How to homeschool in Maryland
The rules for 2026–27 in plain words: what to send, when, what to teach and what to keep.
✓ Checked against Maryland law on Oct 30, 2026 · See what changed
What changed
Nothing since we began checking Maryland’s own pages every week in October 2026.
The usual way: With a portfolio review. Your school system reviews your portfolio, up to three times a year.
- Ages
- 5 to 18
- Notice
- Once
- Tests
- Each year
- Set time
- None
What to do
- Notice of consent to your local superintendent15 days before you start
- Tell your local superintendent you’re still homeschooling (no form needed)Before each school year starts
- Portfolio reviews with the school system, up to three a yearWhen they’re set
- Change of status notice to your superintendentOnly if you stop or switch ways during the year
- Teach the subjects belowYou can teach, with no set qualifications. No set days or hours.
- Keep a portfolio: materials, reading, writing samples, worksheets and testsThat’s all Maryland asks you to keep.
Subjects to teach
- Math
- English
- Social studies
- Science
- Art
- Music
- Health
- Physical education
Other legal ways
With a church umbrella
A church’s umbrella program oversees your homeschool.
You can teach, with no set qualifications. Your umbrella reviews your materials and meets with you; it sets what it asks.
- Notice of consent to your local superintendent, naming your umbrella (15 days before you start)
- Yearly verification to your umbrella (Each year)
- Tell your umbrella if you move, stop, or switch ways (Only if that happens)
With a church school’s umbrella
A church-exempt school’s umbrella program oversees your homeschool.
You can teach, with no set qualifications. Your umbrella reviews your materials and meets with you; it sets what it asks.
- Notice of consent to your local superintendent, naming your umbrella (15 days before you start)
- Yearly verification to your umbrella (Each year)
- Tell your umbrella if you move, stop, or switch ways (Only if that happens)
With a state-approved school
A state-approved school’s teacher checks your progress.
You can teach, with no set qualifications. A teacher from your school checks progress and reports on it.
- Notice of consent to your local superintendent, naming your school (15 days before you start)
- Progress reports from your school’s teacher (As your school sets)
- Tell your school if you move, stop, or switch ways (Only if that happens)
Source: regs.maryland.gov
This is a plain summary, not legal advice. Laws change; check with your state or district if you’re unsure. Also see Maine, Massachusetts, or all 50 states + DC.