Academic Fee Waiver

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), Public Law 108-447, provides the National Park Service statutory authority to allow "outings conducted for non-commercial educational purposes by schools or bona fide educational institutions" to obtain a waiver of park entrance fees. A school or educational institution is defined as one which grants some type of educational credit.

The Application and approval will require that you submit the following documentation and explanation of curriculum and intent:

• Educational and scientific groups must submit proof of official recognition as an accredited institution by a federal, state, or local government entity. Private and home schools, or other scientific organizations may submit documentation of tax-exempt status granted for educational purposes.
• A brief explanation of the relevant curriculum and purpose of the visit. Specifically address how the park resources and/or facilities support that purpose.

Who Qualifies?

Bona fide academic institutions (acredited schools) qualify for Academic Fee Waivers for all National Park Service sites. Other organized youth visits, such as scout groups, summer camps, youth leadership groups, etc. do not qualify for Academic Fee Waivers.

Please note: fee waivers are only required for school groups where students are age 16 and older. Schools with students age 15 and under do not need a fee waiver, and will have their teachers, chaperones, and drivers covered under the ratio described below.

How Many Adults Can We Bring?

Fort McHenry provides Academic Fee Waivers for educational groups on a 1:5 ratio of adults to students, meaning 1 adult can enter the fee area for free for every 5 students attending the field trip upon fee waiver approval. If there are more adults than the 1:5 ratio, they are still welcome to come to the site, however they will have to pay the $15 per adult entrance fee to enter the historic zone.

Students MUST be accompanied by a chaperones when entering the historic zone.

How to apply:

Complete the Application For Waiver of Fees For Educational Study form and submit for review to the e-mail address located at the top of the form.

The application and documentation must be received at least two weeks in advance of your visit.

A confirmation email will be sent once the application is approved. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval. Applicants may receive requests for additional information. A confirmation email including an approval form signed by a park staff member will be sent once an application is approved and a fee waiver has been granted. Applications that are marked as ‘incomplete’ or are not signed by an authorized staff member will not be approved for a fee waiver. Group organizers must bring a copy of their signed and approved fee waiver application with them on the day of their visit.