Our mission at Children’s Scholarship Fund Baltimore (CSFB) is clear and unwavering: to improve educational opportunities for children of low-income Baltimore City families by providing partial scholarships without regard to race, ethnicity, or religious belief. In doing so, we promote a diverse and competitive educational environment for the Baltimore community, a service we have been providing for more than 26 years. At the core of this mission is the belief that every family should be given the opportunity to choose the school that is right for their child, regardless of zipcode or financial means.
January 26, 2025 marks the beginning of the 15th annual National School Choice Week, a week-long celebration dedicated to shining a spotlight on effective K-12 education options for children. National School Choice Week is a significant event in the school choice mission, when participants plan thousands of events and activities nationwide to raise awareness across all 50 states. We also see it as a time when we can all come together to celebrate the transformative power of educational options and how they can empower families across Maryland, particularly in Baltimore.
What Is School Choice Week?
School choice empowers families to select the K-12 educational options that best meet their children’s unique needs. Education is not a one-size-fits-all experience—every child learns differently, and finding the right fit can make a world of difference.
Every child deserves access to education that aligns with their learning style, interests, and goals. For more than 26 years, CSFB has provided partial scholarships to low-income families in Baltimore, enabling them to choose schools that bridge gaps and address educational disparities. School choice ensures that parents can play an active role in shaping their children’s academic journey, unlocking potential, and fostering success. We’ve seen the significant impact our partial scholarships provide, and this proves that with the right educational options, scholars can overcome challenges and achieve their academic goals
Celebrating National School Choice Week
In January, communities across the nation unite to celebrate the diverse educational opportunities available to students. For Maryland families, it’s an opportunity to explore programs like BOOST, connect with academic resources, and make informed decisions about their children’s education. It’s also a great time to explore events like open houses, school fairs, and student showcases throughout local communities. Check the National School Choice Week website for events happening throughout Maryland during the week of January 26.
The State of School Choice in Maryland
Since 2016, the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program has provided crucial support for eligible students. The program offers scholarships to students qualifying for free or reduced-price school meals (FARMs) to attend participating nonpublic schools. The average scholarship amount is approximately $3,100—just under one fifth of the average expenditure per student in Maryland’s district schools.
However, according to the Maryland Department of Education, the appropriation for the program was reduced in fiscal year 2024 from $10 million to $9 million. The proposed budget for fiscal year 2025 also provides $9 million. To ensure the program’s longevity and growth, families and advocates can:
- Ask Governor Moore and legislators to maintain and increase BOOST funding.
- Join the BOOST Facebook Group to stay informed and connected.
- Support The BOOST Coalition, a group of Maryland parents, educators, schools, and concerned citizens advocating for educational options.
How To Support The School Choice Mission
There are various ways to support the school choice mission here in Maryland. In addition to supporting the BOOST program with calls and pleas to state legislators, you can support scholarship programs like CSFB that promote school choice in local communities. Consider advocating for programs that provide tax credits to families who pay for private school, and programs that allow parents to save for private school tuition. Also, vocalizing your support for organizations like CSFB that work to expand educational opportunities for all families is one of the most effective ways to spread awareness about the school choice mission. Start by liking, following, and sharing CSFB’s posts on LinkedIn and Facebook, and sign up for our monthly newsletters to stay informed.
By embracing school choice, Maryland can continue to support students and families in finding educational paths that lead to success. Let’s work together to ensure every child has the chance to thrive!

—Erica Jensen
Executive Director,
Children’s Scholarship Fund Baltimore