Schools approved under
Code of Maryland Regulations 13A.09.10 are publicly funded nonpublic schools that hold a Certificate of Approval issued by the Maryland State Department of Education on behalf of the State Board of Education. There are three ways in which a publicly funded nonpublic school may operate:
Type I Program
Primarily approved to provide special education services to students placed by a local education agency through the Individualized Education Program process but may also offer general education services to students under certain circumstances.
Type II Program
Approved to provide, in partnership with a local education agency, a combination of general education and special education services to students placed by a local education agency through the Individualized Education Program process with the goal of integration into the general education setting to the greatest extent possible. Type II programs may be housed on the campus of a public school.
Type III Program
Approved to provide a temporary, transitional education program to students placed in a residential facility. Students enrolled in Type III school programs attend for an average of 60 school days.
Where can I find a list of approved publicly-funded nonpublic schools?
MSDE maintains a
list of approved publicly-funded nonpublic schools.
Interested in opening a school?
There are various
steps to the approval process. Please call our Nonpublic School Approval office at 410-767-0407 for an application packet.
Is your school's contact information up to date?
Please click on the link below to update your school contact information.
Update School Contact Information
Forms/Policies
Please contact the Nonpublic School Approval Branch at 410-767-0407 for copies of forms and policies related to approved nonpublic schools.
Fire Drill Reporting Requirements
Education Article § 7-408.1 requires nonpublic schools in Maryland to hold fire drills in accordance with State Fire Prevention Code, keep records of the drills, and send copies of those records to the State Board of Education.
Physical Restraint and Seclusion – Limitations, Reporting, and Training
During the 2022 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly passed House Bill 1255 “Physical Restraint and Seclusion – Limitations, Reporting, and Training” (Education Article § 7-1101 et seq) which amended and expanded the law governing the use of restraint and seclusion in public schools, public agencies, and publicly funded nonpublic schools.
Resources relating to Restraint and Seclusion.