Prince George's County Public Schools: Difference between revisions
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The '''Prince George's County Public Schools System''' ('''PGCPS''') is a large [[school district]] administered by the government of [[Prince George's County, Maryland]], United States and is overseen by the [[Maryland State Department of Education]]. The school system is headquartered in [[Upper Marlboro, Maryland|Upper Marlboro]] and the district serves Prince George's County. The district is headed by Kevin M. Maxwell<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www1.pgcps.org/ceo/| title=Office of the Chief Executive Officer|publisher=Prince George's County Public School| accessdate=August 13, 2013 |}}</ref> and a 14-member Board of Education.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.pgcps.org/board/ |title=The Board of Education |publisher=Prince George's County Public Schools |accessdate=August 14, 2013}}</ref> |
The '''Prince George's County Public Schools System''' ('''PGCPS''') is a large public [[school district]] administered by the government of [[Prince George's County, Maryland]], United States and is overseen by the [[Maryland State Department of Education]]. The school system is headquartered in [[Upper Marlboro, Maryland|Upper Marlboro]] and the district serves Prince George's County. The district is headed by Kevin M. Maxwell<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www1.pgcps.org/ceo/| title=Office of the Chief Executive Officer|publisher=Prince George's County Public School| accessdate=August 13, 2013 |}}</ref> and a 14-member Board of Education.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.pgcps.org/board/ |title=The Board of Education |publisher=Prince George's County Public Schools |accessdate=August 14, 2013}}</ref> |
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With approximately 125,136 students enrolled for the 2013-14 school year, the Prince George's County Public Schools system is the second largest school district in the [[Federated state|state]] of Maryland;<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> the third largest school district in both the [[Washington Metropolitan Area]] and [[Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area]], after [[Fairfax County Public Schools]] in [[Virginia]] and [[Montgomery County Public Schools]] in [[Maryland]]; and it's one of the top 25 largest school districts in the nation.<ref name=Statistics12-13/> PGCPS operates 204 schools and special centers<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> which include: 122 [[elementary school#United States|elementary schools]] (PreK-5),<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> 24 [[middle school#Canada and the United States|middle schools]] (6-8),<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> 23 [[high school#United States|high schools]] (9-12),<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> and 12 [[Elementary Middle School|academies]] (PreK-8).<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> The school system also operates 9 special centers,<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> 2 [[Vocational school#United States|vocational centers]],<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> 5 [[Alternative School|alternative schools]],<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> 8 [[Charter school|public charter schools]],<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> and the Howard B. Owens Science Center,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.pgcps.org/howardbowens/wipage.aspx?Pageid=178442&id=117300 |title=Howard B. Owens Science Center – About Us |publisher=Prince George's County Public Schools |accessdate=August 14, 2013}}</ref> serving [[Student#United States|students]] from [[Pre-Kindergarten]] through [[Twelfth grade#United States|Grade 12]].<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> PGCPS operates the two largest [[Secondary education in the United States#High schools|high schools]] in the state of Maryland — ([[Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School]] and [[Northwestern High School (Hyattsville, Maryland)|Northwestern High School]]), respectively. The school system transports over 90,536 students, daily, by its fleet of 1,335 GPS-equipped [[school bus]]es, on 5,616 bus routes. PGCPS employs approximately 18,000 staff members<ref name=Statistics12-13/> which includes an estimated 9,000 teachers.<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> The approved operating budget for FY2012–13 is approximately US$1.6 billion<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> with a per pupil expenditure of US$11,753.<ref name=Statistics12-13/> Average teacher salary ranges from US$55,689 for teachers with a [[Bachelor's Degree]] to US$80,009 for teachers with a [[Doctorate#United States|Doctorate's Degree]]. |
With approximately 125,136 students enrolled for the 2013-14 school year, the Prince George's County Public Schools system is the second largest school district in the [[Federated state|state]] of Maryland;<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> the third largest school district in both the [[Washington Metropolitan Area]] and [[Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area]], after [[Fairfax County Public Schools]] in [[Virginia]] and [[Montgomery County Public Schools]] in [[Maryland]]; and it's one of the top 25 largest school districts in the nation.<ref name=Statistics12-13/> PGCPS operates 204 schools and special centers<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> which include: 122 [[elementary school#United States|elementary schools]] (PreK-5),<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> 24 [[middle school#Canada and the United States|middle schools]] (6-8),<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> 23 [[high school#United States|high schools]] (9-12),<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> and 12 [[Elementary Middle School|academies]] (PreK-8).<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> The school system also operates 9 special centers,<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> 2 [[Vocational school#United States|vocational centers]],<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> 5 [[Alternative School|alternative schools]],<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> 8 [[Charter school|public charter schools]],<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> and the Howard B. Owens Science Center,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.pgcps.org/howardbowens/wipage.aspx?Pageid=178442&id=117300 |title=Howard B. Owens Science Center – About Us |publisher=Prince George's County Public Schools |accessdate=August 14, 2013}}</ref> serving [[Student#United States|students]] from [[Pre-Kindergarten]] through [[Twelfth grade#United States|Grade 12]].<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> PGCPS operates the two largest [[Secondary education in the United States#High schools|high schools]] in the state of Maryland — ([[Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School]] and [[Northwestern High School (Hyattsville, Maryland)|Northwestern High School]]), respectively. The school system transports over 90,536 students, daily, by its fleet of 1,335 GPS-equipped [[school bus]]es, on 5,616 bus routes. PGCPS employs approximately 18,000 staff members<ref name=Statistics12-13/> which includes an estimated 9,000 teachers.<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> The approved operating budget for FY2012–13 is approximately US$1.6 billion<ref name=AboutPGCPS/> with a per pupil expenditure of US$11,753.<ref name=Statistics12-13/> Average teacher salary ranges from US$55,689 for teachers with a [[Bachelor's Degree]] to US$80,009 for teachers with a [[Doctorate#United States|Doctorate's Degree]]. |
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In terms of racial [[demographics]], African-Americans make up the majority of the systems students at 67.4%, followed by 22.6% [[Hispanic]], 4.6% [[Caucasian race|Caucasian]], 2.9% [[Asian people|Asian]], and remaining 2.4% comprising various other [[Race (human classification)|races]]. |
