# Education (GED)

## Title 7. Public Schools

### Subtitle 14. Virtual Schools

#### Section 7-1402

(a)

  (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection and subject to the approval of the Department, a county board may establish one virtual school for the elementary, middle, and high school grade bands.

  (2) The Department may provide preliminary authorization to a county board to establish one additional virtual school on a showing of just cause, as determined by the Department.

  (3) The Department may revoke approval of a virtual school if during the previous school year the virtual school fails to meet the standards established by the Department in regulation.

  (4)

    (i) A county board may appeal a denial or revocation of approval for the establishment of a virtual school to the State Board for adjudication during a public hearing.

    (ii) The State Board shall develop an appeals process to carry out the provisions of this paragraph.

(b) A virtual school may not include classes for prekindergarten or kindergarten students.

(c) A virtual school is subject to all applicable federal and State laws and regulations governing the operation of a public school.

(d) Each approved virtual school shall have a unique school code assigned by the Department.

(e)

  (1) A county board may not contract with a for-profit entity, but may contract with a nonprofit entity, to operate or administer a virtual school for the county board.

  (2) The provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection may not be construed to prohibit a county board from contracting with a for-profit entity for goods and services for a virtual school.

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Md. Code Ann., Educ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)