Maryland Is Reviewing Its Homeschool Laws — and as both an educator and a homeschool parent, I have thoughts.

At just 9 years old, my son Kobe proudly presented his learning journey — complete with artifacts, reflections, and a big smile 😊

As a mother, educator, and proud member of Maryland’s vibrant homeschooling community, I’ve always believed that families deserve the freedom to shape their child’s educational journey in meaningful, empowering, and deeply personal ways. That’s why I’m watching the Maryland State Department of Education’s (MSDE) regulatory review of COMAR 13A.10 (Home Instruction) with both hope and caution.

Currently, MSDE is reviewing several education regulations, including the chapter that governs home instruction in our state. Part of this review includes determining whether existing rules “continue to be necessary,” “supported by law,” and “effective in accomplishing their intended purpose.” For many of us who homeschool, especially those of us who choose to work with umbrella organizations, this process hits close to home.

When School District Reviews Feel More Like Hurdles

When I first began my homeschooling journey, I was excited, not just about the learning ahead, but also about sharing our progress. My child and I created a beautiful presentation, complete with short videos and samples of his work, proud to show how he was growing academically and socially. I imagined the review process would honor that same creativity and care.

Instead, I found myself discouraged. The review process through our local school district felt cold and rigid. The vague language in the COMAR regulation—requiring “regular and thorough instruction”—left too much up to individual interpretation. Despite holding multiple degrees in education and having over a decade of classroom experience, I found myself having to defend my teaching methods to individuals who seemed more focused on compliance than connection.

When I was a teacher in Prince George's County, science and social studies may have only been taught once or twice per week at certain grade levels. Yet, that was still considered acceptable in public schools. It would be helpful if the regulation clarified what it means to have "regular and thorough" instruction in each of the required subject areas.

When it comes to nontraditional learning models, learning is often integrated. A single project may reflect understanding of math, language arts, art, music, physical education, and health—all in one artifact. But during a portfolio review, district reviewers may not recognize that. Instead, they often ask for separate work samples per subject, or traditional measures like worksheets, writing samples, or tests.

Many families, especially those of us using experiential or project-based learning, don’t rely on those types of assessments. The current review structure often fails to honor the diversity of how children learn.

🎬 Homeschooling isn’t just about checking boxes — it’s about owning your growth and celebrating learning in all its forms.  

Why Umbrella Organizations Matter

Umbrella organizations provide essential support for homeschool families. They understand the flexibility that homeschoolers need and respect parents’ role as the primary educators. They create community and provide guidance through the homeschool journey.

District reviewers, on the other hand, may be overwhelmed and are often serving large numbers of families. They may default to rigid checklists that don’t reflect the law or the spirit of home instruction. Having the choice to use umbrella organizations for oversight protects families from this type of inflexible system.

Are Three Reviews Per Year Necessary?

The regulation allows for up to three reviews annually. For families who follow the traditional school year, that may be manageable. My children follow that calendar so they can stay connected with their peers.

But not every family learns on a September-June schedule. Families that travel, follow alternative rhythms, or adopt year-round schooling might find three reviews excessive. If the law allows for flexible instruction, then the review schedule should reflect that same flexibility.

Curriculum Expectations & Reviewer Bias

COMAR doesn’t require a specific curriculum, and I appreciate that. As a certified Maryland educator, I create custom learning experiences for my children. However, in Prince George’s County, when I've indicated that I don’t use a named curriculum, I’ve felt judged.

There’s a subtle bias in how some reviewers interpret "curriculum." If you name a program, they seem to know what to look for. If you design your own, their scrutiny increases. That’s not fair to families who have chosen a more personalized or progressive approach.

Parents' Right to Outsource and Co-Learn

Another important freedom in homeschooling is the right to outsource instruction or participate in co-ops. Parents should be able to seek tutoring, join learning communities, or enroll their children in supplemental programs without being labeled as a nonpublic school.

Learning can happen in many environments, and collaboration with other families or educators doesn’t take away from the parent’s role as the primary instructor. Regulations should support the reality that homeschooling often includes partnerships, not restrict them.

Equity and Support for Homeschoolers

While I can’t say definitively that the current regulations protect all families equitably, I do know that some of the practices in place today don’t. I'm concerned when I hear that MSDE or the State Board of Education is unsupportive of homeschoolers. I'm concerned when homeschool families are excluded from public school sports. I'm concerned when homeschool families suspect their child has a disability but can’t access evaluation services because their child isn't enrolled in public school.

There is a lack of resources for homeschool families. Most of what we access, like the public library or community rec programs, are not facilitated by MSDE. And in today’s political climate, I worry about the future. If more authority is handed to the state, will Maryland choose to support homeschool families or create more barriers under the guise of "protection"?

✍🏾 Make Your Voice Heard

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗦𝗗𝗘 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱.Submit public comments in support of the current homeschool regulations and the right of families to partner with umbrella organizations for supervision and review.

📬 By Mail: Madeline Houck, Policy AnalystOffice of Government Affairs, Maryland State Department of Education200 W. Baltimore StreetBaltimore, MD 21201

📧 By Email: regulatoryreview.msde@maryland.gov(Put “Regulatory Review” in the subject line.)

Homeschooling should not come with unnecessary hurdles or biased oversight. We deserve a process that respects families, values educational freedom, and supports the diverse ways children learn best.

Let’s protect the rights that allow us to nurture our children in love, creativity, and truth.

Tatiana Alexander is a homeschool mother, educator, and founder of SOL Learning Center — a co-learning community that provides support, opportunity, and love to families navigating alternative education paths in Maryland.