Maryland homeschool requirements

To homeschool in Maryland, notify your local school system 15 days before starting, then choose a pathway: direct supervision (portfolio reviewed up to 3×/year by the superintendent) or an approved umbrella program. No statewide standardized test.

Last reviewed June 5, 2026 · Sources below

Moderate regulation Notice required

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Maryland homeschool requirements at a glance

Notice: RequiredWhere it goes: Local school superintendent (direct supervision) or an approved umbrella/church/correspondence program. When: At least 15 days before starting; annual re-verification with an umbrella.
Required subjects: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies/History, Art, Music, Health, Physical Education
Instruction time: NoneNo statutory days/hours; instruction must be regular throughout the year.
Testing or evaluation: NoDirect supervision uses portfolio review; umbrella programs set their own oversight. No statewide standardized test under any pathway. Accountability runs through portfolio review (direct supervision) or the umbrella.
Records: Yes — portfolio
Parent qualifications: Not required
Compulsory attendance ages: 5–18
Ways to homeschool: Two pathways
Law: Md. Code Educ. § 7-301; COMAR 13A.10.01
Official source: marylandpublicschools.org ↗

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland requires homeschooling families to file a notice. Where it goes: Local school superintendent (direct supervision) or an approved umbrella/church/correspondence program. How: Written notice/consent form. When: At least 15 days before starting; annual re-verification with an umbrella. Direct supervision = file with the superintendent; umbrella = enroll with an organization that assumes oversight and notifies the superintendent.

What subjects does Maryland require homeschoolers to teach?

Maryland requires instruction in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies/History, Art, Music, Health, and Physical Education. Required under COMAR 13A.10.01; instruction must be 'regular and thorough,' but the parent chooses curriculum and methods.

How many days or hours of instruction does Maryland require?

None. Maryland does not set a minimum number of instructional days or hours for homeschoolers. No statutory days/hours; instruction must be regular throughout the year.

Is standardized testing required to homeschool in Maryland?

No. Maryland does not require standardized testing for homeschooled students. Direct supervision uses portfolio review; umbrella programs set their own oversight. No statewide standardized test under any pathway. Accountability runs through portfolio review (direct supervision) or the umbrella.

What records do I need to keep to homeschool in Maryland?

Maryland requires these records: portfolio of student work samples in the required subjects. How long, or where they go: Reviewed up to 3 times/year under direct supervision. Under direct supervision the superintendent's designee reviews the portfolio at the end of each semester (up to 3×/year). Umbrella programs conduct their own oversight.

Do parents need a teaching certificate or other qualification to homeschool in Maryland?

No. Maryland does not set a general qualification for homeschooling parents.

What ages does Maryland's compulsory attendance law cover?

Maryland's compulsory attendance law covers children from age 5 to age 18.

What are the ways to homeschool in Maryland?

In Maryland, families homeschool under one of two pathways: direct supervision (file with local superintendent) and umbrella / church / approved nonpublic program.

Is homeschooling legal in Maryland?

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Maryland, as it is in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. To homeschool in Maryland, notify your local school system 15 days before starting, then choose a pathway: direct supervision (portfolio reviewed up to 3×/year by the superintendent) or an approved umbrella program. No statewide standardized test.

How to get started in Maryland

Send the notice form

Submit a written notice form to your local school superintendent at least 15 days before you begin.

Official resource (marylandpublicschools.org) →

Choose your supervision option

Either keep a portfolio for your local school system to review, or enroll with an approved umbrella (a church, nonpublic school, or correspondence program) that oversees your program and notifies the superintendent. Umbrella enrollment is re-verified every year.

Teach the required subjects

Give regular, thorough instruction throughout the year in English, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education. You choose the curriculum and methods; there is no set number of days or hours.

Keep a portfolio for review

On the portfolio option, keep samples of your student's work in each required subject. Your local school system reviews the portfolio at the end of each semester, no more than three times a year. Maryland has no statewide standardized test.

What Romeschool tracks for you: Portfolio documentation, filing reminders.

Generate your Maryland Notice of Intent →Maryland funding & ESAs Find field trips in Maryland

Sources for Maryland

Official source (marylandpublicschools.org) ↗HSLDA's Maryland summary ↗

Statute: Md. Code Educ. § 7-301; COMAR 13A.10.01

Last reviewed: June 5, 2026

Every requirement above comes from our review of Maryland’s rules, last checked against these sources on June 5, 2026. Homeschool law changes, and a state can amend its rules between our reviews — read the official source before you file anything or rely on a date here. How we review state requirements.

Nearby states

States that share a border with Maryland:

Delaware District of Columbia Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia

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