Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular choice among hundreds of families in the United States. By homeschooling your child in Maryland, you will have the opportunity to provide your child with a quality education, tailored to their individual needs and strengths.
Whether you are an experienced homeschooler or just starting out, there are several things you should know in order to ensure your child’s educational success. This article will answer 15 important questions about homeschooling in Maryland and provide useful resources for beginning your homeschool journey.
1. What are Maryland requirements for homeschooling?
In Maryland, parents who wish to homeschool must adhere to the State Department of Education’s regulations for nonpublic instruction in the state. This includes submitting paperwork to the local supervisory agent, keeping thorough records of attendance and instruction, and giving written or oral evaluations twice a year. Additionally, parents must report to the supervisory agent the courses their student is taking each year and, if applicable, submit the results of student evaluations by a qualified teacher.
Parents are strongly advised to check the latest Maryland state regulations as they may change from time to time.
2. What curriculum options are available?
Homeschoolers in Maryland should have access to many excellent curricula choices. From textbook-based material to online and virtual learning, there are curriculum options to fit any family’s needs.
Popular textbook-based choices include Abeka, Bob Jones, and Saxon Math. Online and virtual learning options include the Maryland Virtual School and virtual charter schools, such as K1 There are also a number of free and low-cost options, such as Khan Academy and free public domain textbooks.
3. How do I create a high-quality homeschool environment?
Creating a high-quality learning environment for your homeschooler can be done with a few simple steps. First, set aside a dedicated area for learning free from distractions. This could be a specific room in your house, or just a corner of a room.
Make sure there are items available to support learning, such as books, art supplies, and a computer or tablet. Also, create a schedule that works best for your family and sticks to it every day.
It is helpful to have a routine to follow so that your child knows what to expect. Finally, make learning fun and engaging. Use interesting activities, games, and videos to keep your child engaged and motivated.
4. What support is available for homeschoolers in Maryland?
Homeschoolers in Maryland have access to several support groups, organizations, and resources. The Maryland Home Education Association (MHEA) is a statewide organization that provides support and resources to homeschoolers in the state.
The MHEA holds conferences, workshops, and other events throughout the year where families can connect and learn from one another. There are also local homeschooling groups and co-ops that can offer help and advice. Furthermore, a number of websites provide useful information on homeschooling in Maryland, such as the Maryland State Department of Education website and the National Home Education Research Institute.
5. How do I get started homeschooling my child in Maryland?
In order to start homeschooling your child in Maryland, there are a few steps you should take. First, contact the school district to inform them of your intent to homeschool your child. You will also need to contact the local superintendent to enter into a written agreement regarding your student’s education.
Under Maryland law, homeschooling shall be considered private instruction offered by the parent in his or her home. It is important to stay in touch with the local superintendent throughout the school year and to provide written evaluations twice a year to ensure your child is receiving quality instruction.
6. What are the types of homeschooling available in Maryland?
Homeschoolers in Maryland have the option to choose from a variety of homeschooling models. Some popular models include the traditional homeschool, in which students are taught according to an established curriculum; the unschooling model, in which there is no set curriculum and students are allowed to pursue their interests with guidance and direction from their parents; and the virtual school model, in which students learn via online courses and virtual instructors. Whichever model you choose, it is important to ensure that your child is receiving a quality education and learning the necessary life skills.
7. Are parents in Maryland allowed to teach their children at home?
Yes, parents in Maryland are allowed to teach their children at home. The Maryland State Department of Education has outlined specific requirements for parents to follow in order to homeschool their children in Maryland. Parents must send notice to the local school superintendent, submit an agreement outlining the student’s education, and provide regular evaluations of the student’s progress.
8. Is homeschooling legal in Maryland?
Homeschooling is legal in Maryland and parents that choose to homeschool must follow Maryland regulations for nonpublic instruction. Under Such regulations, for example, parents must send notice to the local school superintendent, submit an agreement outlining the student’s education, and provide regular evaluations of the student’s progress.
Any student who is homeschooled in Maryland must receive a course of instruction that is comparable in quality and content to that provided in the state’s public school system.
9. Can I homeschool my child in Maryland if I do not have a teaching degree?
Yes, parents in Maryland can homeschool their children without a teaching degree. Parents are not required to have certification or license in order to homeschool.
It is recommended, however, that parents have a basic understanding of the subjects they are teaching and utilize the many resources available to them. These include textbooks, online resources, public libraries, and homeschooling organizations.
10. Do I have to follow the same curriculum as public schools in Maryland?
No, homeschoolers in Maryland are not required to follow the same curriculum as public schools in the state. However, parents must provide their student with instruction that is comparable in quality and content.
This includes teaching the core subjects of reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies, as well as any other courses deemed necessary by the parent. Parents should also pay special attention to the amount of instructional time students receive each year, and make sure they are receiving adequate instruction in all subject areas.
11. Are there any activities or extracurriculars available to homeschooled students in Maryland?
Yes, there are a number of activities and extracurriculars available to homeschoolers in Maryland. Parents may explore options such as co-ops, interest groups, and part-time classes at local community colleges. Homeschoolers also have access to sports teams and clubs offered by their local homeschooling organizations.
Additionally, some local private and public schools may allow homeschoolers to participate in extracurricular activities. Furthermore, homeschoolers may be eligible for certain academic, sports, or talent based scholarships.
12. Are homeschooled students eligible to participate in state and national standardized tests in Maryland?
Yes, homeschooled students in Maryland are eligible to participate in either the Maryland School Assessment or the Maryland High School Assessment, depending on their age and grade level. Additionally, some local homeschool organizations may also offer standardized testing for homeschoolers. Homeschoolers may also be eligible to participate in exams sponsored by the College Board or ACT.
Each state may have different requirements for homeschoolers to participate in standardized tests, so it is important to research and understand the regulations in your state.
13. Does my homeschooled child have to take tests?
No, homeschooled students in Maryland are not required to take tests unless they are planning to enroll in a public school or university. However, testing can be beneficial for homeschoolers to measure their academic progress and see how they compare to their peers.
Testing is also useful to determine if a student is ready for college-level work.
14. Are there any requirements for homeschooled students in Maryland related to graduation?
No, homeschoolers in Maryland are not required to obtain a diploma in order to receive a high school education. However, some parents may choose to have their student take the Maryland High School Assessment in their senior year and earn their diploma, if they wish. Additionally, some parents may opt to have their student earn a GED if they do not wish to complete their high school education.
15. What is the best way to keep my homeschooled student motivated?
Parents of homeschooled students can keep their children motivated and engaged by offering a mix of fun and educational activities. It is also important to create a motivating atmosphere in the home and make learning enjoyable. Parents should set realistic goals for their children and provide frequent positive reinforcement for the effort they put forth.
In addition, parents should make sure their children have access to a variety of educational resources and take breaks from their studies from time to time.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Maryland is a great option for families who are looking for a personalized education for their children. By researching the laws and regulations in the state, finding quality curricula and resources, and providing support and motivation to their children, homeschooling parents can help their children reach their highest potential.
Whether you are experienced homeschoolers or just beginning this educational journey, this article has provided 15 helpful questions to guide you in making the best choices for your child’s success.