Maryland Homeschool Funding
Services access and current funding position.
MD
Funding guide
State programs
Main program
Program name: No statewide ESA, voucher, or homeschool reimbursement
Admin: Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) sets home instruction rules; local school systems review portfolios or families may use approved “umbrella” programs.
Typical award
Amount: None for independent homeschool
Disbursement: Not applicable
Who qualifies
- Residency: Student lives in Maryland.
- Status: Parent provides regular, thorough instruction at home as defined by COMAR and either completes local portfolio reviews or enrolls under an approved umbrella program.
- Compulsory age: Generally ages 5–18 (by district cutoff); families may begin earlier by choice.
Timeline
- Notice of intent: File at least 15 days before starting home instruction (and when moving districts).
- Verification: Annual verification with your local system (date varies by district).
- Portfolio reviews: Up to three times per year (fall/midyear/spring) if supervised by the local system.
Overview
Maryland does not fund independent homeschool purchases with ESAs, vouchers, or reimbursements. Families homeschool under MSDE’s Home Instruction regulations (COMAR 13A.10.01). You choose curriculum, file a notice of intent with your local superintendent, and either participate in district portfolio reviews or enroll under an approved umbrella program (church-exempt or institutionally approved). Some public services may be available locally—evaluations for suspected disabilities, limited equitable services through a services plan, and district-run courses/activities at local discretion. Maryland’s BOOST scholarship helps low-income students attend participating private schools (not homeschool).
Programs
Independent Home Instruction (COMAR 13A.10.01)
- Type: Parent-directed home education recognized as home instruction (not a funded ESA).
- Award: None (no stipend or reimbursement).
- Uses: Parent selects curriculum, classes, co-ops, tutors, assessments.
- Admin: Parent/guardian; oversight either by the local school system (portfolio reviews) or an approved umbrella.
Umbrella Programs (Church-Exempt / Institutionally Approved)
- Type: Third-party supervision in lieu of district portfolio reviews.
- Award/Costs: No public funds; umbrellas may charge fees.
- Uses: Record-keeping, progress monitoring, community, optional classes.
- Admin: MSDE-approved umbrella entities.
BOOST Scholarship (Private School, not Homeschool)
- Type: State scholarship for eligible low-income students to attend participating nonpublic schools.
- Award/Uses: Tuition/fees at participating private schools; not for homeschool expenses.
- Admin: MSDE / program administrator.
Part-Time Enrollment & Activities (Local Option)
- Type: Possible access to individual public-school classes/services; extracurriculars vary.
- Award: No cash benefit; access depends on district policy and capacity.
- Uses: Lab courses, band/choir, CTE, selected services; interscholastic sports typically require public-school enrollment under MPSSAA rules.
- Admin: Your local school system.
Special Education — Child Find & Services Plan
- Type: Free evaluation (Child Find) through the local school system; if eligible, limited services may be available via a services plan (equitable services).
- Award/Uses: Evaluations and specific services funded by the district’s IDEA allocation; scope varies.
- Admin: Local public school system special education office.
Eligibility
- Residency: Student resides in Maryland.
- Notice: File a Home Instruction Notification at least 15 days before beginning (and when moving districts).
- Instruction: Provide regular, thorough instruction during the school year in required subject areas (English, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, PE) appropriate to the child’s age and ability.
- Oversight: Choose one supervision path: district portfolio reviews (up to three/year) or an approved umbrella program.
- Records: Maintain a portfolio (plans, work samples, reading lists, materials used) for review if supervised by the district.
How to apply
- File notice of intent: Submit your Home Instruction Notification to your local superintendent (keep a copy).
- Select supervision: Indicate district review or enroll in an approved umbrella (contact them for requirements/fees).
- Plan instruction: Choose curriculum/resources covering required subjects; set a consistent schedule.
- Prepare records: Keep a simple portfolio for reviews (if under district supervision).
- Optional services: For evaluations/services, contact your district’s Child Find office; for classes/activities, ask your local school.
Covered expenses
- Curriculum & textbooks (family-paid)
- Online classes & software
- Tutors, co-ops, and classes
- Assessments/tests (optional)
- Supplies & lab materials
- Field trips & educational activities
- Technology/devices
- Therapies (privately arranged)
- Exam fees (AP/CLEP, etc.)
- No state reimbursements for homeschool purchases
Deadlines
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Home Instruction Notification | ≥ 15 days before start | Also file upon moving to a new district. |
| Annual verification | District-specific | Many systems request a yearly confirmation of continued home instruction. |
| Portfolio reviews (district-supervised) | Fall / Midyear / Spring | Up to three reviews each year; your district will schedule. |
| BOOST application window | Spring–Summer | For private-school tuition only; not for homeschool expenses. |
Docs & forms
Official sources
FAQs
Does Maryland provide ESA/voucher funds to homeschoolers?
No. Maryland does not offer ESA/voucher or reimbursement for homeschool purchases.
What subjects are required for homeschool?
Instruction must be regular and thorough in English, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education at a level appropriate to the student.
Can homeschoolers join public-school sports or activities?
Some activities may be available at district discretion. Interscholastic athletics typically require enrollment in the public school under MPSSAA rules—check locally.
What about special education evaluations and services?
Your local school system must provide free Child Find evaluations. If eligible, limited services may be available via a services plan; details vary by district.
Is the BOOST scholarship for homeschool?
No. BOOST helps eligible students attend approved private schools. It cannot be used for homeschool expenses.
Contacts
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)
Home Instruction (policies, forms)
For state rules and umbrella approvals.
Your Local School System — Home Instruction Office
Submit your notice, schedule portfolio reviews, and ask about classes/activities.
Find your local system
Law & regulations
- COMAR 13A.10.01 — Home Instruction — notice, required subjects, supervision options, portfolio review.
- COMAR 13A.09.09 — Church-Exempt Nonpublic Schools — umbrella program oversight criteria.
- IDEA / Child Find (MSDE) — evaluations and equitable services information.