Maryland Homeschool
Day at the Capitol

Do you value the freedoms we enjoy in this country—including the freedom to homeschool?

Join homeschool families from across Maryland for MACHE’s Homeschool Day at the Capitol in Annapolis. This one-day event brings families together at the Maryland State Capitol to learn, engage, and stand in support of homeschooling freedom in our state.

Homeschool Day at the Capitol is about showing up for homeschooling freedom. When families gather at the Capitol, it sends a clear message that homeschoolers are engaged, informed, and committed to protecting the freedoms that make home education possible in Maryland. Your presence truly makes a difference.

Homeschool freedom matters. Your presence at the Capitol helps show legislators that Maryland’s homeschool community is engaged, informed, and invested in the future of education.

What Is Homeschool Day at the Capitol?

Homeschool Day at the Capitol is an annual event hosted by the Maryland Association of Christian Home Educators (MACHE). It gives homeschool families from across Maryland the opportunity to learn about the state’s legislative process while engaging in civic education and advocacy.

Families will visit the Maryland State Capitol in Annapolis to:

  • Observe legislative proceedings and see government in action

  • Learn how laws are made and how they impact homeschooling in Maryland

  • Gain a better understanding of how government decisions affect homeschoolers

  • Participate in a meaningful, hands-on civic experience for students of all ages

This event is designed to be educational, engaging, and appropriate for homeschool students of all ages, providing a rewarding learning experience for the entire family. It’s a chance to connect with fellow homeschoolers, learn about government first-hand, and stand together in support of homeschooling freedom in Maryland.

Thursday, March 12, 2026
Maryland State House
100 State Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401

(Tentative) Schedule Overview 

Please wear red and/or purchase a MACHE t-shirt

  • Arrive at 8:30 am – Give yourself plenty of time to park and arrive on Lawyers Mall
  • 9:00 am – Check in at the MACHE Registration Table / Homeschool Freedom Packet Pick-Up [Lawyers Mall]
  • 9:15 am – Rally on Lawyers Mall / Welcome / National Anthem / Group Prayer / Legislative Speakers / Group Photo [Lawyers Mall]
  • 9:45 am – Balcony Seating [MACHE has limited seats and seeks to represent multiple counties. Session can also be watched online.]
  • 10:00 am – MACHE Homeschool Freedom Panel [Lawyers Mall]
  • 10:45 am – Mall clean-up
  • 11:00 am – Maryland Legislative Update #1 w/TJ Schmidt, Esq [Public Lounge – Room 140]
  • 12:00 pm – Homeschool Lunch & Learn (pick up Grab-and-Go lunches if ordered, or enjoy the lunch you bring with you) [Cade Room]
  • 1:00 pm – Capitol Tours / Committee Meetings / Legislative Update #2

Homeschool Day at the Capitol Parking and Maps

Navigating Annapolis and the Capitol complex can feel overwhelming, especially during the legislative session. The maps below are provided to help you plan your arrival, parking, and movement throughout the day.

Noah Hillman Garage

150 Gorman St, Annapolis, MD 21401

  • Estimated 6-minute walk to the State House (0.2 mi)

Gotts Court Garage

25 Northwest St, Annapolis, MD 21401

  • Estimated 7-minute walk to the State House (0.3 mi)

John Whitmore Garage

37 Clay St, Annapolis, MD 21401

  • Estimated 8-minute walk to the State House (0.3 mi)

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium

550 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401

  • Estimated 4-minute drive (22-min walk) to the State House (1.2 mi)
  • Drive to Navy Stadium: Head to the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium at 550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis.
  • Enter via Gate 5: Use Gate 5 on Taylor Avenue for public parking.
  • Pay for Parking: Cashless system with daily parking around $11. Accepts Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, etc.
  • Catch the Shuttle: Look for the Annapolis Transit Shuttle (or State Shuttle during legislative sessions) to downtown Annapolis. Shuttles fares are EXACT CASH ONLY and cost:
    • Base cash fare — $2 per person
    • Seniors, disabled, students, and Medicare Card Holders (must show valid photo identification) — $1 per person
    • Children 5 years old and under — Free (up to 3 children with a paying adult)
  • Ride to the State House: Shuttle drops off near the State House and other State Office Complex buildings. Short walk or transfer to the Capitol.

