homeschooling, it's still important to take your child for regular checkups with a doctor. This helps make sure they're healthy and growing properly.
Healthy Habits: Encourage your child to develop healthy habits, like eating nutritious food, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. This will help them stay healthy and do well in their homeschooling.
Where to Find More Information
Maryland Department of Health: You can find helpful information about vaccinations and other health topics on the Maryland Department of Health website.
Local Health Departments: Your local health department can also provide you with information about vaccines, health guidelines, and other resources for homeschooling families.
If you ever decide to transition back to public school, Maryland has guidelines to ensure a smooth transition.
Going Back to Public School in Maryland
If you've been homeschooling your child in Maryland and are thinking about sending them back to public school, it's helpful to know how the process works.
1. Contact the School
Enrollment: Talk to the public school you want your child to attend and ask about how to enroll your child. Each school district might have different rules, so it's important to find out what you need to do.
What to Bring: You'll probably need to bring some documents to show that you live in the area and that you have legal custody of your child. This might include things like a utility bill with your address on it or a court order showing that you have custody.
2. Grade Placement
Evaluation: The school district will want to figure out what grade your child should be in. They might give your child some tests, talk to them about what they've learned, or look at some of their homeschool work. This helps them make sure your child is placed in the right classes with other students at their level.
Transferring Credits: If your child is in high school, the school will also look at their homeschool records to see if any of the classes they took at home can count towards their high school graduation requirements.
You might need to provide things like test scores, transcripts from college courses, or certificates from online programs to show what your child has learned.
3. Specific School Requirements
Different Rules: Each school district in Maryland might have its own rules and deadlines for enrolling new students. It's important to ask the school about any specific requirements they have so you don't miss any deadlines or important steps.
Transition Programs: Some schools might even have special programs to help students who are transitioning from homeschooling to public school. These programs can help your child adjust to the new environment and make friends
4. Your Child's Needs
Be Involved: It's important to be involved in the enrollment process and talk to the school about your child's education and any special needs they might have. This helps the school understand your child's learning style and make sure they get the support they need to succeed.
Ask Questions: Don't be afraid to ask questions and advocate for your child. You want to make sure the school has an accurate picture of your child's education and that they're placed in the right classes.
5. If You Disagree with a Decision
Appealing: If you don't agree with the school's decision about your child's grade placement or the credits they're giving your child, you can usually appeal that decision. This means you can ask them to reconsider. Each school district has its own process for appealing decisions, so it's helpful to understand how that works in your district.
By understanding these steps and being prepared, you can help make the transition from homeschooling to public school a positive experience for your child.
Wrapping Up
Starting your homeschooling journey in Maryland can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. By understanding the different legal options available, you can choose the best path for your family. Following the rules and keeping up with notifications and record-keeping is essential to ensure a smooth process.
As you explore the flexibility in teaching and assessment, you'll find that homeschooling allows you to tailor your child's education to their unique needs and interests. Don't forget to stay informed about immunization and health requirements to keep your child safe and healthy.
Whether you’re new to homeschooling or considering a return to public school, knowing the laws and requirements in Maryland will help you make informed decisions. With the right information and support, you can create a positive and enriching learning environment for your child.
Ready to Transform Your Homeschooling Experience?
At The School House Anywhere, we’re dedicated to helping families like yours manage homeschooling with ease and confidence. Our unique curriculum offers a balanced mix of structured learning and hands-on activities, ensuring your child gets a rich educational experience. Here’s how TSHA can support you:
Why Choose The School House Anywhere?
Comprehensive American Emergent Curriculum
Our curriculum covers various subjects and integrates project-based learning, critical thinking, and creative activities. This approach keeps learning engaging and helps your child connect with what they’re studying.
Personalized Learning
With TSHA, you can customize your child’s education. Our resources allow you to adapt lessons to fit their interests and learning pace, making education feel more natural and enjoyable.
Ongoing Support
You’re not alone on this journey! Join our supportive community of homeschooling families. Share experiences, seek advice, and celebrate achievements together. Our team is also available to guide you every step of the way.
Flexible Resources
TSHA provides a variety of teaching materials, including lesson plans, worksheets, and online resources, making it easier to keep your homeschool organized and effective.
Get Started Today!
If you’re ready to experience a new way of learning that prioritizes your child’s growth and curiosity, join The School House Anywhere today!
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