At CSFB, our scholars and their families are at the heart of everything we do. Lately, we’ve heard your questions and concerns about new legislation impacting education. No matter what changes come at the national level, our mission stays the same: to empower and support our low-income scholars every step of the way. Your future is our priority, and we’re here for you!
New momentum is building for school choice with the introduction of the Educational Choice for Children Act. The federal tax credit aims to empower parents nationwide by providing them with the financial means to select the educational settings best-suited for their children. This federal tax credit would empower parents by funding private and independent school scholarships through tax-incentivized donations from individuals and corporations. The credit also extends to instructional materials, tutoring, therapies for students with disabilities, and dual enrollment for private and public school students. If enacted, this legislation would mark the first federally sponsored private school voucher program in the United States.
Unlike traditional voucher programs, this initiative does not divert public school funding. Instead, it relies on private donations managed by scholarship-granting organizations, like CSFB, and potentially easing public school burdens by reducing student enrollment.
Supporters agree that this initiative addresses the pressing demand for educational alternatives, offering families the flexibility to choose environments that align with their children’s unique needs. They believe that introducing competition through school choice can lead to overall improvements in educational outcomes.
Key Takeaways:
- No Direct Public School Funding Cuts – The program incentivizes private donations, not state education budgets.
- Expanded Educational Access – It offers low-income families more schooling options without direct government funding of private institutions.
Maryland’s School Choice Landscape
In Maryland, the debate over school choice is not new. The state has previously considered similar tax credit programs, such as the BOAST (Building Opportunities for All Students and Teachers) bill, which aimed to create tax credits for donations to organizations supporting private school scholarships. Some educators argued that such measures could eventually decrease general fund revenues and subsidize private education at the expense of public schools.
The state has historically resisted large-scale school choice. Still, in 2016, BOOST (The Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today Scholarship Program) was approved and established as the state’s sole private school choice program. BOOST* provides scholarships for low-income students to attend private schools. Despite recent attempts to cut funding, strong parental demand and a historical number of applicants secured $9.18 million for 2024-2025 in a bipartisan decision.
The Educational Choice for Children Act could reignite Maryland’s debate on school choice, prompting lawmakers to reassess policies and funding. A recent statewide survey revealed that 74 percent of Maryland voters support giving parents the freedom to choose the best educational setting for their children.
As the state and federal conversations continue, CSFB remains committed to our mission without political bias or affiliation. We aim to improve educational opportunities for children of low-income Baltimore City families by providing partial scholarships without regard to race, ethnicity, or religious belief. We promote a diverse and competitive educational environment in Baltimore.
CSFB is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates without federal or state funding. Our work is made possible through the generosity and support of our valued donors who share our commitment to our mission.
The desire for parental choice, with the need to ensure equitable and adequate funding for public schools, will likely mean engaging all stakeholders in this dialogue and will be essential to crafting policies that best serve the educational interests of all Maryland students.
—Erica Jensen
Executive Director,
Children’s Scholarship Fund Baltimore
*BOOST Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now open. Current BOOST families MUST fill out the application each year to renew your scholarship. BOOST recipients and their siblings are prioritized by the State of Maryland. The deadline to apply is May 9, 2025. Visit the website to learn more and to apply.