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State: Maryland

Maryland State Guide

Choosing a school? You’ve got options.

Each spring, parents face one of the biggest decisions they can make for their child’s future: What school environment will their child spend about 1,000 hours in next year? Sound familiar? 

Making that decision with confidence starts with knowing what options you have. You may have more school choices than you realize! Understanding these options can help you find a school where your child is excited to learn. Maryland families can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling, and microschooling and mix-and-match learning.

Looking for special education options? You can learn what special education services are available in Maryland at the Ultimate Guide to Special Education.

Maryland Traditional Public Schools

Most children in Maryland (and in America) attend traditional public schools. Traditional public schools are free to attend, open to all students, operated by school districts, and funded by taxpayers like you. Did you know Maryland spends an average of $16,417 per public school student each year? You can search your school’s spending and that of nearby schools at Project Nickel.

Most states have some form of open enrollment. This refers to whether parents can send their child to a public school other than their assigned school. Open enrollment is an important choice, expanding parents’ options and ensuring that zip code isn’t the sole determiner of their education. Unfortunately, Maryland only offers public open enrollment in a few circumstances. For example, a student may be able to request a school transfer if they move during the school year, if they are a child of an employee at the school they wish to transfer into, or if a health professional recommends a different school environment.

For a real-world example of the transfer process, check out the “Change of School Assignment Booklet” for Montgomery Public Schools, Maryland’s largest district.

Find out more about public schools in your state at the Maryland State Department of Education. You can learn more about Maryland open enrollment at “Public Schools Without Boundaries: A 50 State Report.

Maryland Charter Schools

You can also choose charter schools. Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that have extra freedom to innovate with curriculum and learning methods. Maryland has about 50 charter schools that parents can choose from.

Each school has a charter which explains the school’s purpose and what specific community need it serves. That could be providing a Spanish immersion program or offering a rigorous STEAM curriculum. If there are more families seeking admittance to a charter school than there are seats, a lottery system is usually used to determine admittance. In Maryland, charter school lotteries are usually held at the beginning of the calendar year. 

For more information on charter schools in your state, check out the Maryland Alliance of Public Charter Schools. 

Maryland Magnet Schools

Magnet schools are free public schools that allow kids to narrow in on a specific learning track, such as an International Baccalaureate program or the performing arts. At a magnet school, all the subjects are taught through the lenses of that specific track.

Maryland has several magnet schools throughout the state; for instance, there are more than 30 magnet schools or programs in the Baltimore area. Some of the other districts with magnet schools include Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Washington County Public Schools, and Prince George’s County Public Schools

For example, Deer Park Middle Magnet School offers eight creative magnet programs focusing on areas such as dance and mass communications. And recently, Anne Arundel County’s Old Mill Middle School South was named a National Magnet School of Excellence for its dedication to STEM learning and community partnerships.

If your child learns well through diving deeply into a particular subject, a magnet school could be a good fit. 

Maryland Private Schools

As you may know, private schools are nonpublic schools that charge tuition. Maryland has a variety of private schools, both religious and non-religious: There are more than 800 private schools across the state.

Tuition varies widely, but the average in the state is $13,524 for elementary schools and $17,815 for high schools. Maryland has one private school choice program, the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Program, which provides state-run educational scholarships for families under a certain income level. More than 3,200 Maryland students took advantage of this program in the 2021-2022 school year.

Additional support may be available. For example, the Baltimore Educational Scholarship Trust partners with 18 private schools to provide admissions and financial support to high-achieving African American students in the Baltimore area. Also, the federal government allows parents to save for K-12 private school tuition using tax-preferred 529 savings accounts. 

Learn more at Children’s Scholarship Fund-Baltimore, the Abell Foundation, Knott Scholarship Funds, Partners in Excellence, the Maryland Council for American Private Education, the Maryland Catholic Conference, and Private School Review: Maryland.

Maryland Online Learning

Online learning is sometimes overlooked, but it offers a uniquely flexible learning environment. For example, some families use this flexibility to accelerate learning. Meanwhile, others use it to provide a quieter, stress-free environment for learning. Whatever the reason, you may want to try online learning.

Unfortunately, Maryland does not currently have its own free, full-time online learning program available to students statewide. But, there are paid, full-time online school options available to families in all 50 states, Maryland included. Some of these paid providers are George Washington University Online High SchoolThe Keystone School, Excel High School, and K12 Private Academy.

