CURRENT GRADE: F
There is one option for school choice in the state where tax dollars benefit students, but it is only a total of 3,000 students out of nearly 1 million.
Homeschooling requires approval by a government entity and reporting requirements.
Compulsory attendance is required between ages 5 through under 18.
Education Options
- BOOST Scholarship Program
- Eligible low-income students can apply for scholarships to attend participating nonpublic schools.
- Approx 3,000 students in 2024 received a scholarship varying from $1,200-$4,750 each.
- Charter Schools
- The state Office of School Innovations oversee charter programs.
- Public schools operated by independent nonprofit organizations.
- Charter awarded by the local board of education.
- Total of 48 in the state and 31 of them are in Baltimore.
Homeschooling Laws
Here are state requirements on the topic of homeschooling:
- Must receive regular, thorough instruction during the school year in the studies usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age.
- Parents must sign a statement on a form prescribed by the Maryland State Department of Education, indicating consent to home instruction requirements. The form must be submitted to the local superintendent or designee at least 15 calendar days prior to beginning home instruction.
- Program shall include instruction in English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education.
- Parents must submit to portfolio reviews by the local school system or be supervised by one of the following entities: 1) a nonpublic school that holds a Certificate of Approval from the Maryland State Department of Education; 2) a church-exempt nonpublic school; or 3) an institution (education ministry) offering an educational program operated by a bona fide church organization.
Religious Exemptions:
- There are no state specific religious exemption laws.
The First Amendment states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Many argue that a religious conviction to provide a home-based education is constitutionally protected and a state religious exemption law is not a requirement to be able to homeschool on religious grounds.
It should be noted that the U.S. Supreme Court in Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) established that “Under the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, a state law requiring that children attend school past eighth grade violates the parents’ constitutional right to direct the religious upbringing of their children.” (The case involved a challenge of a 16-year-old student to be exempt, so the scope was limited)
