How to Homeschool in Maryland

Options for homeschooling

: 1

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: No

ESA Option

: No

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Maryland Homeschooling Laws and Options

Before starting your homeschooling journey in Maryland, it's important to be familiar with the state's homeschooling laws and requirements. Maryland requires children between the ages of 5 and 18 to receive an education, which includes homeschooling as a valid option. To begin homeschooling, parents must submit a "Notice of Intent to Homeschool" to their local school district at least 15 days before starting their homeschool program.

Maryland provides three types of homeschool oversight for families to choose from:

Portfolio option: Supervised by the local school system.
Church umbrella school: Supervised by a church organization.
Nonpublic school: Supervised by a nonpublic school with a state-approved homeschool program.

Select the option that best suits your family's needs and ensure you meet any specific requirements associated with your chosen method.

Homeschoolers in Maryland are also required to teach certain subjects, including math, English, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education. Designing a well-rounded curriculum that covers these subjects is key to meeting state guidelines. You can still tailor the program to your child's unique learning style and goals while ensuring compliance with state standards.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to get started with Time4Learning in Maryland

How to get started
with
Time4Learning in Maryland

Time4Learning provides a flexible and comprehensive homeschooling solution for Maryland families, covering students from Pre-K through high school. Here's how easy it is to meet Maryland's homeschooling requirements using Time4Learning:

Choose a curriculum aligned with state standards . Time4Learning offers lessons in core subjects like Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies, plus electives and supplemental resources to customize your child’s education.
Meet Maryland's portfolio requirement. Maryland homeschoolers must maintain a portfolio of instructional materials. As a Time4Learning member, you can print out weekly reports of work, and add them into your working portfolio.
Ensure regular and thorough instruction. The platform’s engaging, interactive lessons help families provide consistent, high-quality education that aligns with state guidelines.

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Graduation Requirements in Maryland

While Maryland does not set specific graduation requirements for homeschooled students, parents are responsible for establishing their own criteria for graduation. Consider incorporating core subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies into your curriculum, and decide if additional electives will be part of your educational plan. Colleges and universities often require specific coursework for admission, so it may be wise to research these requirements as well.

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Maryland's Standardized Test Requirements

Maryland does not mandate standardized testing for homeschooled students. However, some parents opt to have their children take standardized tests to gauge academic progress and readiness for college entrance exams. You might consider assessments such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, or other nationally recognized tests based on your educational goals. Some local homeschool organizations also offer group testing opportunities for a fee.

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Applying to college in Maryland as a homeschooler

Rest assured that colleges and universities in Maryland accept homeschooled students, but they may require additional documentation beyond what is typically asked of traditional high school students. We suggest reaching out to the campuses you're interested in to understand their specific requirements, but here are some common preparations:

Prepare a comprehensive homeschool transcript with courses completed, grades earned, and honors or advanced coursework. Include detailed syllabi or course descriptions to demonstrate educational rigor. Time4Learning parents have access to thorough course descriptions for each course and to an easy-to-use transcript template to fill out.
Submit standardized test scores (e.g., SAT or ACT) to validate the homeschool curriculum.
Provide letters of recommendation from community leaders, tutors, or coaches. These are especially valuable for homeschoolers, who have many opportunities for extracurricular activities.
Write a strong personal essay to highlight achievements, goals, personal projects, and unique perspectives gained through homeschooling.

An illustrated simplified structure with columns and a dollar sign within a circle, to illustrate financial aid options for homeschool students.

Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in Maryland

Maryland offers financial assistance in the form of an Education Savings Account (ESA) to eligible families, which can be used for homeschooling expenses. This includes textbooks, curriculum materials, tutoring services, and more. Check out the official ESA website for detailed information on eligibility and how to apply.