Maryland Public School Choice Options
In addition to charter schools, Maryland families may have access to public school choice options within their districts, including magnet schools and intra-district transfers.
Magnet Schools: Specialized public schools offering themed curricula such as:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
- Arts and Humanities
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Language immersion
- Career and Technical Education
Availability: Varies by school district. Larger districts like Montgomery County, Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, and Baltimore County typically offer more magnet school options.
Tuition: $0. Magnet schools are public schools and are free to attend.
Admission:
- Some magnet schools use lottery-based admission
- Others use competitive admission based on test scores, grades, auditions (for arts programs), or other criteria
- Policies vary by school and district
Intra-District Public School Choice: Some Maryland school districts allow students to transfer to other public schools within the same district, subject to capacity and district policies. Contact your local school district for information about intra-district transfer options.
Inter-District Transfers: Transferring between school districts is generally more restricted and may require approval from both sending and receiving districts. Policies vary widely by district.
Application Timing: Varies by district and program. Typically applications for magnet schools and school choice programs occur in winter or early spring for the following school year. Contact your school district for specific deadlines.
Contact: Your local school district’s enrollment office or student assignment office for information about magnet schools, intra-district choice, and transfer policies.