Skip to main content

Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Maryland

What happens to your child's special education services when you homeschool in Maryland, and how to reach the services that remain available.

What happens to your child's services

Maryland law does not give a child in home instruction, including home instruction supervised by a church school or nonpublic school, a right to special education services from the local school system. Federal child find still requires that your child be identified and evaluated if a disability is suspected.

Primary source: COMAR 13A.05.01.16; COMAR 13A.10.01; 34 CFR 300.111

How to access services while homeschooling

✓

Child Find

Federal IDEA requires that all children with disabilities residing in the state, including those attending private schools, be identified, located and evaluated. This includes children in home instruction.

34 CFR 300.111

✕

Dual enrollment

Not provided by state law. Maryland's home instruction regulations provide for part-time enrollment only in college courses, not in public school for special education services.

✕

Equitable services

Not provided by state law. Maryland's equitable services rule covers students enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools. Home instruction, including home instruction under the supervision of a church school or nonpublic school, is a home instruction program under COMAR 13A.10.01, not enrollment in a nonpublic school.

Before you withdraw

  1. 1

    Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.

  2. 2

    Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional.

  3. 3

    File your homeschool notice as your state requires. Our wizard prepares it for you.

  4. 4

    Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need them if you re-enroll.

Special education help

COPAA

copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you

Wrightslaw

wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia

Common questions

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Maryland?
Maryland law does not give a child in home instruction, including home instruction supervised by a church school or nonpublic school, a right to special education services from the local school system. Federal child find still requires that your child be identified and evaluated if a disability is suspected.
Can my child still get special education help from the school if we homeschool in Maryland?
Child Find: Federal IDEA requires that all children with disabilities residing in the state, including those attending private schools, be identified, located and evaluated. This includes children in home instruction.

Get your personalized compliance checklist

Our wizard generates a step-by-step plan for your family, including IEP-specific guidance for your chosen pathway.

Start the Maryland wizard

Requirements sourced from COMAR 13A.10.01. Last reviewed October 2026