Hours / Days
Regular basis with sufficient duration (no specific hours specified)
State Code
MD
Subjects
8 required
Filing Requirements
Notice of Consent to Homeschool
15 days before beginningFile with your local school district. Simple notification of your homeschool program.
How to Comply with Maryland's Homeschool Law
Step-by-step instructions to start homeschooling legally in Maryland
Legal Classification
Home Instruction (Notice of Intent)
Compulsory Education Ages
5-18
Available Legal Pathways
Home Instruction (File Notice)
File a Notice of Intent 15 days before starting. Most common option. Required subjects equivalent to public schools, annual portfolio review, superintendent evaluation.
Correspondence Course
Enroll in an approved correspondence program. School provides curriculum and oversight.
Church-Exempt School
Enroll in a church-affiliated homeschool program. Different requirements than home instruction.
Other Approved Equivalent Instruction
Participate in other approved alternative education programs.
Steps to Get Started
File Your Notice of Intent
Maryland requires that you file a Notice of Intent to Homeschool form with your county homeschool liaison at least 15 days before beginning to homeschool. This formal notification is required before you legally start—without it, your child is considered truant.
- Obtain the Notice of Intent form from your county school system or Maryland Department of Education
- Complete the form with your child's information and program details
- Include the subjects you plan to teach and your teaching qualifications
- Submit to your county homeschool liaison 15 days before starting
- Keep a copy of your filed notice for your records
Filing early ensures you're compliant from day one and prevents any truancy concerns.
Teach Subjects Equivalent to Public Schools
Maryland requires instruction in subjects equivalent to what is taught in public schools, including English, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, and health. You choose curriculum and teaching methods, but must cover these core areas at a depth equivalent to public school.
- English includes reading, writing, grammar, and literature
- Mathematics covers grade-appropriate math skills and concepts
- Science includes life science, earth science, and physical science
- Social studies includes history, geography, civics, and cultural understanding
- Physical education and health education are required
Equivalency is interpreted as providing similar breadth and depth as public schools, but you can use any curriculum.
No Mandated Testing, But Annual Portfolio Review
Maryland does not mandate standardized testing. Instead, your superintendent may request an annual portfolio review or progress evaluation showing your child's learning across all subjects.
- No standardized testing requirement
- Annual portfolio review by superintendent may be required
- Portfolio should include work samples from each subject area
- Superintendent may request progress reports or evaluations
Having an organized portfolio throughout the year makes the annual review process seamless.
Design Your Curriculum
With required subjects defined, you have freedom in curriculum and teaching method. Choose materials and approaches that fit your child's learning style and your family's educational philosophy.
- Select traditional textbooks, online programs, or hands-on materials
- Integrate subjects through projects, unit studies, or classical approaches
- Incorporate field trips, tutoring, enrichment, and community learning
- Adjust pacing and depth based on your child's progress
Maintain Annual Portfolio
Build an organized portfolio throughout the year showing your child's work and progress in each subject. This portfolio may be requested for annual superintendent review.
- Collect samples of work from each subject area
- Include writing samples, math work, science projects, and social studies evidence
- Keep test results or progress assessments if you administer any
- Organize materials chronologically or by subject
- Make the portfolio presentable for potential review
A well-organized portfolio demonstrates progress and makes required reviews straightforward.
Renew Your Notice of Intent Annually
Each school year, you must file a new Notice of Intent form with your county homeschool liaison. This is a simple renewal confirming you're continuing to homeschool.
- File your Notice of Intent by mid-August for fall start
- Complete the form with updated information if anything changed
- Submit to your county homeschool liaison
- Keep copies for your records
Mark your calendar for August to ensure you file before the school year begins.
Maintain Required Records
Keep documentation of instruction provided and your child's progress. These records support your annual portfolio review and demonstrate educational activity.
- Keep attendance records or a learning log of instruction provided
- Save work samples, completed assignments, and learning evidence
- Document field trips and educational activities attended
- Maintain any assessment or evaluation results
- Organize materials for easy access if needed
Withdrawing from School
If your child was in public school, file your Notice of Intent and begin homeschooling. No formal public school withdrawal is required beyond the notice. If you later return to public school, contact the school's enrollment office.
Public School Access
Maryland homeschoolers may participate in some public school sports and activities depending on school system policy. Contact your school system to inquire about opportunities and eligibility for homeschooled students.
Special Education
Maryland allows families with students with special needs to homeschool. If your child has an IEP or qualifies for special education services, coordinate with your school system about available services and support.
Recordkeeping Best Practices
- Build a portfolio throughout the year with work samples from each subject area
- Use a learning log or calendar to track days and subjects of instruction provided
- Save completed assignments, essays, projects, and learning evidence
- Keep assessment results, test scores, or progress evaluation letters
- Document field trips, enrichment classes, and educational activities attended
Required Subjects
Assessment Requirements
No required testing, but portfolio should demonstrate progress.
Record Keeping
Portfolio demonstrating 'regular, thorough instruction' - work samples, attendance records, progress reports, test scores.
Key Facts About Maryland
Low-regulation state with portfolio-based approach
Flexible approach to hours and days
No mandated testing
Multiple approved options available
Ages 5-15
“Every family's homeschool journey in Maryland is unique. Pavved helps you navigate yours with confidence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Notice of Consent?
The Notice of Consent is filed 15 days before you begin homeschooling with your school district. It is a simple form notifying the state of your program.
What is a portfolio in Maryland?
Your portfolio should contain work samples, attendance records, progress reports, and test scores demonstrating that your child has received regular, thorough instruction.
How many hours or days are required?
Maryland requires instruction on a 'regular basis' with 'sufficient duration' but does not specify exact hours or days. This provides flexibility.
Does Maryland require testing?
No specific testing is required. However, including test scores in your portfolio is recommended to demonstrate progress.
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