A cornerstone of Baltimore Family Alliance's work is advocating for quality education options in Baltimore City. Because of the work of Baltimore Family Alliance, our partner organizations, and dedicated parents there is no need to flee to the suburbs when your child reaches school age. Whether you are looking for traditional zoned, lottery based charter, zoned charter, or private schools find the information you need in the links below. Need more help with navigating the lottery, registration, or school choice process? Check out Live Baltimore's Way to Stay program's up-to-date website or contact their School Navigator Expert Kim Wiggins at kwiggins@livebaltimore.com or 410-637-3750 x115
Most private schools require testing for admissions. "Every 8th grader who applies to a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore must take the HSPT, while the ISEE is used for admission into independent, non-Catholic schools." https://www.archbalt.org/schools/our-schools/high-school-placement-test/ Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) SSAT
Resources for Families with Disabilities
The Maryland State Department of Education Birth through age 21" Federal law (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act) and Maryland state laws require that all students with disabilities be provided a “free, appropriate public education” that helps them learn and prepares them for employment and daily living. This means local public school districts will provide individualized or special education and related services to students with disabilities from birth until they leave high school.
Students with needs that cannot be met by the local public school are still entitled to a "free appropriate public education." In many cases, the local school system will continue to pay for the student's special education services in the nonpublic school." http://mdod.maryland.gov/education/Pages/Special-Education-Servcies.aspx
Saving for college is a challenge for many families. The State of Maryland and Maryland 529 want to help make it easier for your child’s dream of attending college to come true. The Save4College State Contribution Program is designed to help lower to middle-income families in Maryland save money for higher education. Your savings can be used at nearly any public, private, or technical college nationwide—and even international universities that have a federal school code—for qualified eligible education expenses such as tuition, fees, room and board, etc.
The Beneficiary must be a Maryland resident and the Account Holder’s Maryland taxable income cannot exceed the maximum household income range ($112,500 as an individual or $175,000 as a married couple filing jointly based on the previous taxable year).
