A parent or guardian who chooses to teach a child at home must initially complete an MCPS Assurance of Consent Form. The form must be submitted to the above address at least 15 days before the beginning of a home schooling program. Each year thereafter, a parent or guardian needs to verify the continuation of home schooling and notify the Department of Student Services or their supervising nonpublic institution if there is a change in home schooling status during the school year.
The home schooling program must be under the supervision of either the student’s local school system or a nonpublic entity that is registered with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). A home schooling program under the supervision of MCPS will be reviewed by MCPS staff at the end of each semester. The program shall be delivered by the parent or guardian and include instruction in English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education. A home schooling program under the supervision of a nonpublic entity registered with MSDE will not be reviewed by MCPS.
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Do I need to set up a classroom in my home?
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No, but you need to provide an area that includes a desk or work space with suitable lighting and ventilation. Resource and instructional material should be available to your child.
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Must the parent/guardian be the teacher or can a tutor be hired to take care of the instruction?
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The law is quite clear that the parent/guardian is to be the primary provider of the instruction. Other adults can assist with special areas of interest, but not replace the parent. The teaching by another adult or group of adults constitutes a school that must seek accreditation approval through the Maryland State Department of Education.
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Am I required to be a certified teacher?
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No, not under present regulations.
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Am I obliged to follow the public school calendar?
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You need to specify the hours, days, and length of your instructional year during the program review. Weekend, evening hours, and summertime also may be a part of the schedule if you desire. A minimum of 180 days (based on 5 hours of instruction per day, it would be 900 hours) per year of instruction is expected.
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Should I develop a planning book for instruction:
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Evidence of a planning book is included as part of the program review.
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Should I keep a record of attendance and evaluations/grades given to my child?
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Yes
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What areas of instruction are mandatory in my program?
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Evidence of instruction in all of the following areas is required: Reading, Math, English/Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Spelling, Art, Music, Health, and Physical Education.
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How often are the program reviews?
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Montgomery County conducts 2 reviews each school year, at the end of the first and second semester. You will receive a letter with a date, time and what to bring for your review.
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What happens if the school system personnel are dissatisfied with the home schooling program?
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If there are deficiencies in the program resulting in the child not receiving a regular, thorough instructional program conforming with the law, the parent will be notified of the deficiency and must provide evidence within 30 days that the deficiency has been corrected. If the deficiency is not corrected, the child must be enrolled in a public or private school.
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What sample of my child’s work should be available during the program review? |
Examples of the child’s writing, worksheets, workbooks, creative materials, and tests must be saved for the review. In addition, work should be dated as it is completed.
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What would the process be if I should decide to place my child back in school at some future date?
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The parent should call the school and set up a meeting with the principal or his designee to review the student’s home schooling portfolio. The principal, based on the portfolio will determine if testing is needed in any subject area. The principal will make the final decision as to grade placement.
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Will a high school diploma be issued by Montgomery County Public Schools if I elect to have my child remain on a home schooling program through grade 12?
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No
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Can a student on Home Schooling receive any services from Montgomery County Public Schools?
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Children with disabilities who are home schooled do not have an individual entitlement to special education services.
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May my child participate in the standardized testing program offered by the school system even though he/she is not enrolled?
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Yes. Parents should call their child’s designated MCPS school to make arrangements. Parents are reminded that not each grade level is tested each year.
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Can a child on home schooling participate in extracurricular activities at the MCPS school (i.e. band, football, foreign language, etc.)?
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No.
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