Do I need an umbrella to homeschool in Maryland?

No. Maryland families can either register with their local school system or enroll in a Maryland Approved Homeschool Umbrella Program.

Are umbrellas approved by the state?

Yes. Maryland Approved Umbrella Programs are recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education and meet specific oversight requirements.

Can I switch umbrellas mid-year?

Yes, but it's important to plan ahead. You must notify your current umbrella, ensure your new umbrella accepts your enrollment, and maintain continuous oversight to stay in compliance with Maryland law.

Are there free Maryland umbrella programs?

Most Maryland Approved Umbrella Programs charge a fee to cover administrative services. Some offer low-cost options or flexible pricing, depending on the level of support and oversight provided.

What’s the difference between a religious and secular umbrella?

Religious umbrellas may incorporate faith-based values and activities, while secular umbrellas focus on academics and compliance without religious content.

Maryland Approved Umbrellas

Below you’ll find a list of Maryland Approved Homeschool Umbrella Programs serving families in Frederick, Carroll, Montgomery, and Washington Counties. These programs provide legal oversight, support, and guidance in compliance with Maryland homeschool laws. This directory is updated regularly as we receive permission to post new listings.

Annunciation High School

All Maryland Counties

K-12th

Catholic

Annunciation High School opened in 2023 and licenses the Kolbe Academy curriculum to provide a classical education, rooted in the Catholic faith, to students in grades 9-12. Annunciation High School is Maryland Approved Non-Public School and is an umbrella for families from all counties in Maryland.

Visit Website

His Academy

Montgomery County

K-8th

Christian

His Academy offers a Christ-centered homeschool umbrella program supporting families with curriculum guidance, public school withdrawal assistance, and biannual academic supervision. We partner with parents to provide accountability and encouragement throughout their homeschool journey, while respecting each family’s unique educational goals.

Visit Website

Peaceful Worldschoolers

All Maryland Counties

K-12th

Neutral

Peaceful Worldschoolers is a bilingual, unschool-friendly, portfolio-free umbrella that hosts weekly field trips and events that are open to all! For just $100 per family per year, you can say "GOOD BYE!" to stressful portfolio reviews and say "HELLO!" to living and learning with fun and freedom! To join us on one of our amazing field trips, join our Facebook group "Peaceful Worldschoolers of the DMV." If you would like more information about our umbrella, check out our website: https://peacefulworldschoolers.com/about-peaceful-worldschoolers/ or text/call Angela at 240-305-1441.

Visit Website

RISE Hybrid Private Academy

Montgomery County

K-12th

Secular

Rise Hybrid Private Academy’s Homeschool Umbrella Program serves students in grades K–12 and is designed to make homeschooling simple and stress-free for parents. We provide ongoing support, guidance, and accountability to help families meet state requirements with confidence. Our program includes access to individualized curriculum tailored to each child’s learning style, pace, and academic goals. For families seeking a smooth transition into a more structured environment, we also offer enrollment in our private school, which features small class sizes—especially beneficial for middle and high school students who want the flexibility of homeschooling with the added support and structure of a private school setting.

Visit Website

Maryland Approved Umbrellas

Building Community

Discovering Opportunity

Building Community | Discovering Opportunity