Charles County Offers Excellent Education Opportunities for All Ages
Ask any Charles County parent what attracted them to the area, and they’ll likely mention the quality of the county’s public schools. “Parents are attracted to Charles County Public Schools because of our proven success and dedication to working with all children to help them reach their potential,” says Katherine O’Malley-Simpson, coordinating supervisor for media relations and communications for Charles County Public Schools. “Our district has been named as a national model for the Positive Interventions and Supports program, which helps schools create better school climates and spend less time on discipline and more time on teaching and learning. The school system has also been nationally recognized for its efforts to eliminate the minority achievement gap.”
Charles County Public Schools has an enrollment of about 26,700 students, which includes six high schools, eight middle schools and 21 elementary schools. It is one of the fastest growing school systems in Maryland.
Keeping Tabs on Technology
Charles County Public Schools is known for using technology to enhance communication efforts as well as instruction. Schools offer wireless Internet access for students and staff, and the advancement of a rigorous science, technology, engineering and mathematics program keeps the school system moving forward. North Point High School for Science, Technology and Industry is one example, providing state-of-the-art equipment, classrooms, training and instruction in career fields. The school system plans to infuse the same new technology into its older schools and improve offerings at all high schools, including a new high school that will contain a digital classroom and focus on natural resources management and environmental technology.
Higher Education
Those seeking higher education can find classes that suit their needs at the College of Southern Maryland, which has four campuses in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties and a total enrollment of more than 22,000 students. Founded in 1958, CSM offers more than 130 programs of study, including associate’s degree programs, certificate programs, online programs and continuing education programs. Students can even earn a four-year degree through CSM partnerships with other colleges and universities. In 2008, CSM was put at the forefront of Charles County’s thriving energy industry when it rolled out a new center for technology and engineering education just in time for the college’s 50th anniversary. Funded with a $1 million federal grant, the center for engineering puts students on the job training fast track, acting as a provider of skilled labor and a site for ongoing employee training and development.