In terms of racial [[demographics]], African-Americans make up the majority of the systems students at 67.4%, followed by 22.6% [[Hispanic]], 4.6% [[Caucasian race|Caucasian]], 2.9% [[Asian people|Asian]], and remaining 2.4% comprising various other [[Race (human classification)|races]]. |
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In June 2009, the PGCPS became one of the first school systems in America, to name one of their schools after current [[President of the United States|President]] [[Barack Obama]]. |
In June 2009, the PGCPS became one of the first school systems in America, to name one of their schools after current [[President of the United States|President]] [[Barack Obama]]. Barack Obama Elementary School, in Upper Marlboro, opened in August 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazette.net/stories/06262009/prinnew100601_32526.shtml |title=School board approves Barack Obama Elementary name |date=2009-06-26 |publisher=The Gazette}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.gazette.net/stories/08052010/clinnew163731_32534.php| title=Upper Marlboro school makes final touches|year=2010| accessdate=2010-08-05 |publisher=Prince George's County The Gazette}}</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
Revision as of 01:47, 10 July 2014
Prince George's County Public Schools | |
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File:PGCPS Logo 2011.png | |
Location | |
14201 School Lane
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 ![]() | |
Coordinates | 38°48′54″N 76°45′33″W / 38.81496°N 76.75905°W |
District information | |
Type | Public |
Grades | PreK-12 |
Established | 1899 |
Superintendent | Kevin M. Maxwell |
Schools | 205 |
Budget | US$1.6 Billion |
NCES District ID | 2400510[1] |
Students and staff | |
Students | 125,136 (appx)[2] |
Teachers | 9,000[2] |
Staff | 18,000 (appx)[3] |
Other information | |
School Board | Segun Eubanks, Chair, At-Large Carolyn M. Boston, Vice Chair, At-Large Beverly Anderson (Appointed) Donna Hathaway Beck, District 9 Carolyn Boston, District 6 Edward Burroughs, III, District 8 Zabrina Epps, District 1 Patricia Eubanks, District 4 Carletta Fellows, District 7 Peggy Higgins, District 2 Daniel Kaufman (Appointed) Curtis Valentine (Appointed) Amber Waller, District 3 Shabnam Ahmed, Student Board Member |
Website | www1 |
The Prince George's County Public Schools System (PGCPS) is a large public school district administered by the government of Prince George's County, Maryland, United States and is overseen by the Maryland State Department of Education. The school system is headquartered in Upper Marlboro and the district serves Prince George's County. The district is headed by Kevin M. Maxwell[4] and a 14-member Board of Education.[5]
With approximately 125,136 students enrolled for the 2013-14 school year, the Prince George's County Public Schools system is the second largest school district in the state of Maryland;[2] the third largest school district in both the Washington Metropolitan Area and Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area, after Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia and Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland; and it's one of the top 25 largest school districts in the nation.[3] PGCPS operates 204 schools and special centers[2] which include: 122 elementary schools (PreK-5),[2] 24 middle schools (6-8),[2] 23 high schools (9-12),[2] and 12 academies (PreK-8).[2] The school system also operates 9 special centers,[2] 2 vocational centers,[2] 5 alternative schools,[2] 8 public charter schools,[2] and the Howard B. Owens Science Center,[6] serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.[2] PGCPS operates the two largest high schools in the state of Maryland — (Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School and Northwestern High School), respectively. The school system transports over 90,536 students, daily, by its fleet of 1,335 GPS-equipped school buses, on 5,616 bus routes. PGCPS employs approximately 18,000 staff members[3] which includes an estimated 9,000 teachers.[2] The approved operating budget for FY2012–13 is approximately US$1.6 billion[2] with a per pupil expenditure of US$11,753.[3] Average teacher salary ranges from US$55,689 for teachers with a Bachelor's Degree to US$80,009 for teachers with a Doctorate's Degree.
Kevin M. Maxwell is the new CEO (superintendent) of the school system,[7] Maxwell is a product of Prince George's County Public Schools, having graduated from Bladensburg High School.[7] replacing Alvin Crawley. Maxwell came from the Anne Arundel County Public Schools system, where he led the school district as superintendent for seven years. Maxwell served as an educator within the school district for 22 years as a teacher,[7] then principal and Chief Educational Administrator at Northwestern High School and its feeder schools,[7] before leaving PGCPS in 2000 to become principal at Walter Johnson High School in Montgomery County. Outgoing interim superintendent, Alvin Crawley, withdrew his name from the running for permanent superintendent, due to a massive reorganization of the PGCPS Board of Education that was spearheaded by current county executive, Rushern Baker, which would limit the powers of the school board and give more control to the superintendent.[8]
In terms of racial demographics, African-Americans make up the majority of the systems students at 67.4%, followed by 22.6% Hispanic, 4.6% Caucasian, 2.9% Asian, and remaining 2.4% comprising various other races.
In June 2009, the PGCPS became one of the first school systems in America, to name one of their schools after current President Barack Obama. Barack Obama Elementary School, in Upper Marlboro, opened in August 2010.[9][10]
History
Early schools in Prince George's County
![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (May 2008) |
In 1899, the first High School was built in Prince George's County, at the northeast corner of Montgomery and Eighth Streets in Laurel, Maryland, and was named, Laurel High School.[11]
In 1902, Frederick Sasscer, Jr. became Superintendent Schools, a post he held until 1914.[12]
Desegregation
![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (May 2008) |
Desegregation busing in the United States#Prince George 27s_County.2C_Maryland
School consolidation (SY2009–2010)
On March 26, 2009, the Prince George's County Public Schools Board of Education voted to consolidate eight under-enrolled schools in the county and expand magnet program offerings within the school system. This decision was made after a series of community briefings, public hearings, more than 2,500 survey responses, and additional public input.[13]
This process of expanding opportunities for students began in June 2008. The Board of Education directed the school district to conduct a comprehensive review of school enrollments in September 2008. Recognizing that some schools were significantly under-enrolled, the Board of Education sought to offer more educational opportunities in historically under-served areas of the county, relieve overcrowding where possible, and improve operating efficiencies. The Board of Education used constituent feedback to refine the proposal made by Interim Superintendent Dr. William R. Hite, Jr. earlier this year, and reduced the number of schools to be consolidated to eight (8) instead of 12. The plan still relieves overcrowded schools, identifies space for new academic choices, and expands successful programs. The school district’s next step will be to solicit public input on what new or expanded programs communities would like to see in their schools.
In January 2009, the Superintendent presented the Board with the first of four phases in a proposal. Phase I was approved with the following components for the 2009–2010 school year:
- No high schools were affected by Phase I.
- Eight schools were consolidated and students were reassigned for the 2009–2010 school year. The following schools were closed (permanently) starting with the 2009–2010 school year: Berkshire Elementary, John Carroll Elementary, John E. Howard Elementary, Matthew Henson Elementary, Middleton Valley Elementary, Morningside Elementary, Owens Road Elementary, and G. Gardner Shugart Middle School.
