At a glance
Maryland has the BOOST program (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) — a scholarship/voucher for low-income students to attend participating private schools — plus a public charter sector.
This state's choice programs
BOOST provides scholarships to income-eligible students (generally those eligible for free/reduced-price meals) to help pay private-school tuition. It is income-limited (not universal), with funding set by the state budget. Maryland does not currently have a broad ESA or universal voucher.
Eligibility
BOOST is for lower-income students (typically free/reduced-price-meal eligible), with priority for continuing students. Confirm current income limits and priorities.
Applying
Apply through the Maryland State Department of Education’s BOOST program. Watch the application window and confirm requirements.
Public school choice, too
Remember: “school choice” also includes public options available in every state:
- Open enrollment / transfersAttend a public school outside your zone, where allowed (see our finding-your-school guide)
- Charter schoolsTuition-free public schools of choice (where available)
- Magnet schoolsTuition-free public schools with a specialized focus
- HomeschoolingLegal in all 50 states (rules vary)
Tips for families
- Confirm the current programThis area changes fast — verify eligibility, amounts, and deadlines
- Watch the deadlines & capsMany programs have windows and funding caps
- Understand what’s coveredESAs are flexible; vouchers usually cover tuition only
- Check your school participatesNot every private school accepts every program
- Combine with school aidChoice funds can stack with a school’s own financial aid
Frequently asked questions
- Does Maryland have a private-school-choice program?Yes (limited) — Maryland has the BOOST scholarship for lower-income students.
- What’s the difference between an ESA and a voucher?A voucher pays a private school directly; an ESA is a flexible parent-managed account for many approved expenses.
- What is a tax-credit scholarship?Donors get a tax credit for giving to organizations that fund private-school scholarships.
- Is there public school choice too?Yes — open enrollment, charters, and magnets (plus homeschooling).
- Where do I confirm the details?On the official state program site (see below).
At a glance
- ProgramBOOST scholarship
- TypeVoucher/scholarship (income-limited)
- ForLower-income students
- PlusPublic charters
- Confirm withThe state program
Where to confirm
Confirm current programs and eligibility with the official source: