HOMESCHOOLING IN MARYLAND & HOMESCHOOL LAWS
You may be considering homeschooling in Maryland, but don’t know where to start regarding Maryland regulations and requirements. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to successfully set up your own program and legally homeschool in Maryland. We’ll cover the history of homeschooling in Maryland, current Maryland law and Maryland regulations, required notifications and filings, required curriculum and testing choices, high school transcripts, extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, and special education services.
History of Homeschooling in Maryland
The homeschooling movement in Maryland grew rapidly in 1979 under the guidance of Manfred Smith, a dedicated public school teacher. Smith’s leadership gave rise to the Maryland Home Education Association (MHEA), a proactive entity spearheading coordinated efforts in advocating for homeschooling rights.
A significant milestone occurred in early 1984 when Kathleen and Terry Miller faced criminal charges for homeschooling their two children without the requisite teaching certificate. Smith and fellow advocates rallied to the Millers’ defense, successfully dismantling the weak case against them, leading to the dismissal of charges.
Over the years, the homeschooling community in Maryland faced various legal and societal challenges. From legal battles over access to community resources to instances of truancy charges due to administrative errors, homeschool families navigated through hurdles with resilience.
Today, an estimated 30,000-40,000 students are homeschooled in Maryland, part of over 2 million nationwide. An active network of local support groups and associations allows homeschoolers to benefit from a sense of community. Decades of positive educational outcomes and high academic achievement have cemented homeschooling’s respected place in the educational landscape across the state.
Current Maryland Homeschool Laws and Regulations
Maryland law mandates compulsory attendance for children residing in the Old Line state. According to this statute, children aged 5 years or older and under 18 are required to attend a school regularly throughout the academic year. However, an exception is made if the child is receiving regular thorough instruction elsewhere, covering the subjects typically taught in public schools for children of the same age.
This legal provision underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring that all children receive adequate education, whether through public schooling or a private school. Maryland acknowledges both nonpublic schools and homeschooling as viable alternatives to public school enrollment, provided that they offer regular thorough instruction equivalent to the standard curriculum taught in public schools.
How to Set Up a Homeschool In Maryland
There are four legally recognized options available for homeschooling in Maryland, each designed to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of families homeschooling. To establish and operate a legally compliant homeschool program in Maryland, it is essential to follow the steps outlined below before you start homeschooling.
Option 1: Homeschooling Under the Portfolio Option
Initiate your homeschooling journey by submitting a Notice of Consent form from the Maryland State Department of Education to your superintendent. While Maryland regulations stipulate a 15-day notice period, some may argue this requirement is excessive. However, you can file the notice on the day your child is withdrawn from public school. Ensure to select the legal option for homeschooling, specifically the portfolio option, on the form.
The homeschool curriculum should encompass eight required subjects such as Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Art, Music, Health, and Physical Education.
Provide instruction, that must be “of sufficient duration.” Deliver consistent and comprehensive instruction in the required subjects, such as social studies. Your homeschool curriculum should be sufficiently extensive to effectively implement your educational program.
Keep a well-documented homeschool portfolio consisting of instructional materials, reading materials, examples of your child’s writing, workbooks, creative materials, and tests.
The superintendent has the authority to review your child’s portfolio, typically once or twice a year. However, this review should occur at a mutually agreeable time and place. If uncomfortable, consider submitting materials without a face-to-face meeting, utilizing phone calls for discussions.
Inform the superintendent of any changes to your homeschooling status during the school year or if switching between homeschooling options. Additionally, communicate annually before the school year begins regarding your intention to continue homeschooling, without the need for a specific form.
Option 2: Homeschooling Under the Church Umbrella Option
To homeschool in Maryland under the church umbrella option, families must engage with a church umbrella, which is registered to supervise home instruction in Maryland offering an educational program operated by a legitimate church organization (education ministry).
