New 50-State Study Highlights Maryland’s Progress in Modernizing High School

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New 50-State Study Highlights Maryland’s Progress in Modernizing High School

BALTIMORE (February 18, 2026) — The XQ Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focused on rethinking high school, today released a new study of high school policies in every state. 

The Future Is High School: A Strategy for State Leaders to Accelerate Learning, Work, and American Renewal identifies 10 policy actions to make high school more rigorous, engaging, and career connected. With four policy actions in place and another underway, Maryland is building a strong foundation for students’ future. 

“Maryland is leading the way in reimagining high school for the 21st century,” said Governor Wes Moore. “Our students deserve an education that prepares them not just for graduation, but for the opportunities and challenges of the future. By aligning high school with more career pathways, expanding access to advanced coursework, and valuing real-world learning, we are building a system that works for every student and strengthens Maryland’s workforce and economy. This is how we make Maryland the best place to learn, work, and thrive.”

The study highlights Maryland’s leadership in these policy actions:

  • Modernize how students earn credit — Allowing districts to award credit for mastery rather than seat time by defining a credit as “successful demonstration of a specified unit of study.”
  • Align high school with college admissions — Expanding seamless pathways from high school to college by aligning diploma requirements with the admissions requirements at the University of Maryland.
  • Expand postsecondary coursework — Guaranteeing that every high school offers advanced coursework either in person or virtually, ensuring all students have access to college-level work.
  • Credit real-world learning — Articulating a definition of work-based learning and guiding principles, including how students can earn credentials for coursework credit, along with establishing a robust definition for youth apprenticeships that includes technical coursework, industry standards, paid time, and a portable credential. 


“Maryland is committed to ensuring every student graduates prepared for college, career, and life,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools. “This report affirms the progress we’ve made in modernizing high school and highlights the importance of continuing to innovate. By expanding access to advanced coursework, aligning pathways to college, and recognizing real-world learning, we are building a system that meets the needs of today’s learners and tomorrow’s workforce.”

The report, which will be released every two years, underscores the need for strong implementation to ensure that educators, schools, and communities have the support needed to turn innovative policy into real impact.

“States have more opportunity, responsibility and authority over public education than at any time in recent memory,” said Russlynn Ali, CEO, XQ Institute and Managing Director of the Education Fund at Emerson Collective. “With 344,000 jobs to fill each year, Maryland leaders recognize what’s at stake—and the role high school plays in preparing young people and investing in the state’s future. Maryland knows that high school is the future of everything.”

This spring, XQ will embark on the first leg of its Future Is High School bus tour, a national effort designed to elevate the voices of those closest to the work of transforming high school. The tour will be stopping in Maryland as part of a multi-phase effort to activate local expertise and showcase what is possible when communities lead.  

Visit the XQ Institute’s website to learn more about the report.

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