If you’re considering homeschooling in Maryland, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the Maryland homeschool requirements. These requirements outline the guidelines and regulations that homeschooling families must follow in the state. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of the Maryland homeschool requirements to help you navigate this educational path successfully.
Notification
First and foremost, it’s important to note that Maryland homeschool requirements mandate that parents or legal guardians who choose to homeschool their children must provide a written notification to their local school superintendent. This notification should include information about the child being homeschooled, such as their name, birthdate, and grade level. It is crucial to submit this notification annually before the homeschooling program begins.
Portfolio
One of the key aspects of Maryland homeschool requirements is the requirement to maintain a portfolio of the student’s work. This portfolio serves as evidence of the educational progress made throughout the year. It should include samples of the student’s work, such as assignments, projects, and assessments. The portfolio should also include a log detailing the instructional activities and hours spent on each subject.
The Classical Liberal Arts Academy provides written assignments, online quizzes and exams that can be included in a student’s “portfolio”, which does to need to be thought of as papers in a folder, but simply as evidence of progress in studies. Note also that all student activities are logged on the Academy Study Center. Modern educators are familiar with the Moodle platform used in the CLAA.
Annual Assessment
In addition to the portfolio, Maryland homeschool requirements stipulate that families must undergo an annual assessment of their child’s educational progress. This assessment can be conducted through various methods, such as standardized testing, a written evaluation by a qualified individual, or a review of the portfolio by a qualified evaluator. The purpose of this assessment is to ensure that the student is receiving an appropriate education.
Any student progressing in CLAA studies will have no trouble with any annual assessments.
Curriculum
Moreover, Maryland homeschool requirements mandate that families provide instruction in specific subject areas. These subjects include English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education. Although there is no specific curriculum that must be followed, it is important to cover these subjects adequately to ensure a well-rounded education for the child.
The CLAA provides for all of these studies, but recommends that parents seek and document local activities for music (choir, instrument lessons, dance) and physical education (martial arts, dance, sports, health club, playground, etc.).
Attendance Records
Another significant aspect of Maryland homeschool requirements is the need to maintain records of attendance. Homeschooling families must keep a record of the days and hours of instruction provided to the student. It is recommended to maintain a daily log of the subjects covered and the time spent on each, as this information may be requested during an evaluation.
Attendance can easily be kept using a form, but student activity is always logged in the Study Center database. Therefore, there is always evidence of “attendance” for homeschool studies, if needed.
Safety
Lastly, Maryland homeschool requirements require families to comply with certain safety regulations. These regulations include ensuring that the home environment is safe and suitable for the child’s education. Families must also meet all local health and safety codes, including fire safety requirements and building codes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding and adhering to Maryland homeschool requirements is vital for families who have chosen this educational path. By following these requirements, families can provide their children with a quality education while also meeting the legal obligations set by the state. If you’re considering homeschooling in Maryland, take the time to research and understand these requirements thoroughly. By doing so, you can embark on a successful homeschooling journey that prioritizes your child’s academic growth and development.
Resources
Mr. William C. Michael, O.P. is the founding headmaster of the Classical Liberal Arts Academy. Mr. Michael is a Lay Dominican in the Catholic Church and is a homeschooling father to ten children, all of whom have studied in the Academy. He graduated from Rutgers University with an honors degree in Classics & Ancient History, is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and is currently studying at Harvard University. Mr. Michael has worked in private education as a Classics teacher and administrator for over 20 years. Mr. Michael is known for his talks on the Academy YouTube channel and his sponsorship of Classical Catholic Radio.