Charter School Choice
Does the state have charter schools?
Are for-profit charter schools or management companies allowed?
We did not find information about for-profit charters or management organizations in Maryland statutes. However, according to the Maryland Department of Education, charters must be operated by nonprofit organizations. Additionally, a Maryland policy expert stated that Maryland does not allow for for-profit charter schools.
Is there a cap on the number of charter schools?
We did not find information about caps on charter schools in Maryland statutes. Education Commission of the States states that Maryland does not have caps on charters. Additionally, a Maryland policy expert stated that there is no cap on charter schools in Maryland.
Are charters required to provide transportation for any students?
We did not find information about transportation requirements for charter schools in Maryland statutes. Education Commission of the States states that Maryland does not specify who must provide transportation to charter school students.
Can charter schools employ uncertified teachers?
Professional staff of public charter schools are subject to the same certification provisions established in regulations for professional staff of other public schools.
The Maryland Department of Education states that all public school teachers must be certified.
§9-105
Maryland Department of Education: Educator Certification Frequently Asked Questions
Virtual School Choice
Do state statutes allow for full-time virtual schools?
“'Virtual school' means a public school established by the Department or by a county board under § 4–109 of this article in which the school uses technology to deliver a significant portion of instruction to its students via the Internet in a virtual or remote setting."
Are virtual schools required to track attendance?
Do virtual schools have to comply with state teacher certification requirements?
A teacher employed by a virtual school shall have a teacher’s certificate issued by the State Superintendent under Title 6 of this article.
Private School Choice
Does the state have voucher programs?
"The Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Program provides scholarships for some students who are eligible for the free or reduced–price meals program to attend eligible nonpublic schools. Awards are granted based on household income, with the lowest income served first. The BOOST program for the 2019-2020 school year is governed by language in House Bill 100 of the 2019 legislative session (the Fiscal 2020 Budget Bill)."
Maryland Department of Education: Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Program
House Bill 100: R00A03.05 Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today
Does the state have educational expense tuition tax credits or deductions?
Can students use vouchers to attend religious schools?
Is there a cap on the number of students or private schools participating in voucher programs?
Are voucher students in private schools required to take any standardized tests?
"To be eligible to participate in the BOOST Program, a nonpublic school must...administer national, norm–referenced standardized assessments chosen from the list of assessments published by the United States Department of Education to qualify nonpublic schools for the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program."