• There are several important laws affecting those who wish to homeschool in the Maryland.school image by Alexey Klementiev from Fotolia.com
  
  A number of laws pertain to parents who wish to homeschool their children in Maryland. Parents have three options for alternatives to education in the public school system.
  
  

Portfolio

• The portfolio option allows the parents or guardians of a homeschooled child or children to operate under the oversight of the public school system. Under this arrangement, the home educator keeps a portfolio of "relevant materials" such as educational curricula, workbooks and tests which local educational authorities may audit as many as three times a year. If problems are noted, the homeschooler is given a month to correct them.
  
  

Church Umbrella

• Another option for homeschoolers is to operate under a "church umbrella." The church umbrella provision allows homeschoolers to remain under the supervision of a church educational program. To qualify, the church must show reasonable proof that it is a real religious institution and state to educational authorities that it meets the requirements of the umbrella and wishes to assume its responsibilities. Churches are required under state law to make at least one site visit a year. They must also review the educational materials to be used and conduct conferences with the homeschooling parents or guardians previous to enrollment and as the year progresses.
  
  

School Umbrella

• The final option is for the homeschooler to work under the supervision of a private academic institution. The supervising school must be approved by the state's Board of Education. It will provide educational materials and testing standards to the homeschool.
  
  

Requirements

• A notice of consent must be submitted to state authorities no more than 15 days after the onset of a home education program. Parents who select the portfolio option will directly inform officials each year they wish to continue homeschooling. For those who choose one of the other options, the appropriate umbrella institution will inform the state of the number and identity of the students under its charge. Parents are required to inform the state if they change options, cease home education or change addresses.
  
  

Other Requirements

• There are no minimum educational requirements for homeschooling teachers under any of the options. Standardized tests are also not required under Maryland law for homeschooling families.