Maryland or Virginia

[aris99]

For those of you who are familiar w/homeschooling regulations in either or both states, which state is a more HS friendly state to live in?

We may be moving to DC and are currently hs'ing an 8 and 6 yo w/the option of living in VA or MD.

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[skueppers]

Maryland requires homeschoolers to register, and to have meetings 2-3 times a year with a school official, at which you provide a portfolio showing that you are providing "regular, thorough instruction" in the required subject areas. If the review system gives you hives, you can also join an umbrella organization. Maryland does not require a specific number of hours/days of attendance, standardized testing, or curriculum approval. Maryland doesn't have cyberschooling or homeschool public charter programs.

I'm not so familiar with Virginia, though I know they require "evidence of progress," which could be standardized testing or an evaluation of the child. In Maryland, the emphasis is on whether the parent is providing bona fide learning opportunities, rather than whether the student is learning anything. I believe cyberschooling is available in at least some parts of Virginia; I don't know whether they have homeschool resource center-type programs.

[raelize]

we are planning on joining an umbrella organiztion when we must, but we're in MD. i went with a friend to her first meeting with their umbrella group and it consisted of her filling out a form with a short overview of some of the stuff they were planning to do that year, then chatting a little with the umbrella representative and picking apples at the orchard where we wer meeting. that was it.
i have another friend who meets 2x/year with county educational reviewers and has an easy time with that also. she keeps a portfolio with pics of field trips, examples of work her dd has completed, etc. it is also pretty easy for her and she works out of the house 3 mornings a week.
i think either path is pretty easy in MD, i ca't tell you anything about VA, but maybe you should post in the finding your tribe section, perhaps someone there could help you out.

[zeldamomma]

In Virginia, you file a Notice of Intention to homeschool at the beginning of the year, and then send in proof of progress at the end of the year. The proof of progress can be standardized test results, or the result of either the assessment of a portfolio, or an assessment of your child (these would be done by a private assessor, whom you would hire). All communication with the school district can be done by mail. There are no attendance requirements.

For more information, check out VaHomeschoolers.org.

It sounds like the MD laws are manageable, and the VA laws are not bad at all, so if I were you I would pick the area you like best, or offers the best commute. VA and MD are surprisingly different, and the traffic congestion is considerable.

We used to live near DC. I miss the museums terribly. Enjoy them!

[phathui5]

When I lived in MD, I did reviews through the county and it was a very easy experience.