Maryland Homeschool Requirements

Under COMAR 13A.10.01.01B(1), a parent or guardian who chooses to provide home instruction must initially sign a statement on a form prescribed by the State Department of Education, submitted to the local superintendent at least 15 days before the beginning of the home instruction program. Parents must choose between: Option A (county portfolio reviews under COMAR 13A.10.01.01C-E) or Option B (supervision by a state-registered nonpublic school or church-affiliated institution under COMAR 13A.10.01.05). Annually thereafter, before the beginning of the school year, the parent must verify continuation with the local superintendent or supervising entity. Any change in home school status during the year must also be reported.

Under COMAR 13A.10.01.01C(1), the home instruction program shall: (a) provide regular, thorough instruction in the studies usually taught in public schools to children of the same age; (b) include instruction in English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education; and (c) take place on a regular basis during the school year and be of sufficient duration. The program may also include enrollment on a part-time or full-time basis in courses offered by accredited or unaccredited colleges (COMAR 13A.10.01.01C(2)).

COMAR 13A.10.01.01C(1)(c) requires that instruction take place 'on a regular basis during the school year and be of sufficient duration to implement the instruction program.' No specific number of days or hours is set in statute or regulation. The standard is qualitative: regular and sufficient instruction comparable to what same-age students receive in public schools. The portfolio review process assesses whether instruction was in fact regular and thorough.

Under COMAR 13A.10.01.01D, parents must maintain a portfolio demonstrating regular, thorough instruction in the required subjects. The portfolio must be reviewed by the local superintendent or designee at the conclusion of each semester at mutually agreeable times. Under COMAR 13A.10.01.01E, the review must be at a mutually agreeable time and place, for the purpose of ensuring regular, thorough instruction, and there may be no more than three reviews per school year. If deficiencies are found, the parent has 30 days to provide evidence of correction. Under Option B (COMAR 13A.10.01.05), the supervising nonpublic school or umbrella organization provides oversight instead.

COMAR 13A.10.01.01D requires the portfolio to: (a) demonstrate that the parent is providing regular, thorough instruction in required areas; (b) include relevant materials such as instructional materials, reading materials, and examples of the child's writings, worksheets, workbooks, creative materials, and tests. COMAR 13A.10.01.01F explicitly prohibits local school systems from imposing additional requirements for home instruction programs beyond those in the regulations. If the portfolio reveals deficiencies, the parent must provide evidence of correction within 30 days of notification.

Neither MD Education Article §7-301 nor COMAR 13A.10.01 specifies any degree, certification, or credential requirement for parents providing home instruction. The standard is whether the child receives 'regular, thorough instruction in the studies usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age,' not whether the parent holds any particular qualification. The MSDE FAQ confirms no credential requirement for home instructing parents.

Under COMAR 13A.05.05.07, schools must comply with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's immunization requirements per COMAR 10.06.04. For home-schooled students participating in public school activities or extracurriculars, immunization requirements mirror those for enrolled students. Students must have a physical examination before participating in interscholastic sports. Maryland law provides for religious and medical exemptions from immunization requirements.

Maryland's compulsory attendance law (Ed. Art. §7-301(d)) specifically applies to children with mental, emotional, or physical handicaps and provides procedures for making other appropriate educational provisions. Students with disabilities who home school are not entitled to IDEA services through the local school system while participating in home instruction under Option A or Option B. However, the county board has obligations if a student is withdrawn under medical/safety circumstances (§7-301(d)(4)). Parents seeking IDEA services typically must enroll their child in public school.

Under COMAR 13A.10.01.01B, the initial written statement must be submitted at least 15 days before the beginning of home instruction. The form designates the supervision pathway. COMAR 13A.10.01.04 governs re-enrollment: the parent contacts the local school system; the local superintendent or designee evaluates the student by standardized tests, examinations, and/or interviews to determine placement and credits awarded toward high school graduation. Credits must be evaluated before placement.

Under MD Education Article §7-301(a-1)(1), except as otherwise provided, each child residing in Maryland who is 5 years old or older and under 18 shall attend public school regularly during the entire school year. The exemption for home instruction applies under §7-301(a)(3): a child is exempt if 'receiving regular, thorough instruction during the school year in the studies usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age.' The MSDE FAQ confirms home instruction is supervised from age 5 until age 18.

The MSDE FAQ and COMAR 13A.10.01 make clear that a Maryland High School Diploma is only available from public schools that have certified the student met COMAR 13A.03.02.09B requirements. A home-schooled student who transfers to public school and meets all graduation requirements may receive a Maryland High School Diploma. Alternatively, a student aged 16 or over who is in or has completed a home instruction program may take the GED test for a Maryland High School Diploma by examination. A supervising nonpublic school or parent may issue a diploma, but it may not imply it is a Maryland High School Diploma. There is no prohibition on issuing a home study diploma.

Maryland home instruction regulations (COMAR 13A.10.01) do not include a statutory right for home-schooled students to participate in public school athletics or extracurricular activities. Participation in MPSSAA athletics is governed by MPSSAA standards and is at the discretion of MPSSAA member schools. The MSDE FAQ references COMAR 13A.10.01.01C(2) and 13A.10.01.05B and COMAR 13A.06.03.04 in connection with athletics but does not guarantee eligibility. Before participating in interscholastic sports, all students (including any home-school students allowed to participate) must complete a physical examination per COMAR 13A.06.03.02.