- Five schools were converted to Kindergarten through Grade 8 (K-8) programs: Andrew Jackson Middle School, Samuel P. Massie Elementary School, and William W. Hall Elementary School, whom of which enroll students in grades K-8, while Henry G. Ferguson Elementary School and Eugene Burroughs Middle School, were combined to create The Accokeek Academy PreK-8 school with the Talented & Gifted Center (TAG) Magnet Program from Henry Ferguson carrying over to the newly combined school and expanding to include grades 7 & 8.
- Benjamin D. Foulois Elementary School was converted to a K-8 Creative & Performing Arts magnet center for the southern end of the county, replicating the current program at Thomas G. Pullen Arts Magnet School.
- Concord, Dodge Park, District Heights, and Oakcrest elementary schools were removed from the list of potential schools to be closed/consolidated.
- Communities will make recommendations on what new magnet programs they want for their schools (i.e. Foreign Language Immersion, Montessori, etc.)
Transportation
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/08/ICBusPGCPS.jpeg/250px-ICBusPGCPS.jpeg)
Prince George's County Public Schools offers students transportation to and from school with its own transportation system. The system runs a fleet of various school bus models by Blue Bird Corporation, IC Bus, and Thomas Built Buses. Models include rear-engined and front-engined types, which all operate under diesel fuel. Special needs children are also provided with a bus that is accessible to them. All buses visibly display "Prince George's County Public Schools" on both sides of the bus.[14] The transportation department operates from 13 bus lots, which in total operate over 1200 buses on over 5000 routes. The ridership varies annually, although at least 93,000 students ride buses provided by the department. All routes consist of three digit numbers, such as 001, and a letter-digit route, such as B12.[15] In addition to transportation to and from schools, the school district runs buses for school field trips, athletic events, and other approved necessities for a bus in Maryland.[16] Ridership of each bus is determined by the distance in which the student lives from their school, which includes but not limited to two miles for intermediate and secondary schools and one and half mile for primary schools. Each route is determined through a trapeze system, in which information regarding students is entered into a computer system and the outcome being their route number.[17]
List of schools
High schools
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/Northwestern_High_School%2C_Hyattsville%2C_Maryland.jpg/250px-Northwestern_High_School%2C_Hyattsville%2C_Maryland.jpg)
All high schools in Prince George's County operate with a "comprehensive" model as their base, with the exception of the new Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George's Community College, which is a middle college program. All students are assigned to a high school based on an "attendance area."
Magnet Programs operate as a "School-Within-A-School" model, where the magnet serves as an alternative program---in addition to the main comprehensive program---and students from outside the regular attendance area of the high school are enrolled and accepted into the magnet, either through continuity (automatic continuation from a middle school magnet program to the high school level equivalent) or more commonly, through a "Magnet Lottery", where students apply for a magnet program and are granted acceptance through a random drawing. Enrollment into the Center for the Visual and Performing Arts is through audition only.
Several high schools have also implemented a "Smaller Learning Community" model, where they offer anywhere from two or more Academy Programs, which effectively breaks a school down into several smaller schools within the school, by allowing students to essentially declare a major (such as a student attending a college or university) through career academies such as "Arts, Media, and Communication" or the "National Academy of Finance," for example. Larger high schools typically have more academy program offerings.
All high schools within PGCPS operate on a staggered school day schedule, where some high schools start as early as 7:45am and end as early as 2:25pm, and other high schools start as late as 9:30am and end as late as 4:10pm.[18] All high schools operate on an alternating A/B-day block scheduling system, where one group of classes are taken on "A-Days" and a different group of classes are taken on "B-Days," and the cycle repeats. Most high schools have between three and four lunch shifts, depending on enrollment and eating accommodations. The only exceptions are Eleanor Roosevelt High School—which has adopted a modified hybrid block schedule in which both traditional single period courses and double period (block schedule) courses are integrated—and the Academy of Health Science at Prince George's Community College.
SCHOOL | WEBSITE | LOCATION | OPENING DATE (Current Facility) |
GRADES | ENROLLMENT (2013–14) |
SQUARE FOOTAGE | ATTENDANCE HOURS (Start/End) |
SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS |
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Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George's Community College | Link | Largo | 2011 | 9-11 | 303 | N/A | 9:30a – 4:40p | Current Program(s): Academy of Health Sciences |
NOTES & COMMENTS: This high school is ran in conjunction with the Prince George's Community College (PGCC) with classes being held on the PGCC campus and is the State of Maryland's first middle college. The school admitted the first class of 100 Freshman in Fall 2011. A new grade level will be added each year until a full, four year, grades 9-12 high school is operational. There will be a total of 400 students. | ||||||||
Bladensburg High School | Link | Bladensburg | 2005 | 9–12 | 1,816 | 304,000 | 9:30a – 4:10p | Current Program(s): Biomedical Magnet Program; Career and Technical Education Magnet Program; Academy of Hospitality and Tourism; America's Choice School Design Signature Program Future Program(s): Academy of Health and Biosciences; Academy of Graphic Arts, Media and Communications |
NOTES & COMMENTS: Bladensburg received a state-of-the-art, replacement facility, in August 2004. | ||||||||
Bowie High School (included with Bowie High School Annex) |
Link | Bowie | 1965 | 10–12 | 2,573 | 280,306 | 7:45a – 2:25p | Current Program(s): SUMMIT Scholar Signature Program Future Program(s): Academy of Information Technology; Performing Arts Academy; Academy of Environmental Sciences |
NOTES & COMMENTS: Bowie High School has two physical campuses. 10th-12th grade attend classes at the main campus and 9th graders attend classes at the "Belair Annex" (a former middle school) a half mile away. Bowie was ranked #1,173 on Newsweek's Top 1500 Public High Schools in America", for 2010. The SUMMIT Scholar Program at Bowie, is a four-year course of study through which a select group of students (60-65 students per grade level) follows a comprehensive curriculum combining accelerated Honors level and rigorous Advanced Placement course work. The Program combines Honors, SUMMIT, and Advanced Placement courses yet remains an integral part of the high school community at Bowie; SUMMIT scholars do not comprise a school within a school. | ||||||||
Bowie High School Annex (included with Bowie High School) |
Link | Bowie | 1963 | 9 | N/A | 102,351 | 7:45a – 2:25p | Current Program(s): SUMMIT Scholar Signature Program Future Program(s): Academy of Information Technology; Performing Arts Academy; Academy of Environmental Sciences |
