Printable Maryland Homeschool Letter of Intent Template

Filling out the Maryland Homeschool Letter of Intent form is an important step for families who choose to educate their children at home. To ensure a smooth process, here are some essential dos and don'ts to keep in mind.

• Do provide accurate information about your child, including their full name and date of birth.
• Do include your contact information so that the local school board can reach you if needed.
• Do clearly state your intent to homeschool in the letter.
• Do submit the form to the appropriate local school board office.

• Don't leave any sections of the form blank; incomplete forms can lead to delays.
• Don't forget to check for spelling and grammatical errors before submission.
• Don't submit the form late; adhere to any deadlines set by your local school board.
• Don't assume that verbal communication is sufficient; always provide a written letter of intent.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your homeschooling journey starts off on the right foot.

Many families considering homeschooling in Maryland may encounter misconceptions about the Homeschool Letter of Intent form. Understanding these misconceptions can help clarify the requirements and process involved. Here are eight common misunderstandings:

• Misconception 1: The Letter of Intent must be submitted every year.

In Maryland, once you submit the Letter of Intent, you do not need to resubmit it annually. However, you must notify the local school board if you decide to discontinue homeschooling.

• Misconception 2: The Letter of Intent requires detailed curriculum information.

The form itself does not require a detailed curriculum outline. You simply need to indicate that you intend to homeschool and provide basic information about your educational plan.

• Misconception 3: The Letter of Intent must be notarized.

There is no requirement for notarization. You can submit the form directly to your local school board without any additional certification.

• Misconception 4: Submitting the Letter of Intent means you are automatically approved to homeschool.

While submitting the Letter of Intent is a necessary step, it does not guarantee approval. Your educational plan will still need to meet state requirements.

• Misconception 5: You cannot change your educational plan after submitting the Letter of Intent.

You can modify your educational plan at any time. However, it is advisable to keep your local school board informed of any significant changes.

• Misconception 6: There is a deadline for submitting the Letter of Intent.

Maryland does not impose a strict deadline for submitting the Letter of Intent. Families can submit it at any time during the year, as long as they do so before starting their homeschooling journey.

• Misconception 7: All children in the household must be included in the Letter of Intent.

You only need to include the children you intend to homeschool. If you have other children who will not be homeschooled, they do not need to be listed.

• Misconception 8: The local school board will provide curriculum materials after submitting the Letter of Intent.

The local school board does not provide curriculum materials. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to choose and acquire appropriate educational resources.

Filling out and using the Maryland Homeschool Letter of Intent form is an important step for families who wish to educate their children at home. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

• The Letter of Intent must be submitted to the local school board at the beginning of each school year.
• Include the names and ages of all children you intend to homeschool.
• Clearly state your intent to provide home instruction, as this is a legal requirement.
• Ensure that the form is signed and dated; an unsigned form may not be accepted.
• Keep a copy of the submitted form for your records, as this may be useful in future communications.
• Be aware that you may be required to provide additional information or documentation upon request from the school board.
• Understand that submitting this form does not automatically grant approval; your local school board may follow up with questions.

By following these guidelines, families can navigate the process with confidence and ensure compliance with Maryland's homeschooling laws.

1. Incomplete Information: Many individuals fail to provide all required details. This includes the full names of the parents or guardians, the address, and the names of all children being homeschooled. Omitting even one piece of information can lead to delays or rejection of the application.

2. Incorrect Dates: Some people mistakenly enter the wrong dates for the start of the homeschooling period. It is crucial to ensure that the dates align with the school year and reflect the intended duration of homeschooling.

3. Failure to Sign: A common oversight is neglecting to sign the form. The signature confirms that the information provided is accurate and that the parents or guardians are committed to homeschooling.

4. Not Keeping a Copy: After submitting the form, some individuals do not retain a copy for their records. Keeping a copy is essential for future reference and can serve as proof of intent if needed.