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
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maryland have an Education Savings Account (ESA) for families?
No, Maryland does not currently have an active ESA program for K-12 students. BOOST is a traditional scholarship program that provides direct tuition assistance to participating nonpublic schools, not a parent-controlled ESA.
Can I use a voucher to pay for homeschooling costs?
No, the BOOST scholarship can only be used for tuition at participating nonpublic schools; it cannot fund home instruction or homeschool curriculum and materials.
Do charter schools in Maryland charge tuition?
No, charter schools are public schools and are free to attend for students living in the district. There are no tuition or fees.
Is the BOOST scholarship guaranteed if I qualify?
No, funding is limited by the state budget. Priority is typically given to renewing students and those with the lowest household incomes. Not all eligible applicants may receive awards.
Can I send my child to a charter school in a different county?
Generally, no. Charter schools are usually open only to residents of the county/district where the school is located. Geographic restrictions typically limit enrollment.
Do businesses in Maryland offer tax-credit scholarships?
No, Maryland does not have a K-12 tax-credit scholarship program. Unlike states like Pennsylvania or Florida, businesses cannot donate to scholarship funds in exchange for state tax credits. Maryland’s state aid comes directly from the budget through the BOOST program.
Does the state provide transportation to private schools?
Typically, no. Families using the BOOST program are responsible for their own transportation to private schools. The state does not provide transportation assistance for private school students.
Are charter schools required to accept students with special needs?
Yes, as public schools, charter schools must comply with federal laws including the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and provide services outlined in IEPs (Individualized Education Programs). Students with special needs are entitled to the same services and protections as in traditional public schools.
What is the income limit for BOOST?
Household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, which is equivalent to Free and Reduced-Price Meal (FARMS) eligibility. For a family of four, this is approximately $57,720 annual household income (2024-2025 guidelines).
How much funding will I receive if approved for BOOST?
Awards vary by need and availability, historically ranging from approximately $1,000 to over $4,000 per student. The exact amount depends on your financial need and available state funding. Awards are not guaranteed to cover full private school tuition.
Can I combine BOOST with financial aid from the private school?
Yes. Families are encouraged to stack BOOST scholarships with financial aid provided directly by the private school or other private charities. Contact schools to discuss combining aid packages.
What happens if I don’t get BOOST? Are there other free options?
Yes. All Maryland public schools—traditional public schools, charter schools, and magnet schools—are tuition-free. If you don’t receive a BOOST scholarship, your child can attend a traditional public school, apply to charter schools (free, lottery-based), or apply to magnet schools (free, some competitive admission).
Are there charter schools in my area?
Charter school availability varies significantly by county. Baltimore City and Prince George’s County have the most charter school options. Rural areas typically have very limited or no charter schools. Contact your local school district to learn about charter school options in your county.
When should I apply for charter schools?
Application windows vary by district, but lotteries typically occur in winter or early spring (January–March) for the following school year. Popular schools have long waitlists, so apply exactly when the window opens to maximize your chances.
Can homeschooled students access any public school programs?
Policies vary by school district. Some districts may allow homeschooled students to participate in certain public school programs, extracurricular activities, or sports. Contact your local school district for specific policies regarding homeschooled students’ access to public school resources.