NOTES & COMMENTS: Bowie High School has two physical campuses. 10th-12th grade attend classes at the main campus and 9th graders attend classes at the "Belair Annex" (a former middle school) a half mile away. Bowie was ranked #1,173 on Newsweek's Top 1500 Public High Schools in America", for 2010. The SUMMIT Scholar Program at Bowie, is a four-year course of study through which a select group of students (60-65 students per grade level) follows a comprehensive curriculum combining accelerated Honors level and rigorous Advanced Placement course work. The Program combines Honors, SUMMIT, and Advanced Placement courses yet remains an integral part of the high school community at Bowie; SUMMIT scholars do not comprise a school within a school. | ||||||||
Central High School | Link | Capitol Heights | 1961 | 9–12 | 817 | 168,366 | 7:45a – 2:25p | Current Program(s): French Immersion Magnet Program; International Baccalaureate (IB) Magnet Program; Law, Education and Public Service Academy; AVID Signature Program; America's Choice School Design Signature Program Future Program(s): Global Studies Academy; Academy of Graphic Arts, Media and Communications |
NOTES & COMMENTS: Central was ranked #1,429 on Newsweek's Top 1500 Public High Schools in America", for 2010. | ||||||||
Crossland High School | Link | Temple Hills | 1963 | 9–12 | 1,224 | 313,276 | 7:45a – 2:25p | Current Program(s): Technical Academy Magnet Program; International Baccalaureate (IB) Program (Non-Magnet); Global Studies Academy; America's Choice School Design Signature Program; Crossland Evening High School Future Program(s): Academy of Architecture and Design; Academy of Transportation Technologies; Performing Arts Academy |
NOTES & COMMENTS: Crossland was named an IB World School, in 2009. | ||||||||
Frederick Douglass High School | Link | Upper Marlboro | 1965 | 9–12 | 1,011 | 184,417 | 7:45a – 2:25p | Current Program(s): International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme; America's Choice School Design Signature Program Future Program(s): Academy of Global Studies; Academy of Business and Finance; Academy of Information Technology |
NOTES & COMMENTS: | ||||||||
DuVal High School | Link | Lanham | 1960 | 9–12 | 1,629 | 281,281 | 8:30a – 3:10p | Current Program(s): Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology Program; America's Choice School Design Signature Program; Academy of Consumer Services, Hospitality & Tourism; Academy of Humanities, Leadership & Public Service; Academy of Engineering and Science; Academy of Graphic Arts, Media and Communications Future Program(s): Academy of Transportation Technologies |
NOTES & COMMENTS: DuVal received a state-of-the-art, $13.4 million USD, 65,995 sq. ft., 600-student classroom addition, in 2007. The addition added a music wing and two-story academic wing. Starting in SY2014, DuVal will house a new specialized Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology Program. Admission is based on competitive examination, only, and prospective students will take the same specialized examination currently used for entrance into the Science and Technology Center. | ||||||||
Fairmont Heights High School | Link | Capitol Heights | 1950 | 9–12 | 751 | 174,128 | 8:30a – 3:10p | Current Program(s): Biotechnology Magnet Program; National Academy of Finance; Information Technology; America's Choice School Design Signature Program Future Program(s): Academy of Environmental Studies; Performing Arts Academy |
NOTES & COMMENTS: Fairmont Heights is one of three PGCPS high schools which house a special Health and Wellness Center, which is an on site medical facility, operated under the auspices of the County’s Health Department. | ||||||||
Charles Herbert Flowers High School | Link | Springdale | 2000 | 9–12 | 2,036 | 332,500 | 7:45a – 2:25p | Current Program(s): Science and Technology Center Magnet Program; National Academy of Finance; Project Lead The Way Pre-Engineering Academy; ProStart: Hospitality and Restaurant Management Program Future Program(s): Academy of Engineering and Science; Academy of Information Technology |
NOTES & COMMENTS: Flowers was ranked #1,445 on Newsweek's Top 1500 Public High Schools in America", for 2009. | ||||||||
Forestville High School | Link | Forestville | 1965 | 9–12 | 792 | 193,222 | 8:30a – 3:10p | Current Program(s): Military Academy; America's Choice School Design Signature Program |
NOTES & COMMENTS: | ||||||||
Friendly High School | Link | Fort Washington | 1970 | 9–12 | 1,034 | 236,861 | 7:45a – 2:25p | Current Program(s): Academy of Health and Biosciences; America's Choice School Design Signature Program Future Program(s): Academy of Engineering and Science; Academy of Information Technology |
NOTES & COMMENTS: | ||||||||
Gwynn Park High School | Link | Brandywine | 1956 | 9–12 | 1,102 | 194,845 | 7:45a – 2:25p | Current Program(s): Technical Academy Magnet Program; America's Choice School Design Signature Program Future Program(s): Academy of Hospitality and Tourism; Academy of Environmental Studies; Academy of Transportation Technologies |
NOTES & COMMENTS: | ||||||||
High Point High School | Link | Beltsville | 1954 | 9–12 | 2,239 | 318,376 | 7:45a – 2:25p | Current Program(s): AVID Signature Program; America's Choice School Design Signature Program Future Program(s): Academy of Engineering and Science; Academy of Environmental Studies; Academy of Military Science |
NOTES & COMMENTS: High Point received the Siemens Award for Advanced Placement, in 2004. High Point was ranked #1,361 on Newsweek's Top 1500 Public High Schools in America, for 2010. U.S. News & World Report named High Point a Silver Medal School, in 2010. | ||||||||
Largo High School | Link | Upper Marlboro | 1970 | 9–12 | 1,102 | 243,581 | 7:45a – 2:25p | Current Program(s): Biotechnology Magnet Program; AVID Signature Program; America's Choice School Design Signature Program; Largo Evening High School Future Program(s): Academy of Health and Biosciences; Academy of Hospitality and Tourism |
NOTES & COMMENTS: | ||||||||
Laurel High School | Link | Laurel | 1961 | 9–12 | 1,764 | 371,531 | 7:45a – 2:25p | Current Program(s): Technical Academy Magnet Program; International Baccalaureate (IB) Program (Non-Magnet); Academy of Global Studies; America's Choice School Design Signature Program Future Program(s): Academy of Transportation Technologies; Academy of Information Technology; Academy of Architecture and Design |
NOTES & COMMENTS: Laurel completed a 600-student classroom addition, as well as a brand new auditorium, in the Spring of 2010. Laurel was also ranked #1,343 on Newsweek's Top 1500 Public High Schools in America", for 2010. | ||||||||
Northwestern High School | Link | Hyattsville | 2000 | 9–12 | 2,217 | 386,000 | Comprehensive 9:30a – 4:10p CVPA Magnet |
Current Program(s): The Jim Henson Center for the Visual and Performing Arts Program; America's Choice School Design Signature Program; School of Business Management and Finance (National Academy of Finance • Academy of Business Management); School of Human Resource Services (The International Studies Academy • NJROTC Academy of Military Science); School of Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology (Project Lead The Way Pre-Engineering Academy); Colours Performing Arts Program; Northwestern Evening High School; Northwestern Adult Evening High School; Northwestern Saturday Academy Future Program(s): Academy of Law, Education and Public Service; Performing Arts Academy |