A local online option Maryland families can choose for a fee is Bryn Mawr Online, an AIMS-accredited, NCAA-approved, and AP-authorized online school for girls. The school is an outgrowth of Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore, which is ranked as the number one college prep school in Maryland. 

Also worth mentioning is that students in select Maryland districts, like Baltimore City Public Schools and Montgomery County Public Schools, can access district-run online learning for free. In addition, the Eastern Shore of Maryland Blended Virtual Program offers a blended learning program to public school students in grades 6-12 in certain Maryland districts. These include: Caroline County, Cecil County,  Dorchester County, Queen Anne’s County, Somerset County, Talbot County, Wicomico County and Worcester County public schools. Finally, students in some districts can take part-time courses through their school and Maryland Virtual Learning Opportunities.

To read more about online learning in Maryland, check out the Digital Learning Collaborative’s state profile.

Maryland Homeschooling

Also, Maryland families have a sixth option in homeschooling, which is the process of parents educating students at home. Homeschooling is permitted in all 50 states. If you are looking for a highly customizable and flexible education for your child and think homeschooling could fit the bill, learn more about Maryland’s homeschooling rules.

In Maryland, notice of your intent to homeschool is required immediately upon making this decision or your student will be considered truant. It is also required that you formally withdraw from your public school. 

The state requires homeschooling parents to teach specific subjects (like math and English) and may also request to review samples of a homeschooling family’s education materials and work. In general, children who are homeschooled may face roadblocks if they want to participate in public school sports or activities in Maryland. But, you can always look for other leagues or activities near you! 

Note that Maryland homeschool families are never required to enroll their children in public school. If you receive information to the contrary, you may want to ask for legal assistance. You can also check out the Maryland Homeschool Association and the Maryland Association of Christian Home Educators.

Maryland Microschools and Mix-and-Match Learning

Today, some Maryland families are mixing and matching school options to come up with new ways to personalize education. Microschools are one of these ways. A microschool refers to students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize. Microschools can take a variety of shapes and legal forms, from homeschoolers coming together at an enrichment center to a private school committed to small classrooms. What microschools share in common is a commitment to small-group learning and close-knit relationships, along with an emphasis on children as individual learners. 

Here are a couple of real examples of microschools in Maryland:

Montessori Luna is a bilingual Montessori school in Pikesville with a nature-inspired program. 

Mysa Microschool in nearby Washington, D.C. offers place-based education with crowdsourced curriculum from around the world.

Remember, microschooling is more a mentality than a specific legal distinction in most cases. Often, a family participates in a microschool while legally homeschooling, or being enrolled in a private or online school. 

Download the School Choice Snapshot for Maryland

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What is School Choice

How can it empower parents and help kids achieve their dreams?

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Choosing the Right School

Tips to help you find a school where your daughter or son will learn, succeed, and be happy.

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Search for Schools Near Me

School Type
Traditional public schools do not charge tuition. They are managed by school districts and do not require students to pass tests to enroll.
Public charter schools do not charge tuition. They are usually managed by nonprofit organizations and do not require students to pass tests to enroll.
Public magnet schools do not charge tuition. They are managed by school districts and focus on themes, such as math, science, technology, and the arts.
Private schools charge tuition, but scholarships are often available via state programs or by individual schools. Private schools are privately managed and can be faith-based or secular.
Grade Levels

      Microschooling and Mix-and-Match Learning

      How can it empower parents and help kids achieve their dreams?

      Read More

      7 Step Guide

      Tips to help you find a school where your daughter or son will learn, succeed, and be happy.

      View Guide

      Education Resources for
      Maryland Parents

      For additional information about school choices in Maryland, visit these resources:

      Every state is different when it comes to school choice options.

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      Landmarks Across America Shine for School Choice Week 2023!

      Soon, from Alaska to New York, America will light up in yellow and red to raise awareness about K-12 education opportunities. During National School Choice Week, happening January 22–28, 2023, close to 3 dozen iconic landmarks or notable buildings will sparkle in red and yellow and play a role in festivities for National School Choice Week 2023.

