Homeschooling is an educational option for a parent/guardian who provides instruction to his or her own child in lieu of enrolling the student in a public, nonpublic, or church-exempt school that is registered with the Maryland State Department of Education. Maryland's home instruction regulations are specified in the Code of Maryland Regulations, COMAR 13A.10.01.01—.05, and apply to homeschooled students who are subject to Maryland's Compulsory Attendance Law (5 years old or older by September 1st to age 18). Prior to submitting homeschooling notification, parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to read each informational document and view the videos in order to fully understand Maryland's homeschooling regulations.
Informational Documents
Video Series: The Home Instruction Process in Maryland
- Part 1 Initiating Home Instruction
- Part 2 Components of a Home Instruction Program
- Part 3 Special Topics for High School-Aged Students
To provide notification for (register) a new homeschooled student, click here:
Home Schooling Notification
Important Links
Additional Important Notes
1. High school students participating in home instruction do not earn course credits or high school diplomas from Baltimore County Public Schools. Homeschooled students are eligible to take the GED at the age of 16 to earn a Maryland State High School Diploma.
2. If a homeschooled student enrolls in BCPS and wants to earn high school credits for homeschooling coursework, the high school will administer the BCPS end-of-course exams. Homeschooling credits do not transfer into BCPS, regardless of the online school or program the student utilized.
3. Maryland's homeschooling regulations empower homeschooling families to self-select all curriculum and instructional materials for their children. Accordingly, Baltimore County Public Schools does not provide, recommend, approve, or subsidize curriculum or instructional materials, including electronic devices, for homeschooled students.
4. Baltimore County Public Schools accepts homeschooling notification forms for students who are subject to Maryland's Compulsory Attendance Law (5 years old or older on September 1st up to the student's 18th birthday).
5. If the parent/guardian of a homeschooled student suspects that the student has an educational disability (including speech concerns), he/she may contact Child Find Services by calling 443-809-3017. Specific information about Child Find Services may be accessed by clicking this link: Child Find. Please note that BCPS is unable to provide special education services (including speech therapy) to homeschooled students beyond the identification process of Child Find.
For questions regarding homeschooling, please Contact Us.