Homeschooling
in Maryland
As a Maryland homeschooling parent, I was rather
intimidated by the rules of the state. I’d first stumbled upon Home School
Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and researched the legal requirements for
homeschooling in Maryland. I was concerned that it was one of the most
restrictive states for homeschooling.
THE
RULES
The state has the overarching rules:
· Contact
the superintendent of schools for your county to notify them that you are
planning to homeschool your child. (See list of Superintendent here: http://marylandpublicschools.org/about/pages/school-systems/superintendents.aspx
)
o
Do 15 days before planning to withdraw
student from school
o
Use form for your county listed here: MD
Homeschool Notification Forms by District (https://homeschoolstatelaws.com/2017/03/20/maryland-homeschool-notification-forms/
)
· There
is a law regarding attendance and instruction that has to be followed and is
verified by a local school system or supervisor.
o
This is where the student can use what’s
called an Umbrella school to serve as that supervisor. Here is a list of
Umbrella Schools and Supervising entities: http://nonpublicschoolsdb.marylandpublicschools.org/nonpublic/home_instruction/DisplayLocationsByCounty.asp
o
The parent can have scheduled documentation
review with the state employed supervisor that reviews and validates student is
getting instruction
OTHER
RESOURCES
Maryland has many different counties. Each county
supports homeschoolers differently. In Anne Arundel County where we used to
live there was a large amount of support from the school board who had one
person that managed homeschoolers.
Maryland libraries, museums, gyms and more have
homeschooling events.
Unfortunately, as a homeschooling student, kids aren’t
allowed to participate in public school sports or extra-curricular activities.
However, the superintendent will notify their homeschooling families of certain
opportunities that will accommodate homeschooled students.
Here is a list of other support for Maryland
Homeschoolers:
· Maryland
Homeschool Organizations and Support Groups -
https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/homeschooling-in-maryland/homeschool-organizationssupport-groups/
· HomeSchooling
in MD – HSLDA - https://www.hslda.org/hs/state/MD/
· Maryland
Homeschool Association -
http://www.mdhsa.com/
· Maryland
Homeschool Resource Network - http://www.mhrn.com/
· Maryland
Home Education Association (MHEA) - http://www.mhea.com/
MY
EXPERIENCES
As a Maryland homeschooling family, we decided to
homeschool using an Umbrella school. We searched the few offered and found one
that was mostly hands off, but had quarterly events for the homeschooled kids
and documentation training and review. Many Paths of Natural Learning accepted
home educators that taught their kids in many ways. They acted as an advocate
for many of us and provided a wealth of support for the small fee they charged.
My kids got to participate in a graduation and other events sponsored by the
Umbrella school.
Maryland has a large group of homeschooling families
of so many variations. My family had two working parents, other families we’ve
befriended were single parents, and many more.
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