FAQ for Parents

MSB Parent FAQ

1. How do I refer my child to MSB?

You and your child’s current IEP team (including school staff and parents) can submit a referral online on our Admissions Page.

2. Is there a cost to families for services at MSB?

Not often. MSB is publicly and donor funded—there is no tuition or cost to families for most educational, residential, and on-site services.

3. What age groups does MSB serve?

  • Infants & Toddlers (birth–4): Early intervention services in homes or community settings
  • Preschool & Kindergarten (ages 3–5): Inclusive settings licensed through Maryland’s Office of Child Care
  • Academic & Residential (ages 6–21): Ongoing programming through age 21

4. What kinds of services are provided at MSB?

When the IEP team determines they are necessary to help a child access the curriculum, students may receive:

  • Occupational Therapy (OT)
  • Physical Therapy (PT)
  • Speech & Language Therapy
  • Orientation & Mobility
  • Assistive Technology supports
  • Social work and Psychological services
  • Transition Planning and Services

These are academic supports, not clinical or medical services, tailored to each student’s IEP goals.

5. What is the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)?

MSB teaches specialized skills essential for students with visual impairments. Your child’s IEP may include instruction in areas like:

  • Braille literacy
  • Independent living skills
  • Orientation & mobility
  • Social skills & self-advocacy
  • Career readiness
  • Recreation/leisure skills
  • Assistive technology
  • Sensory efficiency

6. Can students live on campus?

Yes. MSB offers a residential program for students ages 6–21 whose IEPs reflect that need. Options include full-time, part-time, extended-day and residential placement

  • More than 70% choose to commute daily
  • Residential stays run during school days only (around 185 days per year); students return home for weekends, and holidays

7. Can I visit my child on campus?

Absolutely. Evening family visits are encouraged so you can see your child in action and learn strategies together.

8. What is your admissions process?

After your referral and completed application (including your child’s IEP and evaluations), the MSB Admissions team will review the materials. Decisions include:

  • Recommended for enrollment
  • Deferred (if more information is needed)
  • Not recommended if MSB is not considered the Least Restrictive Environment or if the child’s needs exceed on-site scope .

Admissions are rolling, and your IEP team will coordinate next steps with the county.

9. What kinds of academic programs are available?

MSB provides a range of programs, including:

  • Academic diploma-track classes aligned with Maryland College and Career Ready Standards
  • Certificate of Completion programs focused on life skills or vocational preparation for students who are not diploma seeking
  • Deafblind specialist program lead by experts in Deafblind Education
  • Heightened sensory processing program
  • Intensive Behavior Program staffed by behavior experts who guide your student through behavior changes one step at a time.
  • Supportive and accessible classrooms and residential programs with experts in engaging and unlocking achievements in communications and independence with students who are multiply disabled.
  • Early learning program featuring state of the art preschool and kindergarten environments that include sighted peers in each class.
  • All programs are combined into Three Schools:
    • High School
    • Elementary and Middle School
    • Pre-K through Kindergarten

10. How does MSB support students beyond academics?

  • Therapeutic Recreation & Music Therapy: For leisure, social development, and motor skills
  • Residential routines: Enhancing independent living skills
  • Statewide outreach: Includes out-of-school time programs for students and parents ranging from summer sleepover camps like Camp Abilities to ballet on through to our monthly ECC challenger for students and educators, evaluations, home training, and partnerships with local schools

11. How does MSB work with Local Education Agencies (LEAs)?

MSB serves as a statewide resource: providing outreach, consultations, training, and services to support local schools when that environment is most appropriate. Our referrals to MSB happen only when the IEP team determines a specialized setting is needed

Ready to Learn More?

We’d love to connect with your family! You can:

  • Start a referral through our Admissions Page
  • Attend one of our events, like summer programs or parent workshops

Together, let’s explore what’s best for your child’s unique learning path.