NOTES & COMMENTS: Northwestern received a state-of-the-art, $45 million replacement facility, which opened in August 2000. At 386,000sq. ft., it was (at the time) the largest high school in the state of Maryland in terms of total square footage. It was surpass in physical size by the new Dr. Henry Wise, Jr. HS (also in Prince George's County), in 2006. Northwestern is the second largest high school in Maryland. U.S. News & World Report named Northwestern a Silver Medal School, in 2010. Northwestern became the counties' second location for the Center for the Visual and Performing Arts program, in Fall 2013. The program is in-boundary, only, and draws students from the Hyattsville Middle School for the Creative and Performing Arts. Entrance into the program is through competitive audition only. Northwestern is one of three PGCPS high schools which house a special Health and Wellness Center, which is an on site medical facility, operated under the auspices of the County’s Health Department. | ||||||||
Oxon Hill High School | Link | Oxon Hill | 2013 | 9–12 | 1,361 | 243,048 | 9:30a – 4:10p | Current Program(s): Science and Technology Center Magnet Program; AVID Signature Program; America's Choice School Design Signature Program; Academy of Business and Finance (Academy of Accounting and Finance • Academy of Business Administrative Services • Academy of Business Management); Academy of Engineering; Academy of Graphic Arts and Media; Academy of Hospitality and Tourism (Academy of Hospitality and Restaurant Management); Academy of Military Sciences Future Program(s): Academy of Health and Biosciences |
NOTES & COMMENTS: Oxon Hill was ranked #957 on Newsweek's Top 1500 Public High Schools in America", for 2010. In August 2013, Oxon Hill relocated into a brand new LEED-certified building, that replaced the decades old former facility. The new school was constructed adjacent to the former building. Oxon Hill is one of three PGCPS high schools which house a special Health and Wellness Center, which is an on site medical facility, operated under the auspices of the County’s Health Department. | ||||||||
Parkdale High School | Link | Riverdale | 1968 | 9–12 | 2,046 | 265,201 | 7:45a – 2:25p | Current Program(s): International Baccalaureate (IB) Magnet Program; America's Choice School Design Signature Program; Academy of Global Studies; Capital One Student Banking Program Future Program(s): Academy of Architecture and Design; Academy of Law, Education and Public Service; Academy of Military Science |
NOTES & COMMENTS: Parkdale received a state-of-the-art, 400-seat classroom addition, in November 2007. Parkdale was ranked #1,481 on Newsweek's Top 1500 Public High Schools in America", for 2010. | ||||||||
Potomac High School | Link | Oxon Hill | 1965 | 9–12 | 1,067 | 218,083 | 7:45a – 2:25p | Current Program(s): America's Choice School Design Signature Program; National Academy of Finance; School of Arts, Media and Communications (Academy of the Arts-Dance • Academy of the Arts-Music • Academy of the Arts-Visual); School of Business Management and Finance (Academy of Finance • Academy of Business Management); School of Consumer Services, Hospitality and Tourism (Academy of Hospitality and Restaurant Management); School of Human Resource Services (Academy of Military Sciences • Academy of Law, Education and Public Service • Teacher Academy of Maryland); School of Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology (Project Lead the Way Pre-Engineering Academy • Information Technology) Future Program(s): Academy of Environmental Studies; Academy of Graphic Arts, Media and Communications |
NOTES & COMMENTS: Potomac received a state-of-the-art, 600-seat classroom addition, in January 2008. | ||||||||
Eleanor Roosevelt High School | Link | Greenbelt | 1974 | 9–12 | 2,445 | 327,458 | 8:30a – 3:10p | Current Program(s): Science and Technology Center Magnet Program; Capstone Program; Gilder-Lehrman American History Program; National Academy of Finance; Quality Education in Science and Technology (QUEST) Program/Academy of Information Technology (AOIT) |
NOTES & COMMENTS: Eleanor Roosevelt has been twice recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence both in 1991 and 1998, as well as a Maryland Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 1991 and 1998. It was also named a New American High School in 1999, and it received the Siemens Award for Advanced Placement in 2002. Roosevelt was also named a National School of Character in 2002. Roosevelt was ranked #409 on Newsweek's "Top 1500 Public High Schools in America," for 2010. U.S. News & World Report named Roosevelt a Silver Medal School in 2008. | ||||||||
Suitland High School (included with Suitland High School Annex) |
Link | Forestville | 1951 | 9–12 | 1,882 | 324,046 | Comprehensive 8:30a – 3:10p CVPA Magnet |
Current Program(s): Center for the Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Program; International Baccalaureate (IB) Magnet Program; Technical Academy Magnet Program (The Jesse J. Warr Vocational Center); America's Choice School Design Signature Program; Navy Junior ROTC (NJROTC) Academy; School of Business and Finance (National Academy of Finance) Future Program(s): Academy of Architecture and Design; Academy of Transportation Technologies; Academy of Military Science |
NOTES & COMMENTS: Suitland High School has TWO physical campuses: the main campus and the "annex" (a former elementary school) located directly behind the main campus, which houses the majority of the schools "Center for the Visual and Performing Arts" magnet program. Suitland was named a 1989 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. | ||||||||
Suitland High School Annex (included with Suitland High School) |
Link | Forestville | 1963 | 9-12 | N/A | 70,933 | Comprehensive 8:30a – 3:10p CVPA Magnet |
Current Program(s): Center for the Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Program; International Baccalaureate (IB) Magnet Program; Technical Academy Magnet Program (The Jesse J. Warr Vocational Center); America's Choice School Design Signature Program; Navy Junior ROTC (NJROTC) Academy; School of Business and Finance (National Academy of Finance) Future Program(s): Academy of Architecture and Design; Academy of Transportation Technologies; Academy of Military Science |
NOTES & COMMENTS: Suitland High School has TWO physical campuses: the main campus and the "annex" (a former elementary school) located directly behind the main campus, which houses the majority of the schools "Center for the Visual and Performing Arts" magnet program. Suitland was named a 1989 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. | ||||||||
Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School | Link | Upper Marlboro | 2006 | 9–12 | 2,297 | 434,600 | 9:00a – 3:40p | Current Program(s): Technical Academy Magnet Program; Academy of Health and Biosciences; Academy of Computer Networking Future Program(s): Performing Arts Academy |
NOTES & COMMENTS: At 434,600 sq. ft. and with a capacity of 2,600 students, Wise is the largest high school in the state of Maryland when measured by total square footage. It was completed in August 2006 and features a 5,000-seat professional gymnasium---the largest of any school in the Washington Metropolitan Area. |
Middle schools
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/Greenbelt_Middle_School.jpg/220px-Greenbelt_Middle_School.jpg)
Intermediate schools are referred to as "middle schools" in the PGCPS system, and operate as either grades 6–8 middle schools or Grades 7–8 middle schools. Grades 7–9 Junior High Schools were phased out in the mid-1980s. In the last few years, efforts have been made to convert most middle schools to the more popular Grades 6–8 model. Issues in the past such as over-enrollment, lack of classroom space, and funding, had made it hard to convert all middle schools to a Grades 6–8 configuration, but with increased funding and the addition of new middle schools, the transitions is slowly being made. As of SY2012–2013, only 4 of the 24 middle schools in the school district, retain the old Grades 7-8 configuration.
