What is a Charter School?

Program

Public charter schools create unique communities by choosing their own curriculum, pedagogy, and enrichment programs. Across Maryland, public charter school models include arts integration, language immersion, Montessori, science and technology, and classical instruction.

Staffing

MVMPCS staff are employees of Frederick County Public Schools District, not the charter operator. Teachers, administrators, and other school staff are covered by applicable FCPS contracts, policies, regulations, and certification requirements.

Admission

Most Maryland public charter schools require families to submit a free student application. When applications outnumber available seats, schools often hold lotteries and place students who do not receive immediate admission on a waitlist.

Funding

Maryland law requires local school districts to fund public charter schools at a level commensurate with traditional public schools. Unlike traditional schools, charter schools do not receive separate facilities funding, so they rely on operating funds and community support for capital improvements, repairs, mortgages, leases, and other facility costs.

Maryland's First Charter School

MVMPCS was founded by committed parents who worked with the local Board of Education to provide a public alternative to traditional school settings. Because no single educational approach works for every child, they set out to expand educational options in Frederick County.

Why Montessori?

Montessori has a long history of supporting children through hands-on learning, independence, mixed-age communities, and respect for each child's development. Modern research in child development and learning has continued to support many Montessori practices.

What Montessori Looks Like Here