Welcome to the virtual charter fair!

Creating Choice & Inspiring Innovation

Charter schools are independent public schools with the freedom to innovate while being held accountable for improved student achievement. They foster partnership between parents, teachers and students to create an environment in which parents can be more involved, teachers are empowered, and students excel.

Charter schools measure academic success in a number of ways, including state tests, nationally accepted student growth measures, school-based assessments, and student portfolios and presentations.

Click the button below to learn more about being a charter school parent.

Not Sure Where to Start?

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 NVA will 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. Bilingual Global Citizens Public Charter School in White Marsh applications due to the school February 28, 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