Yes, homeschooling is legal in Maryland under the Maryland Home Instruction statute (Education Article §7-301). Parents must annually submit a notice of intent to the local superintendent by August 15 or within 15 days of withdrawing a child from public school. Instruction must cover core subjects—mathematics, English, science, and social studies—at least equivalent to public school standards. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) monitors compliance through portfolio reviews or standardized testing, with local boards of education enforcing oversight.
Key Regulations for Homeschooling in Maryland
- Annual Notification Requirement: Parents must file a one-page affidavit with the local superintendent, including the child’s name, age, address, and proposed curriculum. Failure to submit by the deadline voids legal compliance.
- Instructional Standards: Homeschool programs must provide instruction in the same subjects as public schools, with at least 180 days of instruction per year. MSDE may request evidence of progress through portfolios or standardized tests.
- Local Oversight: Each county’s Board of Education (e.g., Baltimore County Public Schools, Montgomery County Public Schools) conducts annual reviews. Some jurisdictions, like Prince George’s County, require mid-year progress reports or quarterly check-ins.