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Home Instruction

Applications Are Now Open

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) is exploring offering a virtual
learning experience within our existing Virtual Academy for rising 9th-12th graders who are
currently enrolled in home instruction. This initiative aims to provide eligible students with a
comprehensive online educational option that aligns with district standards and offers
opportunities for academic and extracurricular engagement. Please note: Submission of an
application does not guarantee enrollment, as this Virtual Instruction program is contingent
on community interest, funding, and resources.

The application window opens on Friday, February 20th, and will close at 11:59 PM on March 8,
2026. To apply, please complete the application here. Individual applications need to be
completed for each student.

For more details, please email virtual@smcps.org or call (301) 863-4090.

About Home Instruction

St. Mary’s County Public Schools supports homeschooling in accordance with the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 13a.10.01. The purpose of these regulations is to establish a procedure to be used to determine if a child participating in a home instruction program is receiving regular, thorough instruction during the school year in the studies usually taught in the public schools to children of the same age. The home instruction 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. Nonpublic Entities Registered to Supervise Home Instruction of Maryland Students. 

Parents/Guardians who choose to teach a child at home must submit a Home Instruction Notification Form to the address below at least 15 days before beginning a homeschooling program. Each year thereafter, a parent/guardian needs to verify the continuation of homeschooling and notify the Homeschooling Office or the supervisory nonpublic institution if there is a change in homeschooling status during the school year.  

A home instruction program under the St. Mary's County Public System will be reviewed at the end of each semester.  If the Home Instruction student is supervised by a nonpublic school or institution, that entity will verify the continuation or dismissal of the student under their supervision. 

If there is a change in home instruction status, please complete a Home Instruction Change of Status Form.