A Guide to Homeschooling in Maryland

Imagine waking up on a crisp Maryland morning, sipping your coffee while your kids work on a science experiment at the kitchen table, or heading out for a nature walk in the beautiful Chesapeake Bay area to learn about ecosystems. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, homeschooling in Maryland makes this kind of flexible, hands-on learning not just possible—but totally doable!

Whether you’re a parent considering homeschooling for the first time or a family looking to learn more about the ins and outs of the process, this helpful guide from Dailies will walk you through everything you need to know to start your homeschooling adventure. From state-specific requirements to fun local resources, we’ve got you covered!

Considerations Before Beginning Homeschooling in Maryland

As you think about diving into the world of homeschooling, the first thing you should do as a family is sit down and think about what you hope to achieve/accomplish and how you can make it work for your family. Perhaps the most important question to reflect on is: “Why homeschooling?” take note of your motivations; is it schedule flexibility? Personalized learning? Maybe a less stressful environment than traditional learning? Understanding your “why” will help guide your approach. 

Another important consideration is time and commitment. Observe and reflect on realistic time commitments and organizational methods. Consider exactly how much time you have to commit to this new journey. It’s not just about teaching, there’s planning, organizing, and even field trips to coordinate! Don’t forget to make time to balance work, household responsibilities, and family time. Remember that you are choosing to homeschool because of the freedom it provides, creating a work-school-life balance is essential in keeping yourself and your home organized. 

The final question to ask yourself is “what’s your vibe?” meaning, what style of homeschooling are you thinking about? Structured, hands-on, relaxed, or even a combination of all three? Luckily, Maryland’s homeschooling laws give you the freedom to pick and choose what worlds best for you and your family! A little research and even some test runs are the best ways to find the perfect fit for you. 

Maryland’s Homeschooling Requirements: What You Need to Know

The state of Maryland is fairly supportive of homeschooling, but as with each state, there are still certain legal requirements to ensure you are in compliance. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

1. Notify Your Local School System – Required. You must file a Notice of Intent to Homeschool at least 15 days before you begin homeschooling. This can be filed with your local school district. 
2. Create an Educational Plan – Suggested. Your plan should be broad and comprehensive; meaning it should cover basic subjects that are equivalent to those taught in public schools. Families are also encouraged to weave in art, PE, and foreign languages to better encompass their child’s whole educational experience!
3. Maintain an Organized Education Portfolio – Suggested. A portfolio demonstrates that your child is receiving a well-rounded education. In the case that your school district should ask for proof of education, an organized portfolio provides anything they might need to know. 
4. Annual Testing and Evaluation – Required. Maryland law requires an annual academic assessment by the end of each school year. There are two options to go about this, the first is with standardized testing and the other with a portfolio review (hence the importance of keeping a detailed, organized portfolio!)

It’s best practice to reach out to your local superintendent for any specific questions regarding the requirements, especially to stay up-to-date!

Quick Legal Facts About Homeschooling in Maryland

It’s important to be aware of the legal aspects of homeschooling to stay compliant and avoid any surprises. Here are a few key facts:

Private School Status: In Maryland, homeschooling is considered a private school; you don’t need to follow the public school’s curriculum, but you do need to ensure that your child is receiving an adequate education.

Children with Special Needs: If your child has special education needs, you can still homeschool. The state’s homeschooling laws are flexible and can accommodate a variety of learning styles and needs.

Age Requirements: Maryland law mandates that children between 5 and 18 must be enrolled in school. Since homeschooling is a legal option within this range, you can begin homeschooling as early as 5 (did you know that Dailies offers a Pre-K program?!) and continue through high school. 

Public School Withdrawal: If your child is currently attending a public school, you’ll need to formally withdraw them before beginning your homeschooling journey. This can be done by notifying the school and submitting your Notice of Intent to Homeschool.

Additional Resources for Homeschooling Families in Maryland

Maryland offers quite a few state-specific homeschooling resources for families. While online platforms like ours, Dailies, provide classes, camps, tutors, and general academic support, finding a community in your state is a great way to socialize and share with others. The following is a wonderful list for families in Maryland: 

1. Maryland Home Education Association (MHEA)
2. Local Homeschool Groups
3. Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)

Conclusions: The Homeschooling Adventure Awaits!

Homeschooling in Maryland offers exciting opportunities for parents and children alike. With the freedom to create a customized learning environment, you can tailor lessons to your child’s strengths and interests while embracing Maryland’s rich history, vibrant communities, and diverse learning resources.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your current homeschooling routine, the resources and flexibility available to Maryland families make this state a wonderful place to homeschool. With a little planning, creativity, and community support, your homeschooling journey in Maryland can be both fulfilling and fun!

Ready to embark on this adventure? Check out Dailies today! The world (and your living room!) is your classroom!