Maryland School Choice
Maryland supports school choice options for its families through the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Program. Maryland's private school choice options are targeted specifically at lower-income households earning ≤185% of the federal poverty level (Free and Reduced-Price Meal eligibility). BOOST scholarships range from approximately $1,000 to over $4,000 per student to help pay tuition at participating nonpublic schools. Maryland also allows public charter schools, which offer tuition-free alternatives to traditional district schools. Unlike some states with broad Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) or universal vouchers, Maryland does not have an ESA program or business tax-credit scholarship programs. Charter laws in Maryland are stricter than in other states, meaning charter school options may be limited, particularly in rural areas.
Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Program
The BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) Scholarship Program is a state-funded initiative in Maryland that aims to provide educational choices for low-income families. The BOOST Scholarship Program offers scholarships to children eligible for the free or reduced-price meals program (FARMS) to attend participating nonpublic schools of their choice.
Charter Schools
Maryland charter schools are free public schools which operate independently from some district regulations to offer specialized curriculum (e.g., Montessori, STEM, Arts) or unique teaching methods. Applications are required and students can generally only attend charter schools in their county/district of residence. It is best to contact individual charter schools or your school district for specific application requirements.
Public School Choice Options
Additional Maryland public school choice options include magnet schools and intra-district transfers. Inter-district transfers (between school districts) are generally more restricted and may require approval from both sending and receiving districts. Magnet schools are specialized public schools which are free to attend and offer themed curricula such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), arts and humanities, language immersion, and career and technical education programs. Admission policies vary by school and district.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling in Maryland is a legal educational option for students ages 5-18, allowing parents to provide home-based education. Families must follow specific state requirements and select one of three supervision methods: Portfolio Review (most common), Church-Affiliated Program (Church umbrella), or State-Approved School Umbrella Program. Currently, Maryland families pay for any costs incurred to homeschool.
Choosing the Right Program for Your Family
Maryland's school choice landscape is more limited than many other states. Understanding which program fits depends on your family's income level, educational goals, and geographic location.
Families Seeking Private School Tuition Help
Best Options: (1) BOOST Program - If your household income is ≤185% of federal poverty level (FARMS eligible), you may qualify for BOOST scholarships ($1,000-$4,000+). Applications typically open early spring (Feb/March). Priority given to renewing students and lowest incomes. Not guaranteed even if eligible. (2) Private School Financial Aid - Contact private schools directly to ask about internal financial aid programs. Many schools offer need-based or merit-based aid. Can be combined with BOOST. (3) Private Scholarships - Look for private charitable organizations and foundations offering K-12 scholarships. Note: Maryland does not have SGO tax-credit scholarships.
Families Above 185% FPL Seeking Private School
Reality: Maryland does not offer state-funded scholarships for families above 185% FPL. You must: (1) Pay full private school tuition out-of-pocket, (2) Apply for private school financial aid directly from schools, (3) Seek private scholarships from charitable organizations, or (4) Consider free public alternatives (charter schools, magnet schools, traditional public schools).
Families Seeking a Different Public School Environment
Best Options: (1) Public Charter Schools - Free, tuition-free public schools with specialized curricula (Montessori, STEM, Arts). Explore options in your county (Baltimore City and Prince George's County have more options). Apply during lottery window (typically Jan-March). Popular schools have long waitlists. (2) Magnet Schools - Specialized public schools with themed curricula (STEM, Arts, IB, language immersion). Free to attend. Some use lottery, others competitive admission. Contact your school district for options. (3) Intra-District School Choice - Some districts allow transfers to other schools within the district. Contact your local school district for policies.
Families with Children with Special Needs
Best Options: (1) Charter Schools and Magnet Schools - As public schools, must comply with IDEA and provide IEP services. Free to attend. Some charter/magnet schools may have specialized programs. (2) BOOST + Private School - If income-eligible (≤185% FPL), BOOST can help pay for private schools with specialized services. However, verify the school can meet your child's needs as private schools have different requirements than public schools. (3) Traditional Public Schools - Entitled to full IDEA protections and IEP services at no cost.
Families Interested in Homeschooling
Current Status: Maryland does not provide state funding for homeschooling. You must choose one of three supervision options (Portfolio Review, Church Umbrella, or State-Approved School Umbrella) and are financially responsible for all curriculum and materials. BOOST cannot be used for homeschooling expenses. Access to public school services varies by district.
Families Seeking Free Public Alternatives
Best Options: (1) Charter Schools - Free, innovative public schools with specialized programs. Limited availability; more options in Baltimore City and Prince George's County. Apply early during lottery window. (2) Magnet Schools - Free specialized public schools with themed curricula. Availability varies by district. (3) Traditional Public Schools with Intra-District Choice - Some districts allow school choice within the district. Contact your school district.
Income Considerations:
- ≤185% FPL (~$57,720 for family of 4): Eligible for BOOST ($1,000-$4,000+); all free public options (charter, magnet, traditional)
- >185% FPL: NOT eligible for BOOST; must pay full private school tuition or use free public options (charter, magnet, traditional)
- All income levels: Charter schools, magnet schools, traditional public schools available free regardless of income