October 18

Truth About Homeschooling in MD and Maryland Homeschool Laws

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State laws change from time to time and though we try to keep the laws up-to-date at all times please check with the department of education for any changes that may have occurred.

It’s practical, safe and you can do it from home: homeschooling is increasingly popular educational alternative among many parents who wish to be more directly involved in their children’s education.

If you plan to do so yourself, you’re about to join a great community of fellow homeschoolers, always ready to offer advice and resources. We’ll show you how to start homeschooling in Maryland without too much effort. We’ll go through some of the main educational opportunities offered by the Old Line State, give you an introduction of the main homeschool laws and point you to some great online homeschooling sites. Use the infographic and video below to set up a homeschool that thrives.

Homeschooling in MD

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The Old Line State

Maryland is one of the most prosperous states and also a pioneer of human rights – it’s actually considered to be the champion of US religious movement, since it was created as a refuge for the Catholics persecuted in England. It’s also the state which donated the necessary land for Washington, D.C.

Not only is Maryland an epitome of the traditional American values of freedom and hard work, but it’s also one of the most geographically diverse lands in the US. From dunes to forested mountains, there’s bound to be a part of this amazing state your children will love going to again and again. Take a walk through the beautiful forests of the Soldier’s Delight Natural Environment Area, go fishing on the Deep Creek Lake or go see the wild horses in Assateague State Park – you’ll sure find something to suit your taste.

The large number of interesting and diverse museums makes Maryland all the more enticing for a home educator. Take your children to the National Aquarium and see the great sharks, explore a scale model of the Titanic in the Discovery Station, or take a look at some of the world’s most famous painting – Matisse, Van Gogh and Picasso – at the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Homeschooling in Maryland: Requirements

There are quite a few options available if you plan to homeschool in Maryland. You can do it the traditional way, or you can operate under an umbrella school. Either way, you’ll need to pay attention to the legal requirements, because they involve a decent amount of paper work.

Maryland homeschool laws require you to notify the authorities at least 15 days prior to the beginning of the school year. While there are no specific requirements as to the number of school days, they do have to be “of sufficient duration to implement the school program.” The subjects are roughly the same as those of the corresponding public school. You’re also required to maintain a portfolio of your children’s school work, including worksheets, workbooks and tests. You’ll also have to set up a meeting with a representative of the local school system who will review your children’s portfolio and discuss their progress. If during these reviews (up to three per school year) your children’s progress is deemed unsatisfactory, you will be given 30 days to remedy the situation, after which time you will have to enroll your children in a public school. If you choose so, you will be able to enroll your children in any standardized school tests they are eligible to take.

You can also choose to homeschool your children under the supervision of a church school, in which case most of the paperwork will be done by the supervising school. They will have to provide you with the textbooks and lesson plans, and there is no legally required assessment report or bookkeeping.

Another option is to have an approved private school supervise your homeschool. In this case, you will be assisted by a certified teacher, who will provide you with the necessary materials, and who will also keep track of your children’s progress.

Find out more about the Maryland homeschool requirements here: http://www.responsiblehomeschooling.org/policy-issues/state-by-state/maryland/

Homeschooling in MD: Final Grade

If you plan to homeschool, Maryland is a great place to start, provided that you keep an eye on the legal requirements. We’ve given it a C, mostly because there is a large amount of compulsory paper work that you need to put in. However, the requirements are down-to-earth, and you’ve even got the option to avoid most of them if you choose to operate under the supervision of a private school.

Conclusion

While not boasting the most permissive homeschool legal system, Maryland does have a great homeschooling community and a variety of educational opportunities. Start homeschooling in MD today and you’ll find plenty of support both online and in real life. For any questions, feel free to contact us – we’re always ready to help!

Resources

http://mdhsa.com/blog/ - a great place to find support and resources related to homeschooling in MD

https://smhnpages.wordpress.com/ - a useful blog that offers plenty of tips on how to homeschool in MD

http://thelivingwaterschool.blogspot.com/ - another great blog to get homeschool ideas from

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