Welcome to the wonderful state of Maryland, where homeschooling is not only legal but also embraced as a viable educational option for families. If you’re considering homeschooling in Maryland, you’ve come to the right place. High School of America offers comprehensive homeschool programs designed to meet the diverse needs of Maryland students.
At High School of America, we understand the importance of tailoring education to fit each student’s unique learning style and goals. Our online homeschooling curriculum aligns with Maryland’s state education standards, ensuring that your child receives a high-quality education while enjoying the flexibility and freedom that homeschooling provides.
By choosing High School of America, you gain access to a wealth of resources and support. Our experienced educators are dedicated to providing personalized instruction and guidance, empowering your child to thrive academically.
To learn more about Maryland’s homeschooling laws and regulations, continue reading below.
Homeschooling Laws in Maryland
In Maryland, the state’s laws define homeschooling as providing comprehensive education to children during the school year, covering the same subjects typically taught in public schools to children of similar age. Maryland’s regulations also use the term “home instruction program” to refer to homeschooling.
You can legally homeschool in Maryland using the following options:
- Homeschooling Under the Portfolio Option
- Homeschooling Under the Church Umbrella Option
- Homeschooling under the church-exempt school umbrella option
- Homeschooling Under the State-Approved School Umbrella Option
a) Homeschooling Under the Portfolio Option
Families who homeschool under this option must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Submit a Notice of Consent form to your local superintendent to notify them of your intention to homeschool.
- Ensure that your homeschool curriculum covers mandatory subjects such as physical education, health, music, art, science, social studies, and math.
- Provide adequate instruction time for each subject to meet the required time.
- Maintain a homeschool portfolio that includes documentation of your teaching materials, examples of your teenager’s assessments, worksheets, writing samples, and other relevant evidence of their educational progress.
- Attend meetings with the superintendent to review your child’s portfolio as requested. You can attend up to three meetings per annum.
b) Homeschooling Under the Church Umbrella Option
In order to homeschool under this option, the first step is to choose a church umbrella. Next, consider the following guidelines:
- Submit a Notice of Consent form to your superintendent.
- Have the church umbrella organization oversee your homeschooling activities, which involves reviewing lesson plans, conducting annual visits to where instruction takes place, and holding periodic conferences.
- Inform your church umbrella organization about your participation statuses, such as your intention to remain involved and any plans to relocate, discontinue homeschooling, or shift to a different homeschooling choice.
c) Homeschooling under the church-exempt school umbrella option
To homeschool under the church-exempt school umbrella option, you must find and join a church-operated school exempt from state school approval requirements. This school will serve as your umbrella organization.
- Pick and join a church-exempt school umbrella.
Prior to submitting your Notice of Consent, it is necessary to select and become a member of one of the various available umbrella organizations associated with church-exempt schools. This step is crucial as you must mention the name of the umbrella organization you have joined in the notice.
- File a Notice of Consent form with your superintendent.
In Maryland, there is a regulation concerning home instruction that requires parents to submit a notice of consent to the superintendent at least 15 days before commencing a home instruction program.
However, this requirement infringes upon the rights of parents to homeschool their children and argues that it should be acceptable to file the notice on the day the student is withdrawn from public school.
- Have the church-exempt school umbrella supervise your instruction.
Church-exempt school umbrella programs offer varying levels of supervision and support for homeschooling their members. It is important to note that most umbrella programs charge higher rates due to their services.
The church-exempt school umbrella is required to supervise the teaching with:
- pre-enrollment conferences,
- lesson plan and textbooks review, and
- periodic conferences with homeschooling parents
- Frequently validate your participation in the umbrella program.
Every year, you need to confirm with your umbrella program that you will continue participating in the program. You must inform your umbrella program if you change your address, stop homeschooling, or shift to a different homeschooling option.
Based on these communications, the umbrella program will share relevant information with the local superintendent.
d) Homeschooling Under the State-Approved School Umbrella Option
To facilitate homeschooling through this alternative, families need to request their local school to appoint a teacher responsible for assessing progress, grading papers, and conducting tests.
- File a Notice of Consent with your administrator.
- Inform your state-approved school umbrella about your intentions to continue participating in their program. This communication should include notifying them if you are relocating, ceasing homeschooling, or transitioning to an alternative homeschooling option.
Required Courses
Grades 9-12
Homeschooling law in Maryland doesn’t mandate a specific curriculum. However, it outlines eight courses that homeschooled students must be taught:
- Art
- English
- Health
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physical Education
- Science
- Social Studies
Annual Assessment
Homeschooling students in Maryland can participate in standardized assessments, although it is not a requirement. Many parents use these tests to track their children’s progress and compare their performance to other students their age. Standardized assessments also serve the purpose of identifying any potential gaps in knowledge or weaknesses in the curriculum.
If homeschoolers wish to take standardized tests, they can do so through their local public schools.
Record Keeping
In Maryland, homeschool record-keeping methods depend on the approach you select. If you opt for the portfolio option, you must maintain detailed records that include attendance information, samples of coursework, and grades.
On the other hand, if you choose to homeschool under an umbrella organization, such as a church or school, the responsibility for record-keeping lies with that entity. It is highly recommended for homeschoolers to keep thorough records.
High School of America offers an easy-to-use app that enables parents to access attendance records, transcripts, course materials, and progress reports. These detailed records are crucial for college applications or job opportunities after high school.
Graduation Requirements
The graduation requirements for homeschooled students in Maryland are determined by parents. Often, homeschooling parents establish these requirements based on their children’s future plans after high school.
