Starting a Private School in Maryland
Regulations, Resources, & Support
Our team has curated the best resources and information available about starting a private school in Maryland. Enjoy!
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Maryland State Regulations
General Regulations
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Maryland has no accreditation requirements.
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Schools operated by a religious organization need only to register with the state — they are exempt from approval requirements. Otherwise, schools must receive approval from the state, based on condition of facilities, curriculum and admissions requirements. Based on the approval process, Maryland classifies its schools as 13A.09.09 (private funded) or 13A.09.10 (special needs) schools.
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The Maryland Department of Education has assembled a page of detailed requirements for private schools.
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The US Office of Innovation & Improvement has assembled a summary of regulations for private schools operating in Maryland.
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Homeschool students must be supervised by a local public or private school.
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The Maryland DOE has no published requirements for school insurance — consult a professional for guidance in this area.
State Funding Sources & Support
Maryland does not provide funding for private education, except in 13A.09.10 schools.
Curriculum Requirements
Nonpublic schools must offer math, language arts, social studies (including US History) and science.
Teacher Certification & Hiring
13A.09.09 schools must hire teachers with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. 13A.09.10 schools must hire certified teachers.
Food Services / Lunch
In Maryland, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Department of Education.
Length of School Year
13A.09.09 schools must have a minimum of 170 school days per year. 13A.09.10 schools must have 180 school days per year.
Recordkeeping & Reports
All schools must reapply annually for approval and include student enrollment records and attendance information. Secondary schools must also keep transcripts for students and transfer student records as needed.
Healthy & Safety Requirements
The county health departments will provide vision and hearing screenings to all students. Students must be immunized or provide documentation of a medical or religious exemption.
Transportation
Tax-exempt private schools who operate their own buses are exempt from paying taxes on the title/registration of school vehicles.
Testing
13A.09.09 schools are not required to offer state testing, while 13A.09.10 schools must.
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters
Maryland State Resources
State & Regional Associations
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Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools: AIMS is a nonprofit association of independent schools in Maryland and Washington, DC. Founded in 1967, the association’s mission is to serve independent schools by providing outstanding professional development, accreditation services, public advocacy, and networking opportunities.
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Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools: A dynamic community of independent schools in the Greater Delaware Valley and beyond, ADVIS enriches and sustains schools through advocacy, thought leadership, professional development, and networking opportunities.
Government Websites
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Guide Quick-Nav
Introduction
We’ve developed these 10 topics to help you along the way. Take them all in at once, or start with the areas most relevant right now.
School Identity
There’s plenty you can do to develop your own brand, starting right from your personal ideals and goals for your school.
Curriculum
Our curriculum pages include ideas on where to go to find materials, and different associations and educational models you may want to consider.
Legal & Operating Requirements
You need to know the requirements at both the federal level and for your state. Here are the basic details for every state.
Funding & Finance
Here we share ideas for possible funding sources, and ways you might be able to start with less than you thought necessary.
Business Plan & Budget
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Facilities
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.
Staffing
How can you find and recruit the right talent for your school? What qualifications or certifications are required?
Policies & Procedures
Thinking about more than just a student handbook and conduct code, we've included recommendations & templates to help you develop your school policies & procedures
Marketing & Online Presence
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Associations
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.