Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in Maryland

Here is exactly what Maryland requires to homeschool legally - how to notify (if needed), what records to keep, testing rules, and how to get started.

Last updated June 2026

Notice required
Required
Instructional days
180 hrs/year
Portfolio
Required
Testing / evaluation
Not required

Maryland homeschool requirements

  • Notification: Notify your local school superintendent annually. Can operate under supervision of the public school or through an umbrella program.
  • Required subjects: Cover English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, PE, Art, Music.
  • Teacher requirement: None under umbrella program
  • Portfolio / records: Portfolio reviews by the superintendent (or designee) are required semi-annually if under direct county supervision.
  • Testing / evaluation: No standardized testing is required by the state.
  • Recordkeeping: No retention period is set by the state; keep records organized year to year.

Key dates & deadlines

At the start of the yearFile your required notification with the district or state.
AnnuallyRenew your notification.

Getting started in Maryland

  1. File your required notification with your district or the state (see requirements above).
  2. Set up simple records: a log of instruction and samples of your child’s work.
  3. Choose curriculum covering English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, PE, Art, Music.
  4. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in Maryland

Maryland does not currently run a state scholarship or education savings account program that homeschool families can use. Families here typically fund curriculum and materials themselves, which makes keeping clean purchase records useful at tax time and if the state's rules change.

Official resources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in Maryland?
Notify your local school superintendent annually. Can operate under supervision of the public school or through an umbrella program.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
None under umbrella program
Is standardized testing required?
No - Maryland does not mandate standardized testing.
How long should I keep records?
No retention period is mandated, but keeping thorough records is strongly recommended.
Is there scholarship or ESA funding for homeschoolers in Maryland?
Not at present. Maryland has no state scholarship or education savings account program open to homeschool families, though families still commonly track purchases for their own budgeting.
What subjects must I teach in Maryland?
Maryland requires you to cover English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, PE, Art, Music. Beyond that the choice of curriculum and approach is yours.
How many days or hours of instruction does Maryland require?
Maryland expects about 180 hours of instruction a year. Logging lessons as you go is far easier than reconstructing the total later.
Track all of this automatically

Beyond My Books logs your Maryland instructional days, required subjects, portfolio, and deadlines - and warns you before anything is due.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change - verify current requirements with your Maryland department of education or county superintendent.