MD

Medium regulation

Can you homeschool without a degree in Maryland?

Many parents worry they are not “qualified enough” to homeschool. The legal question is simpler: what does Maryland actually require of the parent or teacher?

Plain-English note: this is a parent guide, not legal advice. Use the official source links at the bottom of the page before a deadline or filing decision.

Teacher qualification rule

Maryland does not require a parent to hold a teaching license or specific degree to homeschool.

Legal status

Homeschooling is legal in Maryland, but families must follow one of the state’s approved home instruction options.

Curriculum freedom

Moderate. Parents may choose their curriculum, but they must provide regular, thorough instruction and be able to show that required subject areas are being taught.

What still matters if no degree is required

  1. 1Check Maryland's notice rule: Yes. Most homeschool families submit a Notice of Consent form, though umbrella-style options may route oversight differently.
  2. 2Calendar the deadline: Generally at least 15 days before starting a home instruction program, again each year, and within 15 days after moving into a new county.
  3. 3Build around required subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Art, Music, Health, Physical education
  4. 4Keep records that match the state summary: For the portfolio option, keep a portfolio showing instructional materials, reading materials, and examples of the student’s work. The portfolio must be available for review at the times required by the supervising authority.
  5. 5Plan for testing or evaluation if required: No statewide standardized testing requirement applies just for homeschooling, but the portfolio option includes regular portfolio reviews and umbrella programs may have their own oversight rules.
  6. 6Use official source links before making a filing or deadline decision.

Related homeschool guides for Maryland

These internal links connect curriculum, schedule, special-needs, testing, and state-law pages so parents can move from a search question to the legal checklist without starting over.

Free printables

Download the homeschool starter kit

Print these before you start: a state startup checklist, letter-of-intent template, attendance tracker, and high-school transcript template.

View all downloads

These printables are general planning tools, not legal advice. Always verify the current rule on your state page and official source links before filing deadlines.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool in Maryland?

Maryland does not require a parent to hold a teaching license or specific degree to homeschool.

Do I need curriculum approval in Maryland?

Moderate. Parents may choose their curriculum, but they must provide regular, thorough instruction and be able to show that required subject areas are being taught.

What should I do first?

Yes. Most homeschool families submit a Notice of Consent form, though umbrella-style options may route oversight differently.

Start with the Maryland legal checklist

This guide is useful only if it sits on top of the actual Maryland homeschool requirements. Review the state law hub before buying curriculum, changing schools, or setting deadlines.

Maryland homeschool requirements