      ALABAMA
      January 26, 2023 Montgomery RSA Tower in Montgomery, Alabama
      January 26, 2023 Mobile RSA Tower in Mobile, Alabama
      ALASKA
      January 22-28, 2023 Anchorage Anchorage JL Tower in Anchorage, Alaska
      ARIZONA
      January 25, 2023 Eloy Eloy Water Tower in Eloy, Arizona
      ARKANSAS
      January 22-28, 2023 Little Rock Union Plaza Building in Little Rock, Arkansas,
      January 23, 2023 Little Rock Junction Bridge in Little Rock, Arkansas
      January 23, 2023 Little Rock Clinton Presidential Park Bridge in Little Rock, Arkansas
      January 23, 2023 Little Rock Main Street Bridge in Little Rock, Arkansas
      COLORADO
      January 22-28, 2023 Denver McNichols Civic Center in Denver, Colorado
      FLORIDA
      January 27, 2023 Tampa Brorein Street Bridge in Tampa, Florida
      January 27, 2023 Tampa Fortune Street Bridge in Tampa, Florida
      January 27, 2023 Tampa Brorein Street Bridge in Tampa, Florida
      January 27, 2023 Tampa Kennedy Boulevard Bridge in Tampa, Florida
      January 27, 2023 Tampa Platt Street Bridge in Tampa, Florida
      January 27, 2023 Tampa Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in Tampa, Florida
      January 27, 2023 Tampa Old City Hall in Tampa, Florida
      January 22-28, 2023 Fort Lauderdale Las Olas City Centre in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
      January 22-28, 2023 West Palm Beach Cox Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach, Florida
      GEORGIA
      January 22-28, 2023 Atlanta King and Queen Building in Atlanta, Georgia
      January 22-28, 2023 Atlanta One Atlantic Center Fountain in Atlanta, Georgia
      IDAHO
      January 22-28, 2023 Boise Eighth & Main Office Tower in Boise, Idaho
      INDIANA
      January 25, 2023 Indianapolis AES Indiana in Indianapolis, Indiana
      January 25, 2023 Indianapolis Monument Circle in Indianapolis, Indiana
      KANSAS
      January 22, 2023 Overland Park Lighton Tower in Overland Park, Kansas
      KENTUCKY
      January 22-24, 2023 Louisville Big Four Bridge in Louisville, Kentucky
      LOUISIANA
      January 22-28, 2023 New Orleans Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana
      January 22-28, 2023 Baton Rouge Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
      MASSACHUSETTS
      January 25, 2023 Worcester Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge in Worcester, Massachusetts
      January 25, 2023 Boston The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts
      NEBRASKA
      January 24, 2023 Omaha Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge in Omaha, Nebraska
      NEW YORK
      January 22-28, 2023 New York The Helmsley Building in New York City, New York,
      January 24, 2023 Buffalo Peace Bridge in Buffalo, New York
      January 26, 2023 Niagara Falls Niagara Falls in Niagara Falls, New York
      NORTH CAROLINA
      January 26, 2023 Winston-Salem Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
      OHIO
      January 22-28, 2023 Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio,
      OKLAHOMA
      January 25, 2023 Oklahoma City Crystal Bridge Conservatory in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
      January 25, 2023 Oklahoma City Skydance Bridge in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
      PENNSYLVANIA
      January 23, 2023 Pittsburg Koppers Building in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
      January 23, 2023 Pittsburg Rugby's Gulf Tower Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
      SOUTH CAROLINA
      January 23, 2023 Columbia Governor’s Mansion in Columbia, South Carolina
      SOUTH DAKOTA
      January 25-27, 2023 January 23, 2023 Arc of Dreams in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
      WASHINGTON
      January 28, 2023 Seattle Columbia Center in Seattle, Washington
      WYOMING
      January 24, 2023 Laramie Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center in Laramie, Wyoming

      If you know of a building in your community that would light up for National School Choice Week, please reach out to our team! Send us an email.

      For journalists covering the Week, more information and resources to enhance your coverage on a variety of platforms can be found on our media resources page. For families interested in discovering more about the different school choice options available in their home state please visit your state page for a detailed roadmap.

      National School Choice Week (NSCW) informs, inspires, and empowers parents to discover the K-12 education options available for their children, including traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private, and homeschooling.

      Every January, tens of thousands of schools, organizations, and individuals plan unique events and activities to shine a positive spotlight on effective education options in their communities.  The Week is a project of the nonpartisan, nonpolitical National School Choice Awareness Foundation.

      From Alaska to New York, America will light up in yellow and red to raise awareness about K-12 education opportunities during National School Choice Week 2022 (January 23-29). 

