Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Maryland

This is general guidance based on Maryland law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.

Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in Maryland. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.

What happens to your child's services

Maryland does not guarantee special education services for homeschooled children, but your district must evaluate your child if you suspect a disability. Some districts will work with homeschool families to provide limited services like speech therapy. Contact your district to discuss options.

Homeschooled children not entitled to an IEP. Districts can provide free testing/evaluation but not required to provide ongoing services. Some principals work with homeschoolers informally.

Primary source: IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144

How to access services while homeschooling

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Child Find

District must evaluate children suspected of having disabilities, including homeschooled children, per IDEA.

How to request: Contact your local school district's special education office to request an evaluation.

IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(3); 34 CFR 300.111

Dual enrollment

Not a statutory right; some districts may accommodate on a case-by-case basis.

Equitable services

Limited; districts can provide evaluations but ongoing services are not guaranteed.

Therapy access

Speech therapy:: Some districts may offer speech services at school on case-by-case basis
Occupational therapy:: Generally not available through district; private providers
Behavioral therapy:: Private providers

Service availability varies significantly by county. COMAR 13A.10.01 governs homeschooling.

Before you withdraw

We recommend these steps for any family withdrawing a child with an IEP:

1
Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.
2
Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional but can provide valuable information.
3
File your homeschool notification with the state as required (our wizard will generate this for you).
4
Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

If you want to re-enroll

Homeschooling is not a one-way door. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.

Re-enrollment processes vary by state and district. Contact your local school to ask what evaluation or documentation they require. Keep copies of all IEP records. They will help the district determine placement and next steps.

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

Who to call

You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations help families with special education questions.

COPAA

copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you

Wrightslaw

wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia

Common questions

Can I homeschool a child with an IEP in Maryland?

Yes. Parents in Maryland have the right to withdraw their child from public school regardless of disability status. No IEP team can block your withdrawal. However, the IEP itself typically does not transfer to the home setting. Run our free wizard to see exactly what services are available in Maryland.

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Maryland?

In most cases, the IEP, which is a contract between your family and the school district, ends when you withdraw. However, federal Child Find obligations still apply, meaning the district must evaluate your child if requested. Some states offer additional protections. Use our wizard to see Maryland's specific provisions.

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Requirements sourced from COMAR 13A.10.01. Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026