Choose from the available church umbrella programs and join one before submitting your Notice of Consent. Ensure the selected umbrella is properly established, providing necessary documentation to demonstrate its bona fide church organization status, such as proof from the Internal Revenue Service or the church’s articles of incorporation.
Submit the Notice of Consent form the Maryland State Department of Education to your superintendent, as per Maryland homeschool laws before you begin homeschooling. While Maryland regulations suggest a 15-day notice period, many argue that this requirement is excessive, and filing the notice on the day of withdrawing your child from public school should suffice.
Church umbrella programs offer varying levels of supervision and support for homeschool instruction, typically for a fee. Supervision may include pre-enrollment conferences, textbook and lesson plan reviews, as well as periodic conferences with parents.
Annually confirm your participation in the church umbrella program and notify them of any changes, such as relocation, cessation of homeschooling, or transitioning between homeschool options. Your umbrella program will communicate relevant information to the local superintendent based on these updates.
Option 3: Homeschooling Under the Church-Exempt School Umbrella Option
To homeschool in Maryland under the church-exempt school umbrella option, families must engage with a church-exempt school umbrella, which is a school operated by a church and exempt from state school approval requirements for homeschooling in Maryland.
Choose and join one of the available church-exempt school umbrellas before submitting your Notice of Consent. It’s essential to identify the name of the umbrella you’ve joined on the notice.
Submit the Notice of Consent form from the State Department of Education to your superintendent, adhering to Maryland’s homeschool regulation.
Church-exempt nonpublic school umbrella programs offer varying levels of supervision and support for home instruction programs, typically for a fee.
Annually confirm your participation in the church-exempt school umbrella program and notify them of any changes, such as relocation, cessation of home schooling, or transitioning between homeschool options. Your umbrella program will communicate relevant information to the local superintendent based on these updates.
Option 4: Homeschooling Under the State-Approved School Umbrella Option
To homeschool in Maryland under the state-approved school umbrella option, your local school must assign a school-based teacher to assist the home teacher with teaching duties and to issue progress reports, grade tests, and manage all other aspects of education.
Maryland homeschooling laws state that parents shall submit the notice of consent form from the State Department of Education to the superintendent 15 days before starting a home instruction program. On the form, select the legal option under which you are home schooling (the state-approved umbrella school option).
You must annually verify to your school umbrella program that you are going to stay involved. You must also notify them if you move, stop homeschooling, or switch from one homeschool option to another. The program will provide various types of information to the local superintendent based on these communications.
Whichever option you choose, the best homeschool curriculum would be one that is most suitable for your family and can cater to a wide range of learning styles and educational needs. As the provider of a home instruction program, the parent is ultimately responsible for complying with the home instruction regulations.
Maintaining Your Maryland Homeschool
Maintaining homeschooling in Maryland involves several key steps to ensure compliance with Maryland homeschool laws and provide a quality education for your child. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
Familiarize yourself with Maryland homeschooling laws, including the compulsory attendance age, required subjects, and any reporting or assessment obligations.
Maryland offers several homeschooling options, including homeschooling under the portfolio option, homeschooling under the church-exempt umbrella school option, homeschooling through a nonpublic school umbrella, or homeschooling independently. Select the option that best fits your family’s needs and preferences.
If you’re home schooling under the portfolio option, file a Notice of Consent form with your superintendent, indicating your intent to homeschool. This form typically needs to be submitted 15 days before starting your homeschool program, although some argue that it can be submitted on the day your child is withdrawn from public school.
Design a homeschool curriculum that covers the required subjects taught in public schools to children of the same age, including math, language arts, social studies, science, art, music, health, and physical education. Tailor the homeschool curriculum to your child’s interests, learning style, and educational goals. Home instruction must occur on a regular basis during the school year and be of sufficient duration to implement the instruction program. The instruction program may include enrollment in courses offered by accredited or unaccredited colleges.
Keep thorough records of your homeschooling activities, including attendance records, instructional materials, samples of student work, and any assessments conducted. These records may be requested for review by the superintendent or educational authorities.
