How to start homeschooling in Maryland

Everything you need to legally begin homeschooling in Maryland, broken into clear steps. Plan to spend about an hour completing the paperwork before your first day.

The short version

Maryland requires notification and either local school review or umbrella school oversight. Many families choose the umbrella path.

The full process, step by step

Step 1

Decide whether to file directly with your district or enroll under an umbrella school.

Step 2

Submit the Notice of Consent or umbrella enrollment 15 days before starting.

Step 3

Submit a withdrawal letter to your child's public school if applicable.

Step 4

Plan curriculum across all required subjects.

Step 5

Maintain a portfolio for the required reviews.

Things that help on day one

A binder, folder, or app to keep paperwork in one place.
Your child's most recent report card or academic records.
A simple weekly rhythm sketched out — even one bullet list of subjects per day.
A camera or phone for documenting the first weeks of moments.
A list of any homeschool co-ops, libraries, or community groups in your area.

Disclaimer: This guide summarises commonly known Maryland homeschool requirements. Laws change. For official, up-to-date legal guidance, consult the HSLDA state guide or your state Department of Education before submitting paperwork.

Read the full Maryland homeschool law summary →

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