Maryland State Department of Education

The Maryland State Department of Education is the state agency responsible for administering public education policy and programs in Maryland. Based in Baltimore, it supports and oversees the state’s local school systems under policies set by the Maryland State Board of Education. Its work spans academic standards and assessment, educator preparation, school accountability, special education, early childhood programs and school nutrition. The department also administers state and federal education funding and provides guidance to districts and schools. Maryland has 24 local school systems, each of which manages its own schools.