Every Maryland home instruction family picks one of two supervision pathways. Both are fully legal, both start with the same notification, and neither is a loophole. The difference is who looks at your work.
Pathway one: local school system supervision
You file the Home Instruction Notification with your county, keep a portfolio, and the school system may review it up to three times a year — most review twice, near the end of each semester.
It suits you if: you want the free option, you are comfortable keeping a portfolio, and your county's home instruction office is pleasant to deal with (most are).
The trade-off: the reviews are with the school system, on their calendar, and the portfolio requirement is real rather than optional.
Pathway two: a supervising entity (umbrella)
Instead of county supervision, you enroll with a church-exempt nonpublic school, an MSDE-approved nonpublic school, or a bona fide church educational ministry. You still file a notification identifying the supervising entity, and your reviews happen with them.
It suits you if: you would rather deal with an organization that shares your approach, you want record-keeping help, or you want the review conversation to be with someone outside the public school system.
The trade-off: umbrellas usually charge a yearly fee, and each sets its own requirements — some ask for more than the state does, including attendance records, grades, or their own reporting forms. Read the enrollment agreement before you assume it is lighter.
Questions worth asking an umbrella before enrolling
- What does enrollment cost per family and per child?
- What exactly do you require from me each year — records, grades, hours, forms?
- How and how often do reviews happen?
- Do you file anything with the state or county on my behalf, or do I?
- Do you issue transcripts or a diploma for high school?
- Are you on the MSDE list of recognized nonpublic schools or church-exempt entities?
That last one matters. Confirm the entity is recognized before you rely on it.
Make Maryland paperwork the easy part
Pennsole keeps your portfolio, review dates, subject coverage, and notices in one calm place — and the Home Instruction Notification generator is free.
More Maryland guides: requirements · free notification generator · umbrella school directory · where to submit · free portfolio checklist
General guidance, not legal advice. Always confirm details with your local school system or umbrella.
What does not change either way
- You file a notification at least 15 days before beginning.
- You provide regular, thorough instruction in the eight required subjects.
- Maryland requires no standardized testing, no teacher certification, and no statewide minimum of days or hours.
- Keeping work samples is a good idea regardless — under county supervision it is required, and under an umbrella it is usually expected.
Can you switch?
Yes. Families move between pathways between school years, and sometimes mid-year. You notify the county of the change, and your reviews move accordingly. Keep the portfolio intact through the switch so nothing is lost in the handoff.
There is no wrong choice here. Pick the pathway whose yearly rhythm you will actually keep up with.