If a student intends to attend a specific university or pursue a particular job, it is advisable to research the requirements of those institutions or employers for homeschool students.
Enrolling in Public School After Homeschooling
If a family decides to transition their homeschooled child to public school, they need to contact their local school to learn about the procedures involved in switching from homeschooling to public schooling. These procedures may vary depending on the county.
The local superintendent holds the authority to determine the appropriate grade placement for the student and, in the case of high school students, the number of credits to be awarded. This evaluation process may involve standardized tests, exams, and/or interviews with the student.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Homeschooling in Maryland
How many days of homeschooling are required in Maryland?
Maryland does not specify a specific number of days for homeschooling. However, the law requires homeschool instruction to occur regularly throughout the school year and for a sufficient duration to implement the educational program.
Do parents need qualifications to homeschool their children in Maryland?
No, Maryland allows any parent or guardian to homeschool their own children, regardless of their qualifications or educational background.
Is certification required to homeschool in Maryland?
No, Maryland does not require parents to have any credentials or specific levels of education to homeschool their children.
Who is eligible for homeschooling in Maryland?
Any parent or guardian can homeschool their children in Maryland by reporting their intent to homeschool using the Home Instruction Notification form. This applies to those transitioning from public school to homeschooling as well as parents homeschooling kindergarteners.
Is unschooling legal in Maryland?
Yes, unschooling, which is a student-led homeschooling approach, is legal in Maryland. While there is a requirement to cover a specific list of eight topics, the method and approach of teaching those topics are left to the discretion of the homeschooling parent.
Can I homeschool someone else’s child in Maryland?
According to Maryland laws, only a parent or legal guardian can take on the responsibility of homeschooling a child. Homeschool co-ops, where families come together to share teaching duties, are allowed as a supplement to home instruction, but the primary responsibility for the child’s education always lies with the homeschooling parent or guardian.
Even if a parent hires a tutor, they are still ultimately responsible for adhering to Maryland’s homeschooling laws.
Online Homeschooling Statistics in Maryland
During the first quarter of the 2020-21 academic year in Maryland, there was an increase in the number of families opting for online homeschooling. Over 3,000 students shifted to homeschools between June and November 2020. Consequently, the total number of homeschooled children in Maryland now exceeds 40,000. However, this increase was not evenly distributed across the state.
Baltimore City witnessed the smallest change, with less than a 15% increase in the number of homeschoolers. In contrast, Harford and Garrett counties experienced significant triple-digit jumps in the total number of homeschooling students. Interestingly, Somerset County was the only school district that actually saw a slight decline in the number of homeschoolers.
Prior to the pandemic, the number of homeschooled children in Maryland remained relatively stable over the past 19 years. There were minimal fluctuations from year to year. Homeschooled children in Maryland accounted for no more than 3.0% of the K-12 public school student population in any academic year.
However, according to a November 2020 report by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), homeschooled children accounted for 4.6% of the public school K-12 population, indicating a notable increase in the prevalence of online homeschooling.
How to Do it
To engage in online homeschooling in Maryland, follow these steps:
- First, notify your local school district of your intent to homeschool.
- Second, select an online homeschooling curriculum or program that aligns with Maryland’s educational standards.
- Third, establish a structured daily schedule for your child’s learning activities.
- Fourth, provide regular assessments and maintain records of your child’s progress.
- Fifth, take advantage of online resources, educational websites, and virtual learning platforms.
- Lastly, ensure compliance with Maryland’s homeschooling laws and participate in any required evaluations or assessments.
Benefits of Maryland Homeschooling Online
Homeschooling online in Maryland offers several benefits for families who choose this educational option. Here are some of the advantages of Maryland homeschooling online:
- Flexibility: Online homeschooling allows for flexibility in scheduling. Families have the freedom to create a customized schedule that suits their needs, which can be especially beneficial for students involved in extracurricular activities, pursuing special interests, or dealing with health issues. It also allows parents to adapt the learning environment to their child’s learning style.
- Customized Education: Homeschooling online enables personalized instruction tailored to each student’s needs. Parents can choose curriculum and resources that align with their child’s interests, strengths, and learning pace. This individualized approach helps students thrive academically and reach their full potential.
- Enhanced Parental Involvement: Homeschooling online fosters strong parental involvement in a child’s education. Parents play an active role in guiding their child’s learning process, providing one-on-one instruction, and closely monitoring their progress. This increased involvement can strengthen the parent-child bond and create a supportive learning environment.
- Safety and Well-being: Homeschooling online provides a safe and secure learning environment, especially during challenging times such as a pandemic or when a child faces health concerns. It eliminates potential risks associated with public gatherings, transportation, or exposure to illnesses. Additionally, students who may have experienced bullying or social difficulties in traditional school settings can benefit from a more controlled and supportive learning atmosphere at home.
- Increased Autonomy and Responsibility: Homeschooling online fosters self-motivation, time management skills, and a sense of responsibility in students. They learn to take ownership of their education, manage their time effectively, and develop self-discipline. These qualities can have long-term benefits as students transition into higher education or the workforce.
Conclusion
There is a lot to consider when deciding on whether or not to homeschool your child in Maryland. The laws are strict, but the benefits can be great, especially if you find the right educational program to meet your needs.
Homeschooling can give your child a unique education experience, and online Maryland homeschooling programs offer flexibility and convenience.
With High School of America, you get academic support from certified teachers while still being able to foster an independent learning environment at home for your student.
Don’t wait and let your child miss out on a comprehensive curriculum designed specifically for their individual needs – contact us today!