PLEASE NOTE: Please plan accordingly when arriving. While nearby garages such as the Noah Hillman Garage, Gotts Court Garage, and John Whitmore Garage are typically available, they may enforce “monthly only” parking at times and could be unavailable for public parking. If this occurs, the primary parking option will be at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium with shuttle service, or limited parallel street parking in the surrounding area. To ensure a smooth arrival, we recommend allowing extra time to park and walk from nearby garages or wait for the shuttle from the stadium. Parking locations in downtown Annapolis may be cashless, so please be prepared to pay using cash, a card, or digital payment methods.

Keynote Speakers

Our 2026 Homeschool Day at the Capitol speakers are educators, advocates, and leaders who are passionate about homeschooling and civic engagement. Hear from them as they share insights, experiences, and inspiration for homeschool families.

Delegate Lauren Arikan

Member of the House of Delegates

TJ Schmidt, Esq.

HSLDA Senior Counsel

Senator Arthur Ellis

Member of the Senate

Delegate Nicholaus Kipke

Member of the House of Delegates

Optional Add-On Items

Homeschool Day at the Capitol is free to attend, but attendees may choose to add OPTIONAL items during their registration, including a GRAB-AND-GO LUNCH and MACHE T-SHIRTS.

DEADLINE: FRIDAY, MARCH 6
All Grab-and-Go lunches and t-shirts must be ordered no later than Friday, March 6, 2026.

Optional add-on purchases are non-refundable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about Homeschool Day at the Capitol? We’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions below to help your family plan for a smooth, enjoyable, and meaningful day at the State Capitol, including important details about schedules, logistics, and what to expect.

Who can attend Homeschool Day at the Capitol?

Families who homeschool in Maryland — or from out of state — are welcome to attend. Students of all ages may join with a parent or guardian, and the event is designed to provide a meaningful and educational experience for the entire family.

Do I need to be a MACHE member to attend?

No. MACHE membership is not required to participate. All homeschool families are welcome, regardless of membership status, and there is no cost to attend the main event. However, registration is mandatory in order to help us maintain an accurate head count. (Optional items like grab-and-go lunches and MACHE t-shirts are available for purchase.)

Is this event suitable for younger students?

Absolutely! We make sure activities and presentations are age-appropriate, so even the youngest students can learn and have fun. From watching legislative proceedings to participating in interactive experiences, there’s something for everyone. Parents are encouraged to guide their children so they get the most out of the day.

Do we need to attend the full day?

Nope! Come for the full day if you’d like, or just join us for the rally or specific activities that fit your schedule. Either way, your participation helps support homeschool freedom and gives your students a chance to see government in action.

Is lunch provided?

Yes, families may choose to add a Grab-and-Go lunch when they register. Lunch includes a Chick-fil-A sandwich, chips, and a bottled water. Adding lunch is completely optional, and families are also welcome to bring their own lunch if they prefer. Lunch time offers a great opportunity to relax and connect with other homeschool families.

Will there be Capitol tours or committee observations?

Yes! Capitol tours and opportunities to observe committee meetings are scheduled in the afternoon. Families may request to participate in a Capitol tour with MACHE by selecting that option on the registration form, or they may explore the Capitol on their own. These experiences give students a valuable, hands-on look at how government works.

How will I receive updates or changes about the event?

Important updates will be sent via email to all registered families prior to the event. If any changes occur on the day of the event, MACHE staff will communicate updates on-site so families stay informed.

What should we bring with us?

Here’s a handy checklist:

  • Photo ID for adults (sometimes required)

  • Registration confirmation (print or digital)

  • Notebook and pen for students

  • Lunch or snacks if you’re not ordering a box lunch

  • Water bottle

  • Small backpack or bag

Important: There will be metal detectors at entrances, and security may ask adults for ID. Everyone will need to pass through screening before entering government buildings.

Who can we contact if we have additional questions?

We’re happy to help! If you have any questions about the event, registration, or logistics, email us at info@machemd.org. Our team wants to make sure your day at the Capitol is smooth, safe, and fun for the whole family.

Can’t attend?

You can still support the ongoing work of the Maryland Homeschool Freedom Team. Your donation helps MACHE continue advocacy, events, and resources for homeschool families across Maryland.

Thank you for helping us continue this important work for homeschool families across the state of Maryland.

DONATE HERE

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

We are sincerely grateful to our generous sponsors for supporting the 2026 Homeschool Day at the Capitol, as your partnership helps make this meaningful civic experience possible for homeschool families across Maryland.

Have Questions?

We’re happy to help! If you have any questions about Homeschool Day at the Capitol, registration, or logistics, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

CONTACT US