Maryland Education Funding Programs: The BOOST Scholarship Explained for Parents
Maryland education funding for parents: how the BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) Scholarship Program works, FARMs income eligibility, the five priority groups, how awards are set and paid, the yearly application timeline, Maryland homeschool supervision options and where Maryland stands on the 2027 federal scholarship credit. Last verified October 2026.
Quick answer: Maryland’s education funding program for parents is the BOOST (Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today) Scholarship Program, run by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and funded through the state budget. It provides scholarships for K-12 students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals (FARMs) to attend participating nonpublic schools. Prior recipients and their siblings get first priority. A seven-member advisory board sets award amounts each summer, checks go to the school, and awards cannot exceed the tuition the family owes. For 2026-27 the parent application ran March 9 to May 8, 2026, and MSDE estimated about $9 million and around 2,500 awards. Maryland was not on the IRS list for the 2027 federal scholarship credit as of October 22, 2026.
Maryland is unusual among states with private school scholarships. BOOST is not a tax credit and not an education savings account. It is a line item in the state budget that MSDE administers through a once-a-year application, with priorities written into budget language. That means the rules can change from year to year with each budget bill.
This guide explains eligibility, priorities, award amounts, timing, homeschooling rules and the federal credit. To compare Maryland with other states, see our guide to state education funding programs.
Sources: Maryland State Department of Education, BOOST Scholarship Program page and BOOST Program Information Guide for Fiscal Year 2027 (2026-2027 school year), released February 2, 2026; Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 13A.10.01 (home instruction); IRS, Federal Scholarship Tax Credit participating states list (updated October 22, 2026). Program rules follow each year’s budget bill and may change. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Last verified October 2026.
BOOST at a Glance
| Feature | BOOST Scholarship Program |
|---|---|
| Type | State-funded scholarship (budget appropriation) |
| Administered by | Maryland State Department of Education |
| Who sets awards | Seven-member BOOST Advisory Board |
| Student eligibility | Qualifies for free or reduced-price meals; entering K-12; enrolled or accepted at a participating nonpublic school |
| Pre-K | Not eligible |
| 2026-27 parent application | March 9 to May 8, 2026 |
| Estimated 2026-27 funding | $9,000,000 plus carryover of unused funds (estimate based on FY 2026) |
| Estimated awards | Around 2,500 |
| Participating schools | MSDE estimated about 175 nonpublic schools |
| Payment | Check sent to the school, endorsed by the parent, applied to tuition |
Our explainer on ESA vs. voucher vs. tax-credit scholarship shows how a budget-funded scholarship like BOOST compares with other models.
Who Is Eligible
According to MSDE, a student is eligible to be considered for a 2026-27 award if the student:
- will be in kindergarten through grade 12 in the 2026-2027 school year;
- is enrolled, or plans to enroll, in a participating nonpublic school for that year; and
- meets the income eligibility for free and reduced-price meals.
How FARMs eligibility is checked
BOOST uses the FARMs income guidelines published each year by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Parents upload the prior year’s federal Form 1040 tax return, and MSDE verifies income and household size from it. Applications are then ranked by family income as a percentage of the federal poverty level.
Which schools take part
Only nonpublic schools approved for Maryland’s Nonpublic Textbook Program can apply to participate. A participating school must hold a certificate of approval from or be registered with the State Board of Education, provide more than only pre-K and kindergarten programs and meet BOOST reporting requirements. MSDE posts a list of participating schools each year.
The Five Priority Groups
MSDE notes that the number of applicants usually exceeds the funding available. Under the FY 2026 budget language described in the 2026-27 guide, students are ranked in this order:
- Renewals and siblings: students who received a BOOST award in 2025-26, and their siblings, whether they qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
- New students coming directly from public school who qualify for free meals.
- New students coming directly from public school who qualify for reduced-price meals.
- New students already in a nonpublic school who qualify for free meals.
- New students already in a nonpublic school who qualify for reduced-price meals.
MSDE also states that student applications are not first come, first served. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but ranking follows the priority order and income, so applying on the first day does not move a family ahead.
How Much a BOOST Award Pays
There is no fixed scholarship amount. MSDE explains that award amounts depend on household income, the student’s academic level and any financial assistance the school provides. Each summer the BOOST Advisory Board decides the base award, an additional amount for students receiving special education services and other award criteria.
Two rules shape the final check:
- The award cannot exceed what the family owes. MSDE’s example: if tuition is $10,000 and the school gives a $4,000 discount, the family owes $6,000. A $7,750 award would be reduced to $6,000.
- Funds pay only tuition and required enrollment fees. BOOST money may not be used for transportation or meals, and it cannot be transferred to another student.
For students receiving special education services, the nonpublic school must confirm this by uploading the student’s IEP, IFSP or 504 plan.
How Awards Are Paid
The scholarship check is sent to the school, and the parent must go to the school to endorse it. The school deposits it to the student’s tuition account. If the family already paid tuition, the school may owe the family a refund. If a student withdraws or is expelled before April 30, 2027, the school must refund MSDE a prorated portion of the award, based on days enrolled.