      Close to 3 dozen iconic landmarks or notable buildings will sparkle in red and yellow. Enjoy our gallery and click on each location for details. 

      VIEW PHOTO GALLERY: America Shines for School Choice Week

      PLEASE NOTE: If you plan to visit in person please check the local public health guidelines for your location and take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and others safe.

      Alabama: The Retirement Systems of Alabama Tower, Montgomery will light up from dusk – 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 26.
      The Retirement Systems of Alabama Tower, Mobile will light up from dusk – 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 26.
      Alaska: The JL Tower, Anchorage will light up in red from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 a.m. all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Arkansas: Union Plaza Building, Little Rock will light up from dusk – dawn all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Colorado: The McNichols Civic Center, Denver will light up in red from dusk – dawn during the week Jan. 23-29.
      Florida: The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, West Palm Beach will light up from 6:00 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Georgia: The King and Queen Building, Atlanta will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Hawaii: The Aloha Tower, Honolulu will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Idaho: The Eighth & Main office tower in Downtown Boise will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23-29.
      US Bank Plaza in Downtown Boise will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Indiana: Monument Circle in Indianapolis will light up from dusk to dawn on Jan. 25.
      Kentucky: The Big Four Bridge, Louisville will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23-29.
      Maryland:  The Maryland Governor’s House, Annapolis, Maryland will light up from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
      Massachusetts: Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Leonard Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, Boston will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Longfellow Bridge, Boston will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Fore River Bridge, North Weymouth will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Minnesota: Saint Anthony Falls Bridge, Minneapolis will light up from sunset – sunrise on Jan 24.
      Sperry Tower, Eagan will light up from sunset – sunrise on Jan 24.
      Missouri: Kansas City Power and Light Building, Kansas City will light up in yellow on Jan. 29.
      Nevada: Henderson Water Street District, Henderson will light up on Jan. 25.
      New York: Niagara Falls will light up from 10:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. on Jan. 27.
      The Helmsley Building, New York City will light up from dusk – 2:00 a.m. on Jan. 23.
      North Carolina: Wells Fargo Duke Energy Center in Charlotte will light up from sunset – 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 23.
      Reynolds Building/Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in Winston-Salem will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23-29.
      Ohio: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Oklahoma: Skydance Bridge, Oklahoma City will light up from sundown – sunrise on Jan. 27.
      Pennsylvania: Koppers Building, Pittsburgh will light up on Jan. 28.
      South Carolina: The South Carolina Governor’s Mansion, Columbia will light up on Jan. 24.
      Texas: McLennan County Courthouse, Waco  light up all week.
      Washington: Columbia Center, Seattle will light up from 12:30 pm – midnight on Jan. 22.
      Wyoming: The Marian H.Rochelle Gateway Center, Laramie will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 22.

      The landmarks’ sparkling red and yellow lights will play a role in this year’s festivities for National School Choice Week. Families are invited to capture pictures of the landmarks’ lights (or their own at-home red and yellow light displays!) to share on social media with the hashtag #SchoolChoiceWeek.

      In addition to the light displays, National School Choice Week 2022 will feature more than 26,000 virtual or socially-distanced celebrations across the country––including social media contests, drive-in movie screenings, and scavenger hunts, and virtual school fairs––to spread awareness of school and scholarship opportunities. 

       

      If you know of a building in your community that would light up for National School Choice Week, please reach out to our team! Send us an email.

      For journalists covering the Week, more information and resources to enhance your coverage on a variety of platforms can be found on our media resources page. For families interested in discovering more about the different school choice options available in their home state please visit your state page for a detailed roadmap.

      Soon, from Alaska to New York, America will light up in yellow and red to raise awareness about K-12 education opportunities. During National School Choice Week, happening January 22–28, 2023, close to 3 dozen iconic landmarks or notable buildings will sparkle in red and yellow. Enjoy our gallery from previous years and check back soon for locations and details. 

      VIEW PHOTO GALLERY: America Shines for School Choice Week

      <!– PLEASE NOTE: If you plan to visit in person please check the local public health guidelines for your location and take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and others safe.