Most middle schools in Prince George's County operate with a "comprehensive" model, as their base. Most students are assigned to a middle school based on an "attendance area." Most magnet programs operate as a "School-Within-A-School" model, where the magnet serves as an alternative program---in addition to the main comprehensive program---and students from outside the regular attendance area of the middle school are enrolled and accepted into the magnet, either through continuity (automatic continuation from an elementary school magnet program to the middle school level equivalent) or more commonly, through a Magnet Lottery, where students apply for a magnet program and are granted acceptance through a random drawing. Almost all middle schools have a whole-school "Signature Program" that includes a specialized program of instruction which is the foundation of the schools comprehensive program.
All middle schools in the PGCPS operate on a staggered school day schedule, where some middle schools start as early as 7:30 am and the end as early as 2:50 pm, and other middle schools start as late as 9:00 am and end as late as 4:20 pm. All middle schools operate on a modified block scheduling system, where some classes meet for as long as 70-minutes, daily. For the SY2012-13 and beyond, an additional 40-minutes of instruction time has been added to the school day for all middle schools and their students, within the school district.[19]
In a cooperative effort of the county government, Board of Education, and the Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), some M-NCPPC community centers are physically connected to middle schools, throughout the district. The unique community park/school centers features shared use areas which include: a gymnasium; multi-purpose room; exercise/fitness room; dance room; arts and crafts room; computer lab; offices; storage areas; patio area; and restrooms. There are tennis courts and unlighted fields located, on-site, at select centers.
School | Website | Location | Opening date (Current facility) |
Grades | ENROLLMENT (2011–12) |
SQUARE FOOTAGE | Attendance hours (Start/end) |
SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS | Notes and comments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Buck Lodge Middle School | Link | Adelphi | 1958 | 6–8 | 846 | 122,497 | 7:30a – 2:50p |
|
|
Charles Carroll Middle School | Link | New Carrollton | 1961 | 6–8 | 985 | 114,778 | 7:30a – 2:50p |
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Stephen Decatur Middle School and Community Center | Link | Clinton | 1971 | 6–8 | 735 | 120,070 | 9:00a – 4:20p |
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This school has a full Community/Recreation Center directly connected to the facility. |
Drew-Freeman Middle School | Link | Suitland | 1960 | 7–8 | 635 | 142,413 | 7:30a – 2:50p |
|
|
Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School | Link | Laurel | 1969 | 6–8 | 935 | 139,951 | 7:30a – 2:50p |
|
|
Isaac J. Gourdine Middle School | Link | Fort Washington | 1969 | 6–8 | 474 | 136,707 | 7:30a – 2:50p |
|
|
Greenbelt Middle School | Link | Greenbelt | 2012 | 6–8 | 988 | 143,277 | 9:00a – 4:20p | A new 32 million USD, 143,277-square-foot, 990-student, LEED certified Greenbelt Middle School, opened in August 2012 to replace the old facility which dated back to 1937.[20] The total project cost 53.6 million USD.[21] The new school opened up with the addition of a brand new Talented and Gifted (TAG) Center magnet program for the northern-area of the county.[22] | |
Gwynn Park Middle School | Link | Brandywine | 1968 | 6–8 | 516 | 129,348 | 7:45a – 2:25p |
|
|
Hyattsville Middle School | Link | Hyattsville | 1938 | 7–8 | 757 | 119,597 | 9:00a – 4:20p | The magnet program at Hyattsville has a limited attendance-area, and is available to students in Regions 2 ann 5, only | |
Thomas Johnson Middle School | Link | Lanham | 1968 | 6–8 | 992 | 133,631 | 9:00a – 4:20p |
|
|
Dr. Ernest Everett Just Middle School | Link | Mitchellville | 2002 | 6–8 | 795 | 122,220 | 7:30a – 2:50p |
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This school shares its space with a full community/recreation center which is directly connected to the facility. |
Kenmoor Middle School | Link | Landover | 1973 | 6–8 | 691 | 128,381 | 9:00a – 4:20p |
|
1989 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and a 1989 Maryland Blue Ribbon School |
Kettering Middle School | Link | Upper Marlboro | 1977 | 6–8 | 512 | 120,800 | 7:30a – 2:50p |
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1993 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and a 1993 Maryland Blue Ribbon School |
Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School | Link | Beltsville | 1972 | 6–8 | 652 | 127,516 | 9:00a – 4:20p |
|
1993 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and a 1993 Maryland Blue Ribbon School |
James Madison Middle School | Link | Upper Marlboro | 1972 | 7–8 | 808 | 129,348 | 9:00a – 4:20p | ||
Thurgood G. Marshall Middle School | Link | Temple Hills | 1962 | 6–8 | 723 | 120,192 | 7:45a – 2:50p |
|
|
Samuel Ogle Middle School | Link | Bowie | 1967 | 6–8 | 843 | 133,631 | 9:00a – 4:20p |
|
|
Nicholas Orem Middle School | Link | Hyattsville | 1962 | 6–8 | 712 | 105,697 | 9:15a – 4:35p |
|
|
Oxon Hill Middle School | Link | Fort Washington | 1972 | 7–8 | 544 | 106,801 | 9:15a – 4:35p |
|
|
Benjamin Stoddert Middle School | Link | Temple Hills | 1957 | 6–8 | 616 | 101,862 | 7:30a – 2:50p |
|
|
Benjamin Tasker Middle School | Link | Bowie | 1970 | 6–8 | 936 | 161,678 | 7:30a – 2:50p |
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Walker Mill Middle School | Link | Capitol Heights | 1970 | 6–8 | 695 | 129,348 | 9:00a – 4:20p |
|
|
William Wirt Middle School | Link | Riverdale | 1964 | 6–8 | 854 | 106,318 | 9:00a – 4:20p |
|
Dedicated magnet schools
Dedicated magnet schools are offered in the PGCPS system, at the PreK-8th grade, elementary and middle school level, only. As of SY2012-13, Glenarden Woods and Heather Hills are the only full elementary-level dedicated magnet schools in the system.[23] Dedicated magnet schools are "whole school" programs and differ from traditional comprehensive schools, as (1) all students at the school are enrolled and receive instruction in the magnet program and (2) traditional attendance areas for assigning students to a school are replaced by much larger geographical attendance zones, usually split between North county (areas North of Central Avenue) and South county (areas South of Central Avenue). Whole school, dedicated magnet programs are offered through the Creative and Performing Arts, French Immersion, Montessori, and Talented & Gifted Center magnet programs. Students receive specialized instruction that varies from the typical comprehensive program, offered at most other schools. Students are selected for the magnet programs through Magnet Lottery for the French Immersion and Montessori programs and also for the Creative and Performing Arts program at the elementary school level, and acceptance into the Creative and Performing Arts program is through audition only at the middle school level. Acceptance into the TAG Centers at Glenarden Woods and Heather Hills Elementary Schools, are through specialized TAG testing, only.
