Homeschool Regulations Now Open for Possible Amendment or Repeal
Protect Maryland Homeschool Freedom
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has officially opened the Maryland homeschool regulations for potential amendment or repeal. This means the current homeschool law — COMAR 13A.10.01: Home Instruction — could soon change.
Homeschool families across Maryland must act now to ensure their voices are heard.
Immediate public comments should be sent to MSDE to protect Maryland Homeschool Freedom.
Background
In Summer 2025, MSDE reviewed several sections of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), including 13A.10.01: Home Instruction, which governs homeschool laws in Maryland.
During the public comment period (May–August 2025), home instruction received more attention than any other topic, with over 2,500 comments submitted by families and organizations statewide. Nearly all supported keeping the current homeschool regulations unchanged.
Although MSDE initially indicated no changes were expected, the Final Evaluation Report (September 2025) reversed course.
MSDE now recommends that COMAR 13A.10.01 “Home Instruction” be opened for possible amendment or repeal in 2026.
MSDE Staff Evaluation Summary
MSDE staff have proposed technical and clarifying amendments to the homeschool regulation. The following summaries were included in the official Regulatory Review Evaluation Report:
Intent to Homeschool
13A.10.01: Students – Home Instruction
A technical amendment could close a loophole that allows parents to enroll a student in the local education agency (LEA) for a day, withdraw them immediately, and then resume the same home instruction program — a practice previously found to be insufficient.
Maryland Umbrella Programs
The chapter also states that supervising nonpublic schools or institutions must annually verify with the LEA the identification of students continuing under their supervision.
A clarifying amendment could specify when this verification must occur (e.g., by August 30 or another set date).
How You Can Take Action
Now that COMAR 13A.10.01 Home Instruction is open for possible amendment. Homeschool families should:
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Send public comments to MSDE immediately.
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Let your voice be heard in support of homeschool freedom.
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Sign up for MACHE’s Maryland Homeschool Alerts & Updates
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Stay informed about ongoing developments in the regulatory process.
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Follow advocacy partners like HSLDA
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Receive timely updates and alerts regarding the proposed changes.
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Submit public comments in support of the current homeschool regulations.
BY MAIL
Madeline Houck, Policy Analyst in the Office of Government Affairs
Maryland State Department of Education
200 W. Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
BY EMAIL: regulatoryreview.msde@maryland.gov
Put “Regulatory Review” in the subject line.
We’re so grateful to have you alongside us as we work to support and defend homeschooling freedoms in Maryland!