Private schools operating in Maryland are subject to the authority of the State Department of Education, but they are not bound by all of the laws and regulations that public schools are.  Education Article Section 2-206. 

The State Board sets requirements that any public or private school must meet to be allowed to issue diplomas. Except for schools operated by a "bona fide church organization," private schools are not allowed to operate in Maryland unless they get a "certificate of approval" from the State Department of Education. To get a certificate of approval, the school must show that it's programs, instruction, and student entrance and performance standards are suitable to what it will teach and to the diplomas or certificates it will give to students.

These requirements do not apply to colleges, job apprenticeship programs, tutoring, or classes in areas such as art, music, dance, drama, sports, crafts, or photography.

Private schools must allow inspections by the State Department of Education, and must file reports the Department asks for.

If the State Board finds that a private school is not meeting the requirements, it can force it to comply or to stop operating.

If a private school, including a school operated by a church organization, stops operating in Maryland, it has to file with the State Superintendent of Schools copies of the academic records of every student who was in grades 9 through 12.  The records must include all the academic information usually required for college admissions.  Education Article, Section 2-304

The Maryland State Department of Education can be contacted at:
  200 West Baltimore Street Baltimore, MD  21201
 (410-767-0100).

Date of last legal review: 3/31/08 (PLL/M.A.J.)

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