Direct testing answer
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.
MD
Medium regulationDo homeschoolers need standardized testing in Maryland?
Testing rules are one of the fastest ways parents get confused. This page gives the direct Maryland answer first, then explains what to keep and where to verify it.
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.
Frequency
No statewide homeschool testing schedule. Under the portfolio option, portfolio reviews are generally held at least three times each year.
What to keep
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.
Deadline connection
Generally at least 15 days before starting a home instruction program, again each year, and within 15 days after moving into a new county.
Before you submit anything
Verify the current official guidance and keep a copy of any test report, evaluator letter, portfolio review, or submission receipt.
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.
New homeschool families
State homeschool startup checklist
A printable first-week checklist for choosing your pathway, handling notices or withdrawal, tracking deadlines, and setting up records.
Download PDF →
Notice or withdrawal paperwork
Homeschool letter of intent template
A parent-safe fill-in notice/withdrawal template with reminders to use official state forms when required.
Download PDF →
Recordkeeping
Homeschool attendance tracker
A simple school-year tracker for days, hours, holidays, field trips, and notes you can keep with your records.
Download PDF →
High school planning
Homeschool transcript template
A fill-in high-school transcript starter with course records, credit summary, and parent certification lines.
Download PDF →
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
Does Maryland require standardized tests for homeschoolers?
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.
How often do homeschoolers test in Maryland?
No statewide homeschool testing schedule. Under the portfolio option, portfolio reviews are generally held at least three times each year.
Where do I keep test results?
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.
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 requirementsSources for Maryland
- https://marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DSFSS/SSSP/HomeInstruct/index.aspx
- https://marylandpublicschools.org/about/Documents/DSFSS/SSSP/HomeInstruct/HomeInstruction_Guidelines.pdf
- https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/education/title-7/subtitle-3/section-7-301/
- https://govt.westlaw.com/mdc/Document/N6B3F52809CE111DB9BCF9DAC28345A2A
- HSLDA state law summary
Last verified: 2026-04-20. Last updated: 2026-04-20.