EDUCATION
Anne Arundel County has approximately 75,000 students enrolled in more than 100 schools in the county public school system. The school system is the fifth largest system in the state, employing 10,500, of which approximately 5,000 are teachers.
Currently, there are 77 elementary schools, 19 middle (grades 6,7 and 8), 12 senior highs (grades 9-12), 2 centers of applied technology, 3 special schools, 3 evening high schools, 1 outdoor school, 1 alternative school (The Learning Center), and one center for the emotionally impaired (The Phoenix Center) and over 30 private schools. Kindergarten is part of the public school system in the State of Maryland.
Test scores in all the fundamentals are on a par with or above the national average. Language development and mathematical skills receive special attention.
Enrollment Requirements
To enter kindergarten in Maryland, a child must be 5 years of age by December 31st of the school year. School attendance or receipt of instruction is mandatory, age 6 through age 15. Beginning in the 2007-2008 school year, all elementary schools in Anne Arundel County will offer all-day kindergarten.
Before admittance to kindergarten and first grade, the school principal will require: acceptable proof of age, a health certificate pertaining to inoculations, and proof of residence. The pre-school immunization law requires school-age children to be immunized against specifically targeted preventable diseases and to have a physical examination prior to admittance to any school unless there is conflict with the parents’ bona fide religious beliefs and practices. The Board of Education discourages the administering of medicines to students by school personnel.
Students who transfer from another state must furnish a previous record, such as a report card indicating grade level assignment, a health certificate, and proof of residence.
Transportation
School bus transportation is provided daily for more than 50,000 students on a fleet of almost 500 bus. Transportation is provided for Anne Arundel County public school students who’s residence meets the following criteria:
Kindergarten: 1/2 or more mile from school;
Elementary: 1 mile or more from school;
Middle and Senior High Schools: 1 1/2 miles or more from school.
Exceptions to this distance may be made for physically and mentally handicapped children or where exceptional or hazardous walking conditions exist. Inquires concerning these exceptions should be directed to 410-222-2910.
Art and Music Programs
Art and music programs in the County are outstanding. Each high school offers chorus, orchestra, and marching band as separate activities. Students in all classes, K through 12, receive music instruction. Third graders and beyond may study string instruments, and from fourth grade on, instruction is available in all instruments.
Media Centers
Media Centers are located in all schools. In addition to the printed works, resource materials include: video and audio tapes, records, and films. There are even media-production centers where teachers may produce items tailored to the needs of their individual classes.
Adult Education
The schools attempt to meet the needs of all the people interested in learning. One special feature of this program, in which volunteers play an important role, is the countys organized effort to teach English as a second language to adults. Further information can be obtained by calling 410-455-6725 or 1-800-358-3010.
TO CONTACT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION:
Anne Arundel County Board of Education
2644 Riva Road
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
410-222-5000
www.research.umbc.edu
www.maryland.gov
www.dors.state.md.us/
Private Schools
School systems in the private sector adhere as rigidly to high standards as do the public schools. The result is a cluster of parochial and private schools with extremely high academic ratings. A total of more than 30 private institutions offer alternative education from nursery school through senior high. A guide to Maryland’s independent schools is available by contacting: AIMS, P.O. Box 802, Severna Park, MD 21146.
Special Programs
Public School
Anne Arundel County programs for “Gifted and Talented” is one of differ-ential instruction within the regular school day. Instructional programs for highly able/gifted/talented students have been established at both elementary and secondary school levels. Using an informal identification program, student selection is made. With the establishment of homogeneous classes, curricula
are developed commensurate with the ability of the gifted/talented students.
Advanced Placement Programs
This program offers highly able/gifted/talented students an opportunity
to study one or more college level courses while attending high school.
Adjunct Programs
A myriad of additional programs for “Gifted and Talented” students are available. These programs are designed to extend those skills and ideas being learned in the home school. Programs include Explore, Great Books, Maryland Academy of Science programs, and several alternatives in the visual and performing arts area.