If homeschooling under the portfolio option, participate in portfolio reviews conducted by the local superintendent. Submit your portfolio for review and be prepared to discuss your child’s progress and educational activities.
Stay updated on any changes to Maryland homeschool laws. Join homeschooling associations to connect with other homeschooling families, access resources, and stay informed about legislative developments or educational opportunities.
Regularly evaluate your homeschooling program to assess your child’s progress and identify areas for improvement. Be flexible and willing to adjust your approach as needed to meet your child’s evolving educational needs.
Notify the superintendent of any changes to your homeschooling status, such as relocation, discontinuation of homeschooling, or switching between homeschooling options. This ensures compliance with reporting requirements and keeps educational authorities informed.
If you decide to homeschool, Maryland is a great state to do so. By following these steps and maintaining a proactive approach to homeschooling, you can provide a fulfilling and enriching educational experience for your child while complying with Maryland homeschool laws.
Maryland Homeschool Reporting Requirements
Before you start homeschooling, make sure you understand the reporting requirements for home instruction in Maryland, which can be summarized as follows:
Parents who choose to provide a home instruction program for their child must sign a statement on a form prescribed by the State Department of Education. This form indicates consent to the homeschooling in Maryland requirements set forth in the Maryland regulations and must be submitted to the local superintendent at least 15 days before the beginning of the home instruction program.
After the initial notice, parents must annually verify the continuation of homeschooling for their child before the beginning of each school year. This verification is submitted to the local school superintendent or the supervising nonpublic school or supervising entity.
If there is a change in the homeschool status of a child during the school year, such as stopping homeschooling or switching between homeschool options, parents or guardians must notify the local school superintendent or the supervising nonpublic school or supervising entities described in the Maryland regulations.
A representative of the local school system or supervising entity has the right to review the portfolio of educational materials maintained by the parent or guardian. This review aims to ensure that the child is receiving regular, thorough instruction as required by the Maryland regulations. The review should be conducted at a mutually agreeable time and place, and there should be no more than three reviews during a school year.
Upon request, a child receiving home instruction may participate in a regularly scheduled standardized testing program administered in the public school the child is eligible to attend.
If a parent does not agree to the requirements of the Maryland homeschool laws, or if deficiencies are found in the home instruction program, specific procedures are outlined for addressing these issues. This includes the possibility of enrolling the child in a public or nonpublic school if deficiencies are not corrected.
If the home instruction program is under the supervision of a nonpublic school or institution, additional reporting requirements apply. The supervising nonpublic school must annually verify the identification of homeschooled students under its supervision and notify the local school superintendent or supervising entity of any changes in status during the school year.
By adhering to these reporting requirements, parents can ensure compliance with Maryland regulations for home instruction while providing their children with a quality education.
Homeschool Testing In Maryland
Children receiving home instruction have the option to participate in the standardized testing programs administered at the public school they are eligible to attend. It is the responsibility of the parent to contact the eligible public school, inquire about the testing schedule, and make the necessary arrangements for their child to participate in the testing prior to the test date.
If you do decide to return to public school after a season of homeschooling, contact your local Maryland school district. The school may use tests and/or interviews to evaluate your child and determine grade placement.
Parents overseeing a child’s home instruction have the option to involve their child in regularly scheduled standardized testing programs conducted at the public school the child would otherwise be eligible to attend. This opportunity allows homeschooled students to gauge their academic progress and benchmark their performance against standardized tests.
Funding Your Maryland Homeschool
In Maryland, the financial landscape of homeschooling differs significantly from that of traditional public schooling. While public schools receive funding from various sources, including local property taxes, state allocations, and federal grants, families shoulder the financial responsibility for their children’s education.
Outside of the local school system, Maryland homeschoolers will generally be responsible for covering the full costs of curricula, books, field trips and extracurricular activities out of pocket. Joining a local homeschool co-op or support group can often help families share resources, swap materials, and coordinate group activities and classes to lower per-student costs.
