Homeschooling a child can be a great opportunity to provide them with a tailored education, and to give them the individualized attention they need to help them succeed. But for a relative who is not a parent of the child, this process of legally homeschooling a child is not always straightforward.
In the state of Maryland, homeschooling regulations are determined by the local board of education, and it’s important for prospective homeschoolers to understand the process and recommendations for how to homeschool a child legally when it is not their own. In this article, we’ll provide an in-depth overview of how to legally homeschool a child in Maryland with a relative other than a parent. We’ll discuss the regulations and guidelines from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), resources and support available, as well as the potential tax credit available to those who elect to homeschool a non-relative in Maryland.
By the end of this article, you’ll be well on your way to setting up a successful homeschool program for any child in Maryland.
What Are the Guidelines for Legally Homeschooling a Non-Relative in Maryland?
The MSDE offers specific requirements that must be met in order to legally homeschool a non-relative in Maryland. According to the MSDE, non-parent homeschoolers must provide:A written request to the local school superintendent providing information about the proposed homeschool program and including evidence that the homeschooler is a resident of Maryland.
A written plan of instruction for the homeschooled child that includes grade-level educational objectives, the subjects to be taught, and the methods of instruction.
The name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the instruction and an assurance that no schools other than their own will be attended.
Evidence that the person providing instruction is a resident of the state and an adult capable of instruction.
Administrative guidance from the local school superintendent, if requested.
Regular assessment of the student’s educational progress, including standardized testing and/or instruction of nationally-normed standardized tests. Regular submission of attendance reports.
What Resources Are Available to Non-Relative Homeschoolers in Maryland?
Non-relative homeschoolers in Maryland have access to a wide range of resources and support to ensure success. The MSDE’s website provides a comprehensive guide to available homeschooling programs, including information on homeschool registration, curriculum options, record-keeping requirements, and graduation requirements.
In addition, the state of Maryland provides several organizations and groups dedicated to providing support and assistance to homeschool families. These include the Maryland Homeschool Association, which provides networking, advocacy, and other services for homeschool families, as well as the Maryland Council for Home Education, an organization specifically for non-parent homeschoolers that provides advocacy, support, and resources. Finally, Maryland has several organizations dedicated to homeschooling co-ops and classes, including the Maryland Homeschool Co-op, the Maryland Homeschool Online Co-ops, and the Maryland Homeschool Network.
These organizations provide support for different types of educational activities and homeschool activities, ranging from physical education and art classes to STEM classes and homeschool debate teams.
What Tax Credit Is Available for Non-Relative Homeschoolers in Maryland?
The state of Maryland also offers a tax credit to non-parent homeschoolers who elect to homeschool the child in their care. The credit, called the Maryland Home School Tax Credit, is available to those who have registered with the Department of Education and have employed qualified instructors and paid associated expenses.
In order to qualify for the credit, the student must have been enrolled in a public, private, or home instruction program for at least 180 days of the tax year, and the tuition and related expenses for the program must be more than $250. The tax credit is equal to 20% of the tuition and related expenses (up to a maximum credit of $2,500).
Conclusion
Homeschooling can be an excellent educational opportunity, but it’s important to make sure that the program is legally compliant and follows the guidelines set forth by the MSDE. By understanding the regulations and resources available to non-relative homeschoolers in Maryland and taking advantage of the available tax credit, prospective homeschoolers can ensure that their homeschool program is successful and legal.