      Alabama: The Retirement Systems of Alabama Tower, Montgomery will light up from dusk – 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 26.
      The Retirement Systems of Alabama Tower, Mobile will light up from dusk – 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 26.
      Alaska: The JL Tower, Anchorage will light up in red from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 a.m. all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Arkansas: Union Plaza Building, Little Rock will light up from dusk – dawn all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Colorado: The McNichols Civic Center, Denver will light up in red from dusk – dawn during the week Jan. 23-29.
      Florida: The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, West Palm Beach will light up from 6:00 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Georgia: The King and Queen Building, Atlanta will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Hawaii: The Aloha Tower, Honolulu will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Idaho: The Eighth & Main office tower in Downtown Boise will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23-29.
      US Bank Plaza in Downtown Boise will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23- 29.
      Indiana: Monument Circle in Indianapolis will light up from dusk to dawn on Jan. 25.
      Kentucky: The Big Four Bridge, Louisville will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23-29.
      Maryland:  The Maryland Governor’s House, Annapolis, Maryland will light up from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
      Massachusetts: Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Leonard Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, Boston will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Longfellow Bridge, Boston will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Fore River Bridge, North Weymouth will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Minnesota: Saint Anthony Falls Bridge, Minneapolis will light up from sunset – sunrise on Jan 24.
      Sperry Tower, Eagan will light up from sunset – sunrise on Jan 24.
      Missouri: Kansas City Power and Light Building, Kansas City will light up in yellow on Jan. 29.
      Nevada: Henderson Water Street District, Henderson will light up on Jan. 25.
      New York: Niagara Falls will light up from 10:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. on Jan. 27.
      The Helmsley Building, New York City will light up from dusk – 2:00 a.m. on Jan. 23.
      North Carolina: Wells Fargo Duke Energy Center in Charlotte will light up from sunset – 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 23.
      Reynolds Building/Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in Winston-Salem will light up from sunset – sunrise all week from Jan. 23-29.
      Ohio: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 23.
      Oklahoma: Skydance Bridge, Oklahoma City will light up from sundown – sunrise on Jan. 27.
      Pennsylvania: Koppers Building, Pittsburgh will light up on Jan. 28.
      South Carolina: The South Carolina Governor’s Mansion, Columbia will light up on Jan. 24.
      Texas: McLennan County Courthouse, Waco  light up all week.
      Washington: Columbia Center, Seattle will light up from 12:30 pm – midnight on Jan. 22.
      Wyoming: The Marian H.Rochelle Gateway Center, Laramie will light up from dusk – dawn on Jan. 22.

      The landmarks’ sparkling red and yellow lights will play a role in this year’s festivities for National School Choice Week. Families are invited to capture pictures of the landmarks’ lights (or their own at-home red and yellow light displays!) to share on social media with the hashtag #SchoolChoiceWeek.

      In addition to the light displays, National School Choice Week 2023 will feature more than 26,000 virtual or socially-distanced celebrations across the country––including social media contests, drive-in movie screenings, and scavenger hunts, and virtual school fairs––to spread awareness of school and scholarship opportunities. 

       

      –>
      If you know of a building in your community that would light up for National School Choice Week, please reach out to our team! Send us an email.

      For journalists covering the Week, more information and resources to enhance your coverage on a variety of platforms can be found on our media resources page. For families interested in discovering more about the different school choice options available in their home state please visit your state page for a detailed roadmap.

      National School Choice Week (NSCW) informs, inspires, and empowers parents to discover the K-12 education options available for their children, including traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private, and homeschooling.

      Every January, tens of thousands of schools, organizations, and individuals plan unique events and activities to shine a positive spotlight on effective education options in their communities.  The Week is a project of the nonpartisan, nonpolitical National School Choice Awareness Foundation.

      Governor Larry Hogan issued a proclamation recognizing January 23-29, 2022 as Maryland School Choice Week.

       



      There are a variety of school choice options available for many of the 1.4 million children living in Maryland. Families in Maryland can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, and homeschooling.

      You can discover more information about the school choice options available for your family by reading our Maryland School Choice Roadmap and by visiting the Maryland state page
      As a nonprofit, charitable effort, School Choice Week works throughout the year to develop and provide free, practical, and unbiased school search resources for Maryland families.

      During our annual awareness celebrations each January, schools and homeschool groups partner with community organizations to plan school fairs, parent information sessions, open houses and other awareness events to spotlight the diversity of education options available in the state. In January 2022, we will partner with 371 schools and organizations in Maryland to raise awareness of K-12 education options.

      Maryland