The Office of School Innovations oversees the Maryland Charter Schools Program, The SEED School of Maryland, and supports the charter liaisons in each Local Education Agency (LEA).
The Maryland State Department of Education is convening a workgroup to review and make recommendations regarding Maryland’s Charter Law,
Section 9-101 et seq of the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
The first meeting of the workgroup will take place Monday, April 7, at 9 am. This meeting will be held virtually. Login information will be posted here.
MSDE Charter Workgroup Member List
The Charter Schools Workgroup Meeting on April 7, 2025 is postponed. A new date will be set as soon as possible and that information will be posted on this page.
MSDE regrets any inconvenience.
Maryland Public Charter Schools
Maryland charter schools are public schools operated by independent nonprofit organizations. The charter is awarded by the local board of education and grants the school more operational autonomy than non-charter (traditional) public schools. Public charter schools are tuition-free and open to all students. The Maryland State Department of Education provides support and guidance to LEAs engaged in authorizing public charter schools, as well as to charter school operators.
Local Education Agency Charter School Liaisons
In Maryland, LEAs authorize charter schools. LEAs manage the application, renewal, and revocation/closure processes in a similar manner to traditional nonpublic schools, while honoring the autonomy in the respective charter agreements. Visit our
Liaison page for details.
The SEED School of Maryland
The SEED School of Maryland is a statewide college-preparatory public boarding school for grades 6 - 12. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) oversees the school and holds it accountable to state and federal standards.