Maryland requires a Notice of Consent plus a portfolio review twice a year — here's exactly what reviewers look for and how to prepare.
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Maryland requires either direct state supervision (Notice of Consent plus twice-yearly portfolio reviews) or coverage through an umbrella/church school. Under direct supervision, there's no fixed curriculum — reviewers simply confirm "regular, thorough instruction" is happening.
Maryland Homeschool Requirements (2026)
📋 What Maryland Does NOT Require
No standardized testing required for homeschool students
No specific portfolio format mandated — it just needs to demonstrate regular, thorough instruction
No teaching certification required for parents
No curriculum pre-approval — you choose materials that fit your family
📚 What Maryland DOES Require
Submit a Notice of Consent to your local school system under every option, including umbrella or church coverage (name the umbrella on the form)
Undergo a portfolio review twice a year, at the end of each semester (your superintendent may request up to three per year)
Provide regular, thorough instruction in eight required subject areas (see below)
Maintain a portfolio with work samples, attendance records, and other materials showing instruction is happening
📚 Required Subjects in Maryland
English
Mathematics
Science
Social studies
Art
Music
Health
Physical education
Maryland requires all eight of these areas be covered with "regular, thorough instruction" — a broader required subject list than many states, though the specific depth and materials are up to the family.
📁 Record-Keeping in Maryland
Build a portfolio including instructional materials, reading materials, writing samples, worksheets, workbooks, creative projects, and any tests you choose to use
There's no single required portfolio format — the goal is simply demonstrating regular, thorough instruction across the eight required subjects
Organize the portfolio by semester, since reviews happen at the end of each semester by default
Keep records accessible in case your superintendent requests a third review during the year
⚠️ Always verify current requirements with your state department of education or the Home School Legal Defense Association (hslda.org). Laws can change and this page is for general reference only.
Getting Started / Withdrawing from Public School in Maryland
Submit a Notice of Consent to your local school system before beginning (HSLDA notes the regulation asks for it 15 days before you start, under every option, naming your umbrella if you use one). Your first portfolio review typically happens at the end of the first semester, so start collecting work samples, attendance records, and instructional materials from day one rather than trying to assemble them right before the review. Alternatively, many Maryland families choose coverage through an umbrella or church school instead, which changes who reviews your work (the umbrella rather than the school system) — research both pathways before deciding which fits your family.
How Lumi Helps Maryland Homeschool Families
Lumi handles curriculum planning, grading, and progress tracking automatically, so Maryland families can focus on their kids instead of paperwork — while staying comfortably aligned with state requirements.
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Covers Required Subjects
Lumi covers the core subjects Maryland expects, plus additional subjects including Coding, Art, Music, and more — all in one flat-price app.
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Attendance Tracker
Built-in attendance logging helps you document instructional time and subject coverage automatically, useful for meeting record-keeping expectations.
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Printable Report Cards
Generate formal report cards automatically — useful for evaluations, re-enrollment in public school, or any situation requiring proof of academic progress.
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Printable Workbooks
Six printable workbooks covering every grade level — great for portfolio documentation and supplemental practice.
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Flat Family Price
$9.99/month covers up to 8 kids — no per-child fees as your family grows.
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Narrated Lessons
Every lesson is narrated aloud by Lumi, so kids can work independently while parents focus on the bigger picture.
Maryland Homeschool Resources
Maryland State Department of Education — Home Instruction — msde.maryland.gov — Official state guidance on the Notice of Consent process and portfolio review requirements.
Maryland People's Law Library — Home Schooling — peoples-law.org/home-schooling — Plain-language legal overview of Maryland's homeschool requirements.
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) — hslda.org — National legal advocacy with Maryland-specific portfolio review guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions — Homeschooling in Maryland
What does Maryland's portfolio review actually look for?
Reviewers look for evidence of "regular, thorough instruction" across the eight required subjects — English, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, and PE. There's no fixed format; work samples, worksheets, tests, and creative projects can all count.
How often does Maryland review my homeschool portfolio?
Twice a year by default, at the end of each semester, though your local superintendent or designee may request up to three reviews per year.
Does Maryland require standardized testing?
No. Maryland does not require homeschooled students to take standardized tests.
What's the alternative to direct state supervision in Maryland?
Maryland offers umbrella/church school coverage as an alternative to portfolio reviews by your local school system. According to HSLDA, you still file the Notice of Consent under every option (naming your umbrella on the form) — many families research both options before choosing.
What is the best homeschool curriculum app for Maryland families?
Lumi Academy covers all eight subjects Maryland requires — English, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, and PE-adjacent content — and its printable workbooks and report cards give Maryland families ready-made portfolio material for their semester reviews.
Start Your Maryland Homeschool Journey
Free 48-hour trial access. Full K–8 curriculum from day one.