How to Start a Private School in Maryland

Private schools must obtain approval from The Maryland State Board of Education.

Starting a school is a complex operation that requires careful planning. Private schools offer many advantages for students, including smaller classes with greater individual attention and a more specialized curriculum. It is important to understand the needs of your community as well as the specific regulations of your state prior to opening a school. All schools in Maryland, for example, have to receive approval from the Maryland State Board of Education. This approval requires a statement of purposes, an administrative head of the school, an approved educational curriculum, the implementation of certain health and fire safety regulations, and more.

Instructions

1. Prepare a plan. Visit other private schools and make a note of their strengths and weaknesses. Decide on the type of school you wish to start (a church school, Montessori School or Waldorf School, for example), what grades your school will include, and how many students you intend to admit. Know if you will offer after school care or other after school activities. Decide whether students will be required to wear a uniform, Most importantly, be certain there is a need in your community for the type of school you are planning. This will require extensive market research, which could include: making a list of all the schools in your area, including grades offered and type of school; meeting with a representative from your local county school board; and interviewing parents.

2. Form a committee to plan school budgets, facilities, enrollment, fees, number of teachers, salaries, and more. This may include your board of trustees or directors, local church or community leaders, parents or others.The committee members will most likely have to meet on a regular basis to provide progress reports and discuss new strategies. The school budget determined by the committee will give you a good idea on how much capital you will need.

3. Register your business with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, and make the necessary arrangements to ensure that you have enough capital on hand. Research federal and state grants plus private foundation and church grants, or meet with your local bank to investigate special financing or Small Business Administration loans that may be available. You may consider registering your business as a non-profit organization, which is more likely to qualify for financial aid.

4. Contact the Maryland State Board of Education to obtain the application information for a Certificate of Approval, which is necessary for all schools prior to operation, in accordance with Maryland codes Title13A, Subtitle 9 - Nonpublic Schools. You should not be denied as long as you have complied with all the requirements. Permits are often provided on a temporary basis for the first year, pending final approval if all conditions are met. If you are a bonafide church school you may be exempt from obtaining a certificate of approval. The Maryland State Board of Education can be contacted at:

   Division of Certification and Accreditation

   Nonpublic School Approval Branch at

   200 West Baltimore Street

   Baltimore, MD 21201

   Phone: [phone]

5. Research available premises that may be suitable for your needs, and find the best location for your school. Be sure the local zoning ordinances will allow a school to operate there. Once you have access to the property, arrange to have all the necessary changes and repairs performed in order to comply with state health and fire safety regulations.

6. Decide on a start date and advertise for students.

References

• Council for American Private Education
• Maryland State Board of Education
• Maryland Department of Assessments & Taxation

Resources

• Maryland Secretary of State: Codes: Title 13A