Your state guide · 2026
Maryland homeschool laws
Last verified · View official sources
The short answer
Maryland lets children be taught at home when they receive regular, thorough instruction in the subjects public schools usually teach.
Editorial category; see the guide.
At least 15 days before home instruction begins, then annually before each school year.
See requirements for options and exceptions.
See the full guide for age exceptions.
Regulation level
H · HighView regulation data
| State | Category |
|---|---|
| Maryland | High |
Your requirements
A practical checklist
“Not specified” means a single yes/no requirement is not explicit in the supplied information. Read each detail for options and exceptions.
Notice
RequiredA signed notice of intent to homeschool on the state's form. The form also asks the parent to choose portfolio review by the local school system or supervision by a registered church or nonpublic school. Parents confirm annually that they are continuing, and report any change in status.
Subjects
RequiredEnglish; Mathematics; Science; Social studies; Art; Music; Health; Physical education
Hours / days
Not specifiedRegular, thorough instruction during the school year, of sufficient duration to implement the program. No set number of days or hours.
Testing / evaluation
Not requiredNo standardized testing is required. Under the portfolio option, the local school system reviews the child's portfolio to confirm regular, thorough instruction.
Teacher qualifications
Not specifiedNot specified in state law
Records / portfolio
RequiredKeep a portfolio of relevant materials, such as instructional materials, reading lists, and examples of the child's writing, worksheets, workbooks, and creative work, to show regular, thorough instruction.
Immunizations
Not specifiedNot specified in state law
At a glance
- Compulsory attendance runs from age 5 until 18.
- File the notice at least 15 days before you start.
- Eight subjects are required, including art, music, and health.
- Portfolio reviews happen at most three times a year.
- Local school systems may not add requirements beyond the state rules.
Requirements at a glance
Read the details for your chosen homeschooling option below.
Open the full requirements table
| Requirement | What to know |
|---|---|
| Compulsory school ages | 5–18 |
| Notice required | Yes |
| Filing deadline | At least 15 days before home instruction begins, then annually before each school year. |
| Required subjects | English; Mathematics; Science; Social studies; Art; Music; Health; Physical education |
| Instruction time | Regular, thorough instruction during the school year, of sufficient duration to implement the program. No set number of days or hours. |
| Parent qualifications | Not specified in state law |
| Tests & assessments | No standardized testing is required. Under the portfolio option, the local school system reviews the child's portfolio to confirm regular, thorough instruction. |
| Records to keep | Keep a portfolio of relevant materials, such as instructional materials, reading lists, and examples of the child's writing, worksheets, workbooks, and creative work, to show regular, thorough instruction. |
| Immunizations | Not specified in state law |
How to start homeschooling in Maryland
Parents file a signed notice with the local superintendent at least 15 days before starting and confirm their choice every year. Families either have the local school system review a portfolio of the child's work up to three times a year, or teach under the supervision of a registered church school or nonpublic school.
Choose your homeschooling option
Portfolio review by the local school system. The parent keeps a portfolio of instructional materials and the child's work, and the local school system may review it at a mutually agreed time and place, at the end of each semester, no more than three times a year.
Supervision by a church school or nonpublic school. The family teaches under the supervision of a church school or nonpublic school registered with the state to supervise home instruction, which takes over the review role instead of the school system.
Prepare your notice
A signed notice of intent to homeschool on the state's form. The form also asks the parent to choose portfolio review by the local school system or supervision by a registered church or nonpublic school. Parents confirm annually that they are continuing, and report any change in status.
Open the official notice resource ↗Check when and where to file
When: At least 15 days before home instruction begins, then annually before each school year.
Where: The local superintendent of schools for the county where the child lives.
View steps as a table
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose your homeschooling option | Portfolio review by the local school system. The parent keeps a portfolio of instructional materials and the child's work, and the local school system may review it at a mutually agreed time and place, at the end of each semester, no more than three times a year. Supervision by a church school or nonpublic school. The family teaches under the supervision of a church school or nonpublic school registered with the state to supervise home instruction, which takes over the review role instead of the school system. |
| 2. Prepare your notice | A signed notice of intent to homeschool on the state's form. The form also asks the parent to choose portfolio review by the local school system or supervision by a registered church or nonpublic school. Parents confirm annually that they are continuing, and report any change in status. |
| 3. Check when and where to file | At least 15 days before home instruction begins, then annually before each school year. The local superintendent of schools for the county where the child lives. |
Subjects to teach
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social studies
- Art
- Music
- Health
- Physical education
Sports & extracurricular activities
Not specified in state law
Official forms & law
Maryland State Department of Education ↗
Forms & guidance
- MSDE Home Instruction Notification Form ↗
- Home Instruction Fact Sheet ↗
- Home Instruction Frequently Asked Questions ↗
- Nonpublic entities registered to supervise home instruction ↗
Statutes
Questions, answered.
What do I file to homeschool in Maryland?
A signed notice of intent to homeschool on the state's form. The form also asks the parent to choose portfolio review by the local school system or supervision by a registered church or nonpublic school. Parents confirm annually that they are continuing, and report any change in status.
When do I file in Maryland?
At least 15 days before home instruction begins, then annually before each school year.
What assessments are required in Maryland?
No standardized testing is required. Under the portfolio option, the local school system reviews the child's portfolio to confirm regular, thorough instruction.
Check the original
Sources and last checked
- Education Article § 7-301, Compulsory attendance ↗Maryland General Assembly
- COMAR 13A.10.01.01, Home Instruction Program ↗Maryland Division of State Documents
- Home Instruction ↗Maryland State Department of Education
Last verified .