Maryland · Some paperwork

Homeschooling in Maryland

Maryland asks you to file a notice before you begin. Here is what goes in it, when it is due, and what happens after.

VerifiedMarch 2026

Notice of intentFile every yearNotice of Consent filed with local superintendent 15 days BEFORE starting homeschool per regulation. HSLDA argues this is not strictly enforced and filing on withdrawal day suffices in practice; however, 15 days in advance is the regulatory standard. Annual verification of continued participation required.

Yearly assessmentNot required

Instruction timeNo minimum set

RecordsPortfolio required

How to start homeschooling in Maryland

Written from Maryland's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.

Withdraw from the school your child attends now
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.
Send your notice of intent
Maryland asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: Notice of Consent filed with local superintendent 15 days BEFORE starting homeschool per regulation. HSLDA argues this is not strictly enforced and filing on withdrawal day suffices in practice; however, 15 days in advance is the regulatory standard. Annual verification of continued participation required. You will do this again at the start of every school year. It goes to Maryland State Department of Education / Local School Superintendent (Portfolio Option) / Supervising Umbrella School (Options 2–4).
Cover the subjects the state names
Maryland names 8 subject areas to teach. How you teach them, in what order, and with which materials is entirely up to you.
Keep a light record as you go
Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. Maryland expects you to keep a portfolio of your child's work.

Source: Maryland State Department of Education / Local School Superintendent (Portfolio Option) / Supervising Umbrella School (Options 2–4) — marylandpublicschools.org. Checked March 2026.

Your notice of intent

Who receives it: Maryland State Department of Education / Local School Superintendent (Portfolio Option) / Supervising Umbrella School (Options 2–4)
When it is due: Notice of Consent filed with local superintendent 15 days BEFORE starting homeschool per regulation. HSLDA argues this is not strictly enforced and filing on withdrawal day suffices in practice; however, 15 days in advance is the regulatory standard. Annual verification of continued participation required.
How often: Every school year
Notarized?: No
Official form: marylandpublicschools.org
Ongoing reporting: Yes, once a year

Source: Maryland State Department of Education / Local School Superintendent (Portfolio Option) / Supervising Umbrella School (Options 2–4) — marylandpublicschools.org. Checked March 2026.

Testing, portfolios and reviews

No yearly assessment

Marylanddoes not require a standardized test or an evaluator's review. Plenty of families still keep a folder of work through the year — not because the state asks, but because it makes a transcript or a college application far easier to put together later. A note from the state: No standardized testing required by state law. Portfolio review by superintendent up to 3 times per year (under Portfolio/Superintendent Option only).

Source: Maryland State Department of Education / Local School Superintendent (Portfolio Option) / Supervising Umbrella School (Options 2–4) — marylandpublicschools.org. Checked March 2026.

What you teach, and what you keep

Required subjects: MathematicsEnglishSocial studiesScienceArtMusicHealthPhysical education
Instruction time: Maryland sets no minimum number of days or hours.
Who may teach: No teaching certificate, degree, or credential is required of you.
Keeping records: Keep a portfolio of your child's work.
Legal routes: Option 1 – Portfolio/Superintendent Oversight: Independent homeschooling with local superintendent oversight. File Notice of Consent; maintain portfolio (instructional materials, reading materials, student writing, worksheets, tests); superintendent may review portfolio up to 3 times per year at mutually agreed times; 30-day correction period if deficiencies found; annual verification required.
Option 2 – Church Umbrella School: Enroll in a school operated by a bona fide church organization. Church school handles supervision and compliance. Parent follows the church school's program and reporting requirements.
Option 3 – Church-Exempt School Umbrella: Church-operated school exempt from state approval process. Similar to Option 2 with different state exemption status.
Option 4 – State-Approved School Umbrella: Accredited school assigns a credentialed teacher to assist and grade student work. Teacher conducts periodic parent conferences (phone acceptable) and reviews lesson plans and textbooks.
Umbrella / cover schools: Maryland has a robust umbrella school ecosystem. Church umbrella schools (Options 2 and 3) are very popular and remove the superintendent portfolio-review burden. Note: church umbrella school diplomas may face recognition issues with some Maryland law enforcement employers (background check purposes). State-approved school umbrellas (Option 4) provide more broadly recognized credentials. Pre-enrollment conferences and periodic parent conferences are required under all umbrella options.

Source: Maryland State Department of Education / Local School Superintendent (Portfolio Option) / Supervising Umbrella School (Options 2–4) — marylandpublicschools.org. Checked March 2026.

