Home Instruction (Home Schooling)

  • Written Agreement

    A parent/guardian who chooses to teach a child at home must complete a Home Instruction Notification form, obtained directly from Student Services (see below). This form must be completed and submitted to the Department of Student Services at least fifteen (15) calendar days before beginning the program. The parent/guardian of a student enrolled in the program must provide regular, thorough instruction in all subjects appropriate to the student’s grade level.

    Documentation

    The parent/guardian must maintain a portfolio of relevant instructional plans, reading materials, and sufficient examples of the child’s schoolwork to document the use of the appropriate curriculum and demonstrate student progress.

    Reviews

    Individual homeschooling programs are reviewed biannually by GCPS (January and May). It is required that the parent attend the review (student should also attend, if possible), present the student’s portfolio, and verify that regular, thorough instruction of age-appropriate materials is occurring. If the school work presented for review is not sufficient, a thirty (30) day instructional period may be granted for an additional review. Approved home school/umbrella programs that are registered with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) are responsible for the review of students enrolled in their program.

    Voluntary Participation in Standardized Testing

    Upon request of the parent or guardian, a child receiving home instruction may participate in regularly scheduled standardized testing programs that are administered at their home school. The parent/guardian must contact Mrs. Janet Gregory, the GCPS Local Accountability Coordinator, if interested and schedule testing.

    Noncompliance with Requirements

    If a parent/guardian does not consent to the requirements of the written agreement and participate in assigned reviews, or if the child is not making sufficient academic progress, the child must be enrolled promptly in a public or non-public school.

    Additional Information

    • The parent/guardian must be the primary instructor according to Maryland law and MSDE regulations.
    • Students receiving Home Instruction are not authorized to participate in academic instruction or activities in public schools other than the standardized testing program.
    • It is the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s) to obtain curriculum materials and books.
    • A parent may call the Special Education Office if he/she believes his/her child may be eligible for special education services. Under the requirements of Child Find, GCPS will identify, locate and evaluate those students who may be eligible for special education services.

    Please contact 301.334.8915 if you have any other questions about the program.

    Home Instruction Packet

    MSDE- Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Home Instruction in Maryland