What is a homeschool Co-op & umbrella?

*DISCLAIMER* | The contents of this article are not to be misconstrued as legal advice.

Umbrellas

According to the state of Maryland, homeschool umbrellas are organizations registered with the State Department of Education who agree to provide homeschool oversight for families who educate their children at home. COMAR allows for three types of non-governmental entities to provide homeschool oversight to Maryland families.

1. Nonpublic school with a certificate of approval from the Maryland State Department of Education

2. Church-exempt school

3. Education ministry of a bonafide church organization

The state of Maryland only registers umbrellas. They are not regulated by the state

Co-ops

In the state of Maryland, co-ops are only able to provide supplemental instruction due to legal constraints. Co-ops can not provide regular instruction. Unlike umbrellas, co-ops are not required to be licensed by the state of Maryland.

Accreditation

Primary and secondary schools in the United States of America are not accredited. Accreditation is a term used for colleges and universities. However, the state you live in recognizes certain entities (private schools, homeschooling, public schools) as it pertains to being legally recognized as high schoolgraduates or completion of high school (Home school diploma or G.E.D).

Many accredited colleges do accept homeschool diplomas. Efficient record keeping is essential as it pertains to college admission or even transferring your child back into the public school system.