Frequently Asked Questions About Home Schooling
under Carroll County Public School Oversight

Do I need to set up a classroom in my home?

You need to provide an educational area. This should include a desk or work area with suitable lighting and ventilation. Resource and instructional materials should be available to your child.

Must the parent be the teacher or can a tutor be hired to take care of the instruction?

COMAR regulations are quite clear that the parent is to be the primary provider of the instruction. Other adults can assist with a special area of interest, but not replace the parent. The teaching by another adult or group of adults constitutes a school which must seek accreditation approval through the Maryland State Department of Education.

Am I required to be a certified teacher?

No, not under present regulations.

How much time should be spent on instruction each day?

Generally, a minimum of five (5) hours of daily instruction, Monday through Friday, is recommended for a period of at least 36 weeks (180) days of instruction.

Am I obligated to follow the public school calendar?

You need to specify the hours, days and length of your instructional year during the portfolio review. Weekend, evening hours and summertime may also be a part of the schedule if you desire. A minimum of 180 days of instruction is expected.

Should I develop a planning book for instruction?

Evidence of planning on your part is part of the portfolio review.

Should I keep a record of attendance evaluations/grades given to my child?

Yes.

What areas of instruction are mandatory in my program?

Instruction in the following areas is required: Reading, English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Spelling, Art, Music, Health, Physical Education.

What samples of my child's work should be available during the portfolio 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.

How often are portfolio reviews to take place?

Generally, such reviews occur two (2) times per year. There can be a maximum of three (3) reviews permitted by the bylaw each academic year.

What happens if the school system personnel are dissatisfied with the home instructional program?

If there are deficiencies in the program resulting in the child not receiving a regular, thorough instructional program, the parent will be notified of this deficiency and must provide evidence within 30 days that the deficiency has been corrected. If the deficiency is not corrected, the child shall be enrolled promptly in a public or nonpublic school.

What would the process be if I should decide to place my child back in school at some future date?

The parent shall contact the Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW) who will arrange a portolio review. Portfolio reviews for elementary/middle school students will be conducted by the school principal, PPW, and other appropriate staff. Portfolio reviews for high school credit will be conducted by Curriculum Supervisors who will recommend the awarding of credits to the Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Note: Carroll County Public School oversight of your child's program does not ensure that credit will be awarded upon enrolling in school.

Will a high school diploma be issued by Carroll County Public Schools if I elect to have my child remain on a home instruction program through grade 12?

No. Maryland diplomas cannot be issued to students who are not enrolled in our school system. A high school diploma may be earned by completing the GED exam or meeting the diploma requirement of an umbrella organization the offers a diploma.

Can my child take part in some aspects of the school instructional or extra-curricular programs while receiving home instruction?

No. Home instruction is an "all-or-nothing" program with the exception that some special education services are available if the child is brought to and from school by the parent in order to receive such services. Contact the home school for additional information.

May my child participate in the standardized testing program offered by the school system even though he/she is not enrolled?

Yes. Upon request of a parent or guardian, a child receiving home instruction may participate in the regularly scheduled standardized testing programs that are administered in the public school where the child is eligible to attend. Arrangements must be made prior to testing and the child must be brought to the assigned school by the parent. Schedules are available upon request.

Must I reapply for permission to continue home instruction each year?

A new application is not necessary. However, you are required to let us know your intent, whether to continue your program or to enroll in school. You may use an intent form or an original letter. Please address responses to your pupil personnel worker at Carroll County Public Schools.

May I use materials from the school?

The school system does not supply materialsfor home instruction. Parents are responsible for purchasing or creating their own curriculum materials. Parents may review curriculum guides at the Carroll County Public School Resource Center as a reference source. guies may be copied for a fee. However, only some courses have materials on file.