On the upside, many parents who work from home are able to successfully integrate homeschooling into their daily routines.
Federal Tax Breaks
Families may be eligible for certain federal tax benefits to help offset educational expenses. One option is a Coverdell Education Savings Account, which allows money to grow tax-free when used for qualified education costs. Homeschool parents might also be able to deduct a portion of mortgage interest or rent if part of the home is used regularly and exclusively for homeschooling. Finally, tax credits could be available for required books, supplies, equipment and curricula used for homeschool instruction. To learn more about these potential tax advantages, families should review the information and resources provided by the IRS.
Maryland Immunization Requirements
In Maryland, homeschool students enjoy an exemption from the state’s immunization standards, a distinction that sets them apart from their counterparts in public and private schools.
This exemption grants families the autonomy to make healthcare decisions in accordance with their personal beliefs and circumstances. While immunizations remain a crucial aspect of public health policy, Maryland recognizes the unique educational environment provided by homeschooling and respects families’ rights to make individualized healthcare choices for their children.
Maryland State Graduation Requirements
In the Old Line state, the issuance of a Maryland High School Diploma is exclusive to public schools. Consequently, students who complete their secondary education through a home instruction program are ineligible for this specific diploma.
However, there are pathways for students to obtain recognized credentials. If a student transitions from a home instruction program to a public school and fulfills all graduation criteria, they become eligible for the Maryland High School Diploma. Alternatively, students enrolled in nonpublic or church-exempt schools may receive diplomas from those institutions if they meet their respective graduation requirements. It’s important to note that diplomas from nonpublic secondary schools cannot imply compliance with Maryland’s public school graduation standards, as per Maryland law.
While there’s no prohibition against parents or supervising nonpublic schools issuing diplomas upon completion of a home instruction program, such diplomas cannot be labeled as Maryland High School Diplomas.
Another avenue for credential attainment is through the General Educational Development (GED) test, offering an opportunity for individuals aged 16 and above. This option is available for those participating in or having completed a home instruction program. However, if a student doesn’t achieve passing scores on all GED subject matters, they must continue in a home instruction program or enroll in school until reaching the compulsory attendance age.
Maryland Homeschool Charters
Maryland does not have any state-sponsored “homeschool charter schools” that receive public funding while allowing families to homeschool. Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from local school districts under charters or contracts. They do not have arrangements for homeschool enrollment.
Some public school districts do allow homeschoolers limited access to enroll part-time in certain district courses, use facilities, or participate in assessments if desired. But there are no charter schools designed specifically as homeschool programs in Maryland.
Local Maryland Homeschooling Resources
The Maryland State Department of Education does not gather data on home instruction support groups. However, it does keep records of nonpublic schools and legitimate church organizations registered to oversee home instruction in Maryland. These entities play a crucial role in providing guidance and oversight to families engaged in homeschooling.
While the department doesn’t track home instruction support groups, it recognizes the significance a homeschool group offers to homeschooling families. These groups often serve as valuable resources for parents and guardians navigating the homeschooling journey, providing a platform for sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and accessing educational resources.
Maryland Homeschool Association (MDHSA): This is Maryland’s largest statewide homeschooling organization with over 1,000 member families. MDHSA provides support, resources, advocacy, events, and more.
Maryland Home Education Association (MHEA): This association serves and supports families of all religious, philosophical, and ethnic persuasions.
Hand in Hand Education: Hand In Hand is widely acknowledged as a premier resource for families, educators, and professionals seeking solutions to distinctive educational challenges.
While state-level support from the education system is minimal, the local homeschool community has built an impressive infrastructure of resources, support groups, and services. Maryland homeschoolers should make the most of these assets. When homeschooling, Maryland allows you to build connections and take advantage of local opportunities which can greatly enrich the homeschool experience.
