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It’s Open Enrollment Time for Maryland’s Public Charter Schools

Charter schools give families an opportunity to choose the school experience that best fits their needs and—like every other public school—they are tuition-free for any student to attend that resides in a district that has approved public charter schools.

When charter schools have more students who want to attend than they have seats available, they use a lottery system to determine their enrollment. 

Application & Lottery Information by District

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

The lottery application window for the 23-24 School Year is open and will run through Monday, November 21st, 2022. To enter your child into the charter school lottery, please follow the link below. If you have any questions regarding the application, please call 410-222-5193. If you have school specific questions, please reach out to that school directly.

Lottery Portal Link- Click on the provided link to submit your application to be included into a charter or contract school's lottery. This link will go live at noon on October 10th. https://magnet.aacps.org/webapps/aacps_magnet/

More information about the lottery can be found on the Anne Arundel County Public Schools website

 BALTIMORE CITY

  • February 15, 2023 Deadline for accepting applications from families

  • February 20-24, 2023 Charter lottery window (inclement weather dates 2/27-3/3)

  • April 14, 2023 Deadline for families to confirm or decline acceptance

Most applications are submitted directly to the public charter school, however there are a few high school programs that are selected through Baltimore City’s High School Choice Program. More information on Baltimore City Public Schools Website

BALTIMORE COUNTY

Applications are submitted directly to the public charter school. Past lotteries were held in January.

CHARLES COUNTY

The new public charter school in Charles county school is accepting enrollments. Check with the school for the lottery date. 

FREDERICK COUNTY

Applications are submitted to the charter schools. Check with individual charter schools in Frederick County, past lotteries were held in March. Frederick County Public Schools Website

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Applications are submitted through the district, and the window for enrollment is November 1, 2022 through February 10, 2023. The link to access the lottery application is here, more information about the district enrollment process can be found here.  If you have school specific questions, please reach out to that school directly.

St. MARY’S  COUNTY

Applications are submitted directly to the public charter school. If you have specific questions, please reach out to the school directly. St. Mary’s County Public Schools Website

 The Lottery System

Charter school lotteries are usually held at the beginning of the calendar year. Please check with individual schools to confirm their lottery date. If you missed the lottery date, you can contact the charter school directly to see if you can be added to their waiting list.