The Yearly Timeline
MSDE’s 2026-27 timeline shows how the cycle runs:
| Date | Step |
|---|---|
| February 2026 | Nonpublic school applications open (closed March 6) |
| March 9, 2026 | Parent application opens |
| March to May 2026 | MSDE holds parent information sessions, including weekly Wednesday virtual help with an interpreter |
| May 8, 2026 | Parent application closes |
| June/July 2026 | Advisory Board sets base and special education award amounts |
| August 2026 | MSDE notifies parents of eligibility results |
| September 25, 2026 | Deadline for schools’ reporting requirements |
| October to December 2026 | MSDE sends awards; no new awards after December 11, 2026 |
The next cycle generally follows a similar calendar, but confirm dates on MSDE’s BOOST page each winter. Missing the spring application window means waiting a full year.
How to Apply
- Check the list of participating schools on MSDE’s BOOST page.
- Confirm FARMs income eligibility using the USDA guidelines for your household size.
- Apply online during the spring window through MSDE’s application portal, one application per child.
- Have your prior-year Form 1040 ready in PDF format, along with the child’s full legal name, the school the child attends now and the school the child will attend.
- Indicate special education services if applicable; the school will later confirm with the IEP, IFSP or 504 plan.
- Watch email in late summer and fall for results, and accept or decline any offer by its deadline.
Our general guide to applying for state education funding has a checklist that works for BOOST, too.
What Schools Must Report
Participating schools must give a nationally norm-referenced standardized assessment from the U.S. Department of Education’s approved list in English language arts, math and science to all students in specified grade bands, and report proficiency results for BOOST and non-BOOST students. They also report numbers of certified and non-certified teachers and withdrawals or expulsions of BOOST students. Schools that miss reporting deadlines can be placed in Corrective Action Status, which MSDE lists publicly. Parents choosing a school can check whether it appears on that list.
Who Decides: The BOOST Advisory Board
BOOST awards are decided by a seven-member advisory board. Under the arrangement MSDE describes, the Governor appoints two members, the President of the Senate appoints two, the Speaker of the House of Delegates appoints two, and the President and Speaker jointly appoint the chair. The board meets in the summer to review applicant data, total funding and renewals. MSDE then makes awards as the board determines.
For context on scale, MSDE reports that during the 2025-2026 school year, awards went to nearly 2,800 low-income students at participating nonpublic schools in 19 Maryland jurisdictions.
Questions to Ask a Participating School
- Is the school on this year’s BOOST list, and is it in Corrective Action Status?
- What is the base tuition, and which required fees are included?
- Will the school offer its own financial aid or discount, and how does that interact with BOOST?
- When does the school need a deposit, and can it wait until BOOST results arrive in late summer or fall?
- If we prepay tuition and BOOST arrives later, how and when will the school issue a refund?
- For students with an IEP, IFSP or 504 plan, what services does the school provide, and at what added cost?
Planning for the Full Cost
Because BOOST awards are capped at what the family owes and amounts vary each year, budget conservatively. Ask for a written cost estimate from the school, subtract any school aid first, then treat BOOST as a possible bonus until the award arrives. Families whose child is in priority groups 4 or 5 should plan for the chance of no award, since higher-priority groups are funded first.
Maryland and Homeschooling
Maryland’s home instruction rules are in COMAR 13A.10.01. Parents notify the local superintendent in writing, generally at least 15 days before starting home instruction, and choose how the program will be supervised: either portfolio reviews by the local school system (up to three times a year) or supervision by a nonpublic school or church-exempt umbrella program registered with MSDE. Instruction must be regular and thorough in the subjects usually taught in public schools to children of the same age, including English, mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, health and physical education.
BOOST pays tuition at participating nonpublic schools, so it does not fund home instruction. See can homeschoolers use state education funds for states where home-educating families can get support.
Maryland and the 2027 Federal Scholarship Tax Credit
The IRS explains that beginning January 1, 2027, individuals in participating states may claim a Federal Scholarship Tax Credit of up to $1,700 for certain cash contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations. Maryland did not appear on the IRS list of participating states as of October 22, 2026. If that changes, check the IRS page for the updated list.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the spring window. The parent application has firm dates.
- Uploading the wrong tax year. MSDE asks for the prior year’s Form 1040.
- Counting on a set award. The Advisory Board sets amounts each summer after seeing funding and applicant data.
- Prepaying tuition without tracking it. If BOOST arrives later, the school may owe a refund; keep receipts.
- Assuming any private school qualifies. Only participating schools can accept BOOST.
For more cross-state pitfalls, see our list of common mistakes with state education funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Maryland BOOST scholarship still available?
Yes. MSDE ran the 2026-2027 application from March 9 to May 8, 2026. Funding is set each year in the state budget, so check MSDE’s BOOST page for the next cycle.
What is the income limit for BOOST?
Students must qualify for free or reduced-price meals under USDA income guidelines, verified with the prior year’s Form 1040.
How much is a BOOST scholarship?
Amounts vary. The BOOST Advisory Board sets base and special education awards each summer, and awards cannot exceed the tuition the family owes.
Can BOOST pay for pre-K or transportation?
No. Pre-K students are not eligible, and funds cannot be used for transportation or meals.
Is Maryland participating in the federal scholarship tax credit?
Not as of October 22, 2026. Maryland was not on the IRS list of participating states.
The Bottom Line
BOOST is Maryland’s only private school scholarship for families, aimed at students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Renewals come first, awards are set each summer and paid to the school, and the application window is short. Mark the spring dates, keep your tax return ready and pick from the list of participating schools.
