What is Home Instruction (Home Schooling)?

Maryland law, Education Article, §7-301, Annotated Code of Maryland, Compulsory Attendance, and COMAR 13A.10.10.01 states that each child who resides in Maryland and is 5 years old by September 1st or older and under 18 shall regularly attend a public school during the entire school year unless the child is otherwise receiving regular, thorough schooling during the school year in the studies usually taught in the public school to children of the same age.  Maryland recognizes nonpublic schools and home instruction as options to public school enrollment for students.  Parents/guardians may choose to educate their children themselves rather than enrolling their children in a traditional public or private school.  The parent who chooses to home school will provide regular and thorough instruction during the school year in the subjects usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age.  Students who transfer to home schooling are no longer enrolled in Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS).  Therefore, FCPS educational services, clubs, teams and IEP services are no longer available to the student who transfers to home schooling.

Curriculum:

The home school parent/guardian has the flexibility to create, select and/or purchase the home school materials and/or programs they will use while home schooling.  The parent who chooses to home school will provide regular and thorough instruction during the school year in the subjects usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age, including instruction in English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education.  The home instruction program may include enrollment on a part-time or full-time basis in courses offered by accredited or unaccredited colleges.  Neither the Home Instruction Office, nor the child’s school, provides curriculum or materials to be used while home schooling.

Supervision:

On the enrollment form, the home school parent/guardian will choose what entity will supervise your individual program, either the FCPS Home Instruction/School office or an "MSDE Umbrella School". MSDE Umbrella Schools are organizations registered with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) who agree to provide homeschool oversight for families who educate their children at home. A list of these non-public organizations can be found at MSDE Umbrella Schools.

Reviews:

The parent or guardian provides the educational program and maintains a portfolio of materials to be reviewed by the Home Instruction Office which demonstrates regular, thorough instruction in the following areas: English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health and physical education.  Reviews are required two times per school year.       Multiple review options will be available.

Home Instruction Notification Form