Maryland is a portfolio-review state — a reviewer inspects an actual portfolio, either your local school system (Pathway 1) or an umbrella school (Pathway 2). Keep all of the following:
What to keep
A portfolio of instructional materials — the texts, workbooks, and reading materials you use (COMAR 13A.10.01)
Samples of your child's work across the 8 required subjects(English, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, physical education)
Evidence of regular and thorough instruction in the studies usually taught in Maryland public schools
A copy of your signed MSDE consent form(filed with the local superintendent before starting)
Records of your portfolio reviews(Pathway 1: up to 3 district reviews a year; Pathway 2: annual umbrella verification)
Your Maryland filing timeline
At least 15 days before startingFile the signed MSDE consent form with your local superintendent.
All year longKeep the portfolio current — instructional materials and work samples across the 8 subjects — as you go.
Up to 3 times a year (Pathway 1)The local school system reviews your portfolio at a mutually agreed time and place.
Annually (Pathway 2)Your umbrella or nonpublic school verifies your program to the superintendent.