Homeschool funding & ESAs in Maryland

Can I get paid to homeschool in Maryland?

No. Maryland has no ESA or voucher that independent homeschooling families can use. Nationwide grants are listed below, each with its own eligibility rules. Romeschool tracks and organizes what you spend, so a receipt is ready the moment a program asks for one — it never files or submits anything on your behalf. Maryland's homeschool rules require no test or evaluation, and how the year is reviewed depends on the pathway you choose — the testing line below has the reviewed wording. What Maryland asks for — notice, instruction time, testing and records — is set out below, straight from the reviewed rules.

What does Maryland require of homeschoolers — and what should I plan for?

Maryland does not require a test or an evaluation, and how the year is reviewed depends on the pathway you choose: Direct supervision uses portfolio review; umbrella programs set their own oversight. What Maryland asks for — notice, instruction time, testing and records — is set out below, straight from the reviewed rules.

Notice

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.

Testing or evaluation

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.

Days and hours

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.

Records

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.

Full Maryland homeschool requirements →

Nationwide grants

• ACT Today! Grant · Autism Care Today
  For U.S. families of a child with an autism diagnosis (priority to household income under $100k).
  Open to any family of a child with autism — not homeschool-specific, but useful for therapy costs.
• Dyslexia Services Foundation Grant · Dyslexia Services Foundation
  For low-income U.S. children with dyslexia who cannot otherwise afford treatment (need shown via free/reduced lunch, Medicaid, or SNAP).
  Typically identified through a teacher or provider; not homeschool-specific.
• HSLDA Compassion Curriculum Grant · Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
  For HSLDA members with significant financial need (legal custody of a child 6-19, homeschooling 3+ months).
  You must privately fund your homeschool (not receiving ESA or other public funds).
• HSLDA Disaster Relief Grant · Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
  For homeschooling families (child 6-19) with physical disaster damage in the past 18 months.
• MyGOAL Autism Grant · MyGOAL Inc.
  For the primary caregiver of a child under 18 with autism, with demonstrated financial need.
  Open to any family of a child with autism — not homeschool-specific.
• Our Military Kids Grant · Our Military Kids
  For children (1-18) of deployed National Guard/Reserve members (60+ days) or of post-9/11 combat-injured service members and veterans.
  Funds organized, provider-led activities (not parent-taught core instruction).
• UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation Grant · UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation
  For U.S. children aged 16 or under with commercial (non-public) health insurance, subject to income guidelines.
  Medical (not education) funding — useful for special-needs homeschoolers' therapy costs.

Full details, amounts and deadlines for every program →