Sports, dual enrollment and life after high school

Diplomas: Maryland public schools do not issue diplomas to students not enrolled in public school. Homeschoolers may earn diplomas through: church umbrella school programs; state-approved umbrella school programs; accredited correspondence/online programs; or parent-issued transcripts. Church umbrella diplomas may be questioned by some employers in background checks. GED is an available alternative credential.
College admissions: Maryland colleges (University of Maryland system, Johns Hopkins, Towson, UMBC, Morgan State) accept homeschool applicants. SAT/ACT scores strongly recommended. Parent transcripts with course descriptions and portfolio samples are standard. State-approved or accredited umbrella program transcripts carry additional institutional weight.
Support for additional needs: Maryland homeschooled students with disabilities may access Child Find evaluations through local school districts. Under IDEA proportionate share provisions, some services may be available as 'parentally placed private school students.' Ongoing FAPE services are not guaranteed once withdrawn from public school. Umbrella school families should check with their specific umbrella for any IEP support programs offered.

Source: Maryland State Department of Education / Local School Superintendent (Portfolio Option) / Supervising Umbrella School (Options 2–4) — marylandpublicschools.org. Checked March 2026.

Money your family can claim in Maryland

No program on file yet

We do not have a verified Maryland education savings account, scholarship, or tax credit for homeschooling families on file. That may mean the state has none, or it may mean we have not confirmed one yet — we would rather say so than point you at something we have not checked. State programs change often, so it is worth asking Maryland State Department of Education / Local School Superintendent (Portfolio Option) / Supervising Umbrella School (Options 2–4) directly.

See the states where funding is confirmed →

Questions parents ask about Maryland

Is homeschooling legal in Maryland?

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Maryland. Maryland has moderate homeschool regulation — some requirements apply but they are generally manageable. Koydo can track your compliance automatically.

Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland requires families to file a Notice of Intent by Notice of Consent filed with local superintendent 15 days BEFORE starting homeschool per regulation. HSLDA argues this is not strictly enforced and filing on withdrawal day suffices in practice; however, 15 days in advance is the regulatory standard. Annual verification of continued participation required.. This notice must be renewed annually.

How many instruction days are required in Maryland?

Maryland does not mandate a minimum amount of instruction time.

What subjects are required by law in Maryland?

Maryland requires instruction in the following subjects: Mathematics, English, Social studies, Science, Art, Music, Health, Physical education.

Does Maryland require annual assessment for homeschoolers?

No. Maryland does not require formal annual assessment. Families may voluntarily track progress for college application purposes.

Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Maryland?

No. Maryland does not require parents to hold a teaching certificate or any specific educational credential to homeschool their children.

Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in Maryland?

Maryland does not have a statewide law guaranteeing homeschoolers access to public school sports. Participation may be at individual district discretion. Check with your local school district.

Source: Maryland State Department of Education / Local School Superintendent (Portfolio Option) / Supervising Umbrella School (Options 2–4) — marylandpublicschools.org. Checked March 2026.

Worth knowing about Maryland

Maryland is a moderate-regulation state with a uniquely strong church umbrella school culture. Many families choose umbrella options (Options 2–4) to avoid superintendent portfolio reviews. The MHEA (Maryland Home Education Association, mhea.com) and CHESA (Christian Home Educators of Maryland) are major advocacy groups. The Notice of Consent form should be filed BEFORE starting to maintain technical compliance. Compulsory ages: 5–18.

Source: Maryland State Department of Education / Local School Superintendent (Portfolio Option) / Supervising Umbrella School (Options 2–4) — marylandpublicschools.org. Checked March 2026.

Who to ask in Maryland

Regulator: Maryland State Department of Education / Local School Superintendent (Portfolio Option) / Supervising Umbrella School (Options 2–4)
Official site: marylandpublicschools.org
Forms: marylandpublicschools.org

Free tools for your first year

Everything below works whether or not you ever pay us a penny. Use what helps with Maryland's requirements and ignore the rest.

Transcript builderBuild a clean high-school transcript with GPA and credits, ready to send to a college.Paperwork generatorFill in your details and get the letter or affidavit your state expects, already worded for it.Printable worksheetsPrint practice pages by grade and subject for the days a screen is the wrong answer.Instruction day logTick off days as you go so the count is already done when your state asks for it.State fundingSee whether your state puts education money in your hands, and how to claim it.Starting guideThe whole first year in five steps, written for someone who has never done this before.

Other states

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii All 51 →

This page was written from Maryland's published rules and last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with Maryland State Department of Education / Local School Superintendent (Portfolio Option) / Supervising Umbrella School (Options 2–4). This is information for families, not legal advice.

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