Return to the Find A School Home Page
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 window for the 2026-2027 school year will open at noon on October 6, 2025 and close at noon on January 15, 2026. If you have any questions regarding charter/contract school enrollment, please reach out directly to the school in which you wish to apply.
Lottery Portal Link - Currently enrolled AACPS students should apply through the PowerSchool Parent Portal. For non-AACPS students, create an account and apply here.
Having trouble accessing the application? Complete the New Village Academy High School Google Form Lottery Application HERE instead, and we’ll enter the info into the AACPS portal for you!
BALTIMORE CITY
https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/o/bcps/page/charter-schools
February 2, 2026: Deadline for accepting applications from families
February 9-13, 2026: Charter lottery window
February 27, 2026: Schools notify families of lottery results
April 10, 2026: Deadline for families to confirm or decline acceptance
BALTIMORE COUNTY
Applications are submitted directly to the public charter school. Applications are due to the school by January 15, 2026.
Carroll County
Check with the charter school for lottery information.
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.
Montgomery County
Check with the charter school for lottery information.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Applications are submitted through the district, and the window for enrollment is November 1, 2025 through February 6, 2026 . The last day to submit lottery applications for all charter schools is February 6, 2026 for school year 2026-2027.
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.