On the evening after attending a parent consultation, a family casually mentioned, "Should we just teach at home?" This could stem from concerns about bullying or the child not keeping pace with schoolwork.

What used to sound like a unique situation now has become a serious topic among Korean parents over a cup of latte.

Has the number really increased? The national statistics suggest so.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the percentage of homeschool students rose from 2.8% in the 2018-19 school year to 3.4% in the 2022-23 school year.

Johns Hopkins' Homeschool Hub reported an average increase of 4.9% for states that released data for the 2024-25 school year. This is quite rapid compared to the pre-pandemic growth rate of around 2%.

The numbers in Maryland are even more interesting. A chart citing the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) shows that the number of homeschool students, which was in the 27,000 range in 2020, surpassed 42,000 by 2025.

However, a report from MSDE this June indicated a decrease from 42,151 to 40,653 students, a drop of 3.6%. This was somewhat unexpected for me. While there has been significant growth, it doesn't mean the numbers are continuously rising.

I couldn't find official statistics specifically for Korean families. Therefore, it's hard to definitively say that it's a trend among Koreans; it seems more accurate to say that interest has grown.

What motivates parents to start homeschooling? According to a 2023 Pew survey, the most cited reason was concerns about the school environment (safety, drugs, peer pressure) at 83%.

72% expressed dissatisfaction with the classes at other schools, and 53% cited religious education as a reason. Since multiple responses were allowed, the total exceeds 100%.

The advantages are clear. Parents can tailor the curriculum to their child's pace. For instance, a child can advance in math while taking their time with reading.

It's also easier to incorporate Korean language or family time into the schedule. For families that used to drag tired kids to Korean school after regular school, this aspect will resonate significantly.

However, Maryland is not a state where you can simply "teach at home" without any regulations. The regulations (COMAR 13A.10.01) are more detailed than one might expect.

Parents must submit a state form to the county superintendent at least 15 days before starting and confirm their intent to continue before each school year begins.

There are eight required subjects: English, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, and physical education. If you think you can just focus on the core subjects, you might find yourself stuck with art and music.

There is also a portfolio review. In simple terms, this means collecting records of lessons, such as textbooks, writing samples, and workbooks, to show to the county representative. This is typically done at the end of each semester, and you cannot exceed three reviews in a year.

According to the HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association), if you receive notice of deficiencies, you must provide corrective evidence within 30 days. Therefore, it's convenient to gather materials as you go.

The process varies by county. For example, Carroll County conducts online reviews twice a year, and missing these is considered non-compliance. In Washington County, check the WCPS Home Schooling page first.

There is also the option of enrolling under an umbrella organization, such as a church or accredited private school. In this case, you would be under their supervision instead of the county's.

Now, let's discuss the downsides. The biggest issues are money and time. If one parent takes on the role of teacher, they will inevitably reduce their work hours, so you need to consider lost income before calculating the cost of materials.

Sports and club activities are also affected. I couldn't find any state laws guaranteeing participation in public school activities. The recently introduced HB 1528 aimed to allow schools to permit this, but there has been no progress since the public hearing in March, according to legislative records.

Graduation requirements need careful attention. The state education department has warned that umbrella programs cannot issue valid diplomas, according to HSLDA. Carroll County's guidelines state that students can take the GED starting at age 16.

When applying to colleges, the transcripts and college course records created by parents become crucial, so it's wise to check with the admissions office of prospective schools in advance.

There are also variables if you decide to return to public school. Carroll County requires a separate credit evaluation for high school returnees and has a cap of 8 credits per year for recognized credits.

So, what about grades? It's hard to make definitive statements on either side here. Families that choose homeschooling are inherently different from others, making it difficult to determine whether differences in outcomes are due to the method or the family itself.

The same goes for socialization. The claim that "homeschooled children lack social skills" versus "they are actually better at it" both have solid arguments, but it seems more important to provide consistent peer group opportunities.

If I were to start, I would ask myself three questions.

Is it okay if one income decreases? Can I consistently keep records for eight subjects? Does my child really want this?

If I feel confident about all three, it's a choice worth considering; if I have doubts about even one, I would first explore transferring schools or consulting with the school. Starting homeschooling just to escape a dislike for school can be a heavier burden for parents than expected. So, take a moment to enjoy a warm latte and discuss it with your partner.