SCHOOL | WEBSITE | LOCATION | OPENING DATE (Current Facility) |
GRADES | ENROLLMENT (2011–12) |
SQUARE FOOTAGE | ATTENDANCE HOURS (Start/End) |
SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS | NOTES & COMMENTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Benjamin D. Foulois Creative and Performing Arts Academy | Link | Suitland | 1968 | ES K-5 MS 6–8 |
553 | 114,715 | 9:15a – 3:55p | Creative and Performing Arts Magnet Program | This magnet school serves all PGCPS students who live SOUTH of Central Avenue. Benjamin Foulois is based on the Creative and Performing Arts magnet program found at Thomas G. Pullen. |
Glenarden Woods Elementary School | Link | Glenarden | 1960 | 2-5 | 435 | 52,061 | 9:15a – 3:40p | Talented and Gifted Center (TAG) Magnet Program | Glendarden Woods is a 2005-06 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and a 2005-06 Maryland Blue Ribbon School. Starting in the SY2012-13, PGCPS has designated the school as a dedicated TAG Center magnet school.[23] |
Robert Goddard French Immersion School | Link | Seabrook | 1964 | ES K-5 MS 6–8 |
578 of 1,090 | 133,631 | 9:15a – 3:55p | French Immersion Magnet Program | This magnet school serves all PGCPS students who live NORTH of Central Avenue. Robert Goddard French Immersion occupies the same facility as Robert Goodard Montessori, however, each school operates as two separate schools, and each school has its own principal and staff. |
Robert Goddard Montessori School | Link | ES PreK-5 MS 6–8 |
512 of 1,090 | Montessori Magnet Program | This magnet school serves all PGCPS students who live NORTH of Central Avenue. Robert Goddard Montessori occupies the same facility as Robert Goodard French Immersion, however, each school operates as two separate schools, and each school has its own principal and staff. | ||||
John Hanson French Immersion School | Link | Oxon Hill | -- | ES K-5 MS 6–8 |
434 of 890 | -- | 9:15a – 3:55p | French Immersion Magnet Program | This magnet school serves all PGCPS students who live SOUTH of Central Avenue. |
John Hanson Montessori School | Link | Oxon Hill | 1956 | ES PreK-5 MS 6–8 |
456 of 890 | 110,413 | 9:15a – 3:55p | Montessori Magnet Program | This magnet school serves all PGCPS students who live SOUTH of Central Avenue. |
Heather Hills Elementary School | Link | Bowie | 1967 | 2-5 | 397 | 36,825 | 7:45a –1:55p | Talented and Gifted Center (TAG) Magnet Program | Heather Hills is a 1989-90 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and Maryland Blue Ribbon School. Starting in the SY2012-13 school year, PGCPS has designated Heather Hills as a dedicated TAG Center magnet school.[23] |
Thomas G. Pullen Creative and Performing Arts Academy | Link | Landover | 1967 | ES K-5 MS 6–8 |
736 | 110,422 | 9:15a – 3:55p | Creative and Performing Arts Magnet Program | This magnet school serves all PGCPS students who live NORTH of Central Avenue. |
Combined elementary and middle schools
Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 schools are essentially combined elementary and middle schools, facilitated in one building. Most of these schools are referred to as academies in the school district. The elementary school usually starts at Pre-Kindergarten and ends at Grade 5 and the middle school starts at Grade 6 and ends at Grade 8. These schools usually offer a slightly enhanced standard of learning and studies have suggested that students have benefited from being in one continuous facility from Kindergarten through 8th grade, without having the disruption having to attend a brand new school, for the middle school years. Cora L. Rice Elementary School and G. James Gholson Middle School are not true academies. Both schools are houses in one facility but they operate as two completely separate schools for all intents and purposes.
SCHOOL | WEBSITE | LOCATION | OPENING DATE (Current Facility) |
GRADES | ENROLLMENT (2011–12) |
SQUARE FOOTAGE | ATTENDANCE HOURS (Start/End) |
SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS | NOTES & COMMENTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Link | Accokeek | 1963 | ES K-5 MS 6–8 |
1,361 | 47,931 | 9:15a – 3:25p
9:15a – 3:55p |
|
||
Beltsville Academy | Link | Beltsville | 1961 | ES PreK-5 MS 6–8 |
961 | 110,597 | 8:30a – 3:10p | Beltsville Academy operated as "Beltsville Elementary School" and prior to that, as "Beltsville Academic Center" (when Beltsville housed the now eliminated "Academic Center Magnet Program"), until the 2008-2009 school year, when it was converted to a kindergarten through 8th grade school. | |
William W. Hall Academy | Link | Capitol Heights | 2005 | ES PreK-5 MS 6–8 |
507 | 100,000 | 7:45a – 2:25p | This school shares it's space with a full Community/Recreation Center which directly connected to the facility. William Hall was converted from a PreK-6 Elementary School to a PreK-8 Academy, for school year 2009-2010. | |
Andrew Jackson Academy | Link | Forestville | 1971 | ES K-5 MS 6–8 |
535 | 151,163 | 8:30a – 3:10p | Andrew Jackson was converted from a 6-8 middle school to a PreK-8 Academy for the 2009-2010 school year. | |
Samuel P. Massie Academy | Link | Forestville | 2003 | ES PreK-5 MS 6–8 |
703 | 97,243 | 7:45a – 2:25p | This school shares it's space with a full Community/Recreation Center which directly connected to the facility. Samuel Massie was converted from a PreK-5 Elementary School to a PreK-8 Academy, for school year 2009-2010. | |
Cora L. Rice Elementary School | Link | Landover | 2002 | PreK-6 | 664 of 1,417 | 83,482 of 199,350 | 7:45a – 1:55p |
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Cora L. Rice Elementary and G. James Gholson Middle are both housed in ONE state-of-the-art educational complex. |
G. James Gholson Middle School | Link | 7-8 | 753 of 1,417 | 115,868 of 199,350 | 9:00a – 4:20p |
Elementary schools
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Elementary Schools in Prince George's County operate in several configurations, ranging from Pre-K (Head Start) through Grade 6. Most elementary schools operate under a Kindergarten through Grade 6 configuration, and lack a Pre-Kindergarten/Head Start program. More recently, with boundary realignments to ease overcrowding and with the opening of newer and larger schools and increased funding, several schools have changed to a PreK-6th grade configuration while others have added a Pre-Kindergarten, but dropped the sixth grade, to change to a Pre-K through Grade 5 school. The sixth grades from those schools were added to the elementary schools feeder middle school.
