Guide to Homeschooling in Maryland
Here are some useful resources that may be helpful as you are getting started.
Power Homeschool’s Homeschooling in Maryland site highlights resources, helpful tips, support groups, and so much more!
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Maryland
Each state has different rules regarding a parent’s ability to homeschool their children and all the laws that they must follow.
Homeschool Associations and Support Groups in Maryland
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops.
How to Start Homeschooling in Maryland
If you have decided that homeschool is a good fit for your family, you are probably wondering how to get started with the whole process.
Field Trips Available to Homeschoolers in Maryland
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling.
Find out what Maryland has to offer!
Resources
Maryland Homeschool Laws and Requirements
Important Considerations for Homeschooling Success
Create a Study Plan
When homeschooling in Maryland, it is important to establish a clean environment where distractions are limited for your child to study on a regular schedule. Study routines are valuable for learning discipline. They also help your child stay on track with weekly, monthly and yearly academic goals. Create a schedule and expect your child to stick to it. Modify the schedule when necessary to help your child stay challenged while still able to achieve your expectations.
Read more: 10 Tips to Effectively Homeschool Online
Build Foundational Knowledge
As your child progresses in their studies, addressing gaps in their foundational knowledge will be crucial to their future success. For example, if your child struggles with basic math, it may become nearly impossible for them to master more advanced math concepts until they get help with their basic math challenges. In Acellus courses, Vectored Instruction automatically takes into account a student’s existing knowledge gaps and provides targeted interventions to bridge those gaps. If a student lacks the foundational understanding required for the new concept, the system automatically provides relevant remedial content before proceeding further.
It is crucial that students achieve early success with online learning so that their confidence will grow. Sometimes it may be necessary to place your child into an earlier course so they can begin experiencing success before they are ready to start moving forward with their learning.
Read more: Helping Your Student Excel in Acellus
KEEP RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION
You should keep thorough records of your child’s education. This will be beneficial when they apply for colleges or jobs after high school. Power Homeschool’s online parent portal automatically makes it easy to track progress, download coursework examples, attendance, and keep transcripts of classes taken.
It is also a good idea to get student ID cards and parent/teacher ID cards. Many retailers and venues offer teacher or student discounts that can be claimed by showing ID cards. A professional student ID card with a good quality identification photo included is also an good way to show that your student is enrolled is a reputable homeschool program.
Resources
Maryland Homeschool Laws and Requirements
State governments establish homeschool laws and regulations, so every state is a little different. Before implementing a homeschool program, you should research Maryland’s homeschool laws to ensure you can abide by all the requirements. Homeschoolers in Maryland have various options to legally homeschool, including umbrella homeschool and portfolio options. The Maryland State Department of Education helps explain these guidelines in great detail.
To homeschool in Maryland, parents must file paperwork, teach required subjects, and maintain a portfolio, among other things depending on their choice of home education methods.
Resources
Homeschool Associations & Support Groups in Maryland
Homeschool associations, support groups, and cooperatives all exist to help home educators throughout their students’ education.
Maryland has two statewide homeschool associations that provide legal information, advice, and resources to home educators.
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- Maryland Homeschool Association (MDHSA) provides resources and advice for families of diverse backgrounds wanting to home educate their children. Organization volunteers act as homeschool advocates and provide legislative updates that regard homeschool.
- Maryland Association of Christian Home Educators (MACHE) offers support and resources to Christian homeschoolers in the state. The association sponsors various events, including workshops, seminars, and a homeschool curriculum fair.
In addition to homeschool associations, support groups and cooperatives offer homeschoolers networks of people who can provide advice and resources to help along the homeschool process. Homeschool support groups come in various forms. For example, some groups meeting in person on a regular basis while others communicate on Facebook groups. Group members can exchange advice, and students can meet other homeschoolers their age.
Homeschool cooperatives or co-ops have more of an academic focus and give homeschoolers the opportunity to learn in a group setting. These groups are volunteer-based organizations often taught by parents or teachers. The instruction can be general, focus on a particular subject like STEM, or be structured around religious beliefs or values. There are plenty of co-ops available in Maryland, so you are sure to find one the aligns with your family’s needs. Both homeschool support groups and co-ops usually have Facebook pages so that you can find either group with a simple search query.
Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!
How to Start Homeschooling in Maryland
If you are considering an at-home education for your child, you are probably wondering how to get started with homeschool. You should start by doing as much research as possible about the homeschool laws, requirements, resources, and methods in Maryland. Once you file the necessary paperwork, you’ll need to create a homeschool curriculum or select a program to use.
Power Homeschool is an online homeschool curriculum available for K-12 students. Our online program provides various tools and resources to help both parents and students through their homeschool experience. Start your homeschool journey with Power Homeschool today!
Resources
Homeschool Field Trips in Maryland
Field trips are great ways to enhance any homeschool curriculum. With Washington D.C. so close by, families in Maryland have easy access to many national treasures. The following are just a few examples of field trip destinations in Maryland.
- Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg: Students can explore the battlefield while learning about the bloodiest battle of the Civil War that took place on September 17, 1862. This field trip makes a great addition to any lesson about the Civil War.
- Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in Hagerstown: Visitors tour thousands of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and other works of art representing cultures from around the world. This museum offers free admissions and various art classes and educational programs for students of all ages.
- National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick: Homeschoolers can learn about the medical care during the Civil War, including the tools, resources, treatment methods, and much more.
- National Aquarium in Baltimore: Explore ocean life through various exhibits, such as Blacktip Reef, Dolphin Discovery, and Shark Alley. Homeschoolers can attend special programs and homeschool days are available throughout the year.
- Fort McHenry National Shrine and Monument in Baltimore: This historical site is a great way to enhance units about American history. Visitors learn about the Battle of Baltimore, the United States flag, and the poem by Francis Scott Key that eventually become the national anthem.
- Maryland State House in Annapolis: As the oldest capitol building in the United States, the Maryland State House is rich with history. Homeschoolers can tour exhibits and participate in educational programs to learn about their state’s government, history, and culture.
- Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis: As Maryland’s official museum of African American heritage, this museum aims to promote the history and culture of African Americans through exhibits and educational programs.
- U.S.. Naval Academy Museum in Annapolis: Learn about the U.S. Navy, the role of the Naval Academy, and American sailors and marines by touring display of historical artifacts and collections of art.
- Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels: This museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, environment, and culture of the region. With plenty of exhibits, special events, and activities, there will sure to be something for the whole family.
- Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center in Cambridge: Learn about one of the most well-known heroic figures of the 1800s. The visitor center houses exhibits dedicated to the abolitionist Harriet Tubman.
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