Homeschooling in Maryland
County Reviews or Umbrella Programs
In Maryland, you must sign a Notice of Intent form verifying your choice of supervision. You can either be supervised by your local county public school superintendent (Portfolio Option) or by a registered nonpublic entity (Umbrella Option). Both require regular, thorough instruction.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
8
required
Notification
Yes
one-time (plus portfolio reviews)
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Must file Notice of Intent 15 days BEFORE starting
- Two main supervision paths: County vs. Umbrella
- Portfolio reviews up to 3 times a year (County option)
- Required subjects include Art, Music, Health, PE
Legal Framework
Maryland homeschooling is governed by COMAR 13A.10.01. Parents must provide regular, thorough instruction in the studies usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Maryland
The Waldorf Map lists 2 schools and 2 kindergartens and playgroups in Maryland, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Acorn Hill Waldorf Kindergarten and Nursery, Silver Spring
- Waldorf School of Baltimore, Baltimore
- Washington Waldorf School, Bethesda
- Heartsong Nature Preschool, Annapolis
Required Subjects
Instruction must be of sufficient duration to implement the instruction program.
English
Math
Science
Social Studies
Art
Music
Health
Physical Education
Filing Requirements
What to file
Notice of Consent (Home Instruction Notice of Intent)
When
At least 15 days BEFORE beginning homeschool (mandatory waiting period)
Where
Local county school superintendent
How to submit
Form submission
What to include
- • Supervision choice (County or Umbrella)
- • Student info
Portfolio Option: 2x/year portfolio reviews with county (end of each semester). Umbrella Option: Join a church-exempt or state-approved nonpublic school for less intrusive oversight. 8 required subjects: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Health, PE. No statewide Tebow Law - sports access is up to individual county.
Testing Requirements
Required: No
Frequency: N/A
Grades: N/A
No standardized testing required, but the portfolio must demonstrate progress.
How to Get Started
- 1
Submit Notice of Intent
File the 'Notice of Consent' form with your local county superintendent at least 15 days before beginning homeschooling.
- •Complete the Notice of Assignment/Intent form
- •Check the box for 'Option A: Supervision by the Local School System'
Tip: Send via certified mail15 days prior to starting
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Free (no umbrella fees)
- ✓Direct accountability
Cons
- •Frequent reviews (up to 3x year)
- •County reviewers may vary in stricness
- •More intrusive than umbrella option
Sports & Activities
**Allowed but Discretionary**. There is **no** statewide "Tebow Law." Access to public school sports is entirely up to the individual county/school policy.
Questions about homeschooling in Maryland
Can I switch from Portfolio to Umbrella mid-year?
Yes. You must file an updated Notice of Intent with the county indicating the change.
Does the county review my curriculum?
They review your portfolio to see *evidence* of instruction (worksheets, writing, etc.) in the required subjects, but they do not approve the curriculum itself.
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Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Keep your Maryland records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Maryland tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · MD homeschool law guide