Homeschooling in Maryland? Here’s your plan.

Homeschooling in Maryland is governed by COMAR 13A.10.01. Under the standard pathway, you sign a statement on the form prescribed by the Maryland State Department of Education and submit it to your local school superintendent at least 15 days before your home instruction program begins. Each year after that, before the school year starts, you verify with the superintendent that you are continuing.

Your program provides regular, thorough instruction in English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education. It takes place on a regular basis during the school year; the regulation does not set a number of hours or days.

You keep a portfolio of materials that shows regular, thorough instruction, such as instructional materials, reading materials, and examples of your child's writing, worksheets, workbooks, creative work, and tests. A representative of your local school system reviews it at times that are mutually agreeable. Confirm the review schedule with your local school system. If a reviewer finds a deficiency, you receive written notice and have 30 days to show it has been or is being corrected.

Maryland also lets families homeschool under the supervision of a church-operated school or a state-approved nonpublic school, often called an umbrella program. That pathway replaces the school system's portfolio review.

Maryland has two pathways. Home Instruction Supervised by the Local School System (COMAR 13A.10.01.01) is the standard option: you file the state form with your superintendent, teach eight subject areas, verify annually, and have your portfolio reviewed by the school system. The Umbrella Program or Church-Exempt School pathway (COMAR 13A.10.01.05) places your home instruction under the supervision of a school operated by a bona fide church organization or a nonpublic school approved by the State Board. You still notify your local superintendent at least 15 days before you begin; after that, the supervising school handles annual verification with the superintendent. The state sets no subject list, testing, or recordkeeping requirement for the family on this pathway.

Portfolio preparation. Your portfolio should show regular, thorough instruction in each of the eight subject areas, with relevant materials such as instructional and reading materials and examples of your child's writing, worksheets, workbooks, creative work, and tests. Organizing it by subject makes each review straightforward.

College courses count. Your home instruction program may include part-time or full-time enrollment in college courses. For those courses, you may provide a college report card or transcript at the end of each college semester instead of portfolio materials.

Dual enrollment and extracurriculars. Maryland does not guarantee homeschool students access to public school courses or extracurricular activities. Access is decided by your local school system.

High school diplomas. You create your own diploma and transcript. There is no state template.

IEP and special needs. Your district must evaluate your child under Child Find if you suspect a disability. Contact your district to ask what services, if any, it offers homeschooled students.

Withdrawal process. No separate withdrawal letter is required. The key step is submitting the state form to your local superintendent at least 15 days before your home instruction program begins, so plan the timing before your child's last day of school.