This is not legal advice. As someone who lives in a state that is highly regulated, I cannot emphasize enough the need for you to advocate for yourself and make a point to know your state laws. While the school district will most likely provide you with a printed copy of the laws and regulations for home schooling, a local home schooling group can be a valuable asset when it comes to navigating your way through the system.
I generally blog on all options offered within a state at the same time except where I find that presenting the options would make the blog difficult to understand. Such is the case with Maryland and so I have chosen to blog on Maryland in separate blogs presenting the 3 options that you have to home school in this state.
Maryland’s compulsory attendance law starts at age 5 and ends the year your child turns 16. However, if you feel that your child is just not ready to start attending school at the age of 5, you can write to your local superintendent and request a 1 year exemption from compulsory attendance. According to the law, they MUST approve your request.
According to the state laws, you actually have three options in homeschooling your child. The third of these options is to home school your child under a state approved school umbrella. (Please note: the school must have a certificate of approval from the state board of education.)
Under this option the child’s instruction is essentially provided by a private school. This includes lessons, textbooks, and any other instructional materials to be used. The school provides over sight in grading, lessons and also the school-based teacher provides support and help the parent (home-based teacher) by moitoring progress of the student, grading etc.
Truth be told, many states have statutes like this but they are not necessarily under a home school law. If your child got very ill, such that he was not able to attend school, many states allow for this type of home bound instruction. I have also known of students who travel with parents for a few months of the year to take advantage of the learning opportunities presented there, but also take textbooks, etc. with them in order to continue their schooling.
Notice: Parents are not required to file notice. This is the responsibility of the church umbrella school.
Qualifications: None
Testing: Standardized testing is not mandatory.
Related Articles:
Homeschooling in Maryland: Option 1
Homeschooling in Maryland: Option 2
Helpful Resources:
HSLDA
State Support Groups
Christian Home Educators Network of Maryland
Maryland Association of Christian Home Educators
Maryland Home Education Association
Catholic Homeschooling in Maryland
Maryland Homeschool Resource Network
A list of regional support groups can be found here.