In a cooperative effort of the county government, Board of Education, and the Maryland National Capital Park & Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), several M-NCPPC community centers are physically connected to elementary schools, throughout the district. The unique community park/school centers features shared use areas which include: a gymnasium; multi-purpose room; exercise/fitness room; dance room; arts and crafts room; computer lab; offices; storage areas; patio area; and restrooms. There are tennis courts and unlighted fields located, on-site, at select centers.
SCHOOL | WEBSITE | LOCATION | LOWEST GRADE | HIGHEST GRADE | ENROLLMENT | SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS | NOTES & COMMENTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adelphi Elementary School | Link | Adelphi | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 391 | America's Choice School Design Signature Program | |
Allenwood Elementary School | Link | Temple Hills | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 444 | ||
Apple Grove Elementary School | Link | Fort Washington | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 504 | ||
Ardmore Elementary School | Link | Springdale | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 543 | ||
Arrowhead Elementary School | Link | Upper Marlboro | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 520 | ||
Avalon Elementary School | Link | Fort Washington | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 346 | ||
Baden Elementary School and Community Center | Link | Brandywine | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 258 | This school shares it's space with a full Community/Recreation Center which directly connected to the facility. | |
Barnaby Manor Elementary School | Link | Oxon Hill | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 543 | America's Choice School Design Signature Program | |
John H. Bayne Elementary School | Link | Capitol Heights | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 485 | ||
Beacon Heights Elementary School | Link | Riverdale | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 482 | 2004 Maryland Blue Ribbon School and a 2004 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence' | |
William Beanes Elementary School and Community Center | Link | Suitland | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 480 | This school shares it's space with a full Community/Recreation Center which directly connected to the facility. | |
Berwyn Heights Elementary School | Link | Berwyn Heights | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 473 | ||
Bladensburg Elementary School | Link | Bladensburg | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 665 | ||
Bond Mill Elementary School | Link | Laurel | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 451 | Maryland Blue Ribbon School | |
Bradbury Heights Elementary School | Link | Capitol Heights | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 560 | America's Choice School Design Signature Program | |
Brandywine Elementary School | Link | Brandywine | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 522 | ||
Doswell E. Brooks Elementary School | Link | Suitland | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 308 | ||
Calverton Elementary School | Link | Beltsville | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 777 | ||
Capitol Heights Elementary School | Link | Capitol Heights | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 221 | Talented and Gifted Center (TAG) Magnet Program | |
Carmody Hills Elementary School | Link | Landover | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 382 | America's Choice School Design Signature Program | |
Carole Highlands Elementary School | Link | Takoma Park | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 674 | ||
Carrollton Elementary School | Link | New Carrollton | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 766 | ||
Samuel Chase Elementary School | Link | Temple Hills | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 330 | ||
César Chávez Spanish Immersion Elementary School | Link | Hyattsville | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 234 | Spanish Immersion Signature Program | |
Cherokee Lane Elementary School | Link | Adelphi | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 434 | ||
Chillum Elementary School | Link | Chillum | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 313 | America's Choice School Design Signature Program | |
Thomas Claggett Elementary School | Link | District Heights | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 260 | ||
Clinton Grove Elementary School | Link | Clinton | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 388 | America's Choice School Design Signature Program | |
Columbia Park Elementary School and Community Center | Link | Landover | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 454 | This school shares it's space with a full Community/Recreation Center which directly connected to the facility. Columbia Park was named a 1988 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence | |
Concord Elementary School | Link | District Heights | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 372 | ||
Cool Spring Elementary School | Link | Adelphi | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 503 | ||
Cooper Lane Elementary School | Link | Landover Hills | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 490 | ||
Deerfield Run Elementary School and Community Center | Link | Laurel | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 549 | This school shares it's space with a full Community/Recreation Center which directly connected to the facility. | |
J. Frank Dent Elementary School | Link | Fort Washington | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 226 | America's Choice School Design Signature Program | |
District Heights Elementary School | Link | District Heights | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 469 | ||
Dodge Park Elementary School | Link | Landover | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 495 | ||
Francis T. Evans Elementary School | Link | Clinton | Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 540 | ||
Flintstone Elementary School | Link | Oxon Hill | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 380 | ||
Forest Heights Elementary School | Link | Forest Heights | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 226 | ||
Fort Foote Elementary School | Link | Fort Washington | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 386 | 2001 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence | |
Fort Washington Forest Elementary School | Link | Fort Washington | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 350 | ||
Robert Frost Elementary School | Link | New Carrollton | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 285 | ||
Gaywood Elementary School | Link | Seabrook | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 491 | ||
Glassmanor Elementary School and Community Center | Link | Glassmanor | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 326 | This school shares it's space with a full Community/Recreation Center which directly connected to the facility. | |
Glenn Dale Elementary School | Link | Glenn Dale | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 567 | ||
Glenridge Elementary School | Link | Landover Hills | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 685 | ||
Robert R. Gray Elementary School | Link | Capitol Heights | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 387 | America's Choice School Design Signature Program | |
Greenbelt Elementary School | Link | Greenbelt | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 600 | 1991-92 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence; 1991-92 Maryland Blue Ribbon School; Greenbelt Elementary School is sometimes credited as "Greenbelt Center Elementary School". The latter name was used as the official school name from the year the school first opened until the early part of the 21st century, until "Center" was dropped. | |
James H. Harrison Elementary School | Link | Laurel | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 292 | ||
High Bridge Elementary School | Link | Bowie | Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 427 | ||
Highland Park Elementary School | Link | Seat Pleasant | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 189 | Talented and Gifted Center (TAG) Magnet Program | |
Hillcrest Heights Elementary School | Link | Temple Hills | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 504 | America's Choice School Design Signature Program | |
Hollywood Elementary School | Link | College Park | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 444 | ||
Hyattsville Elementary School | Link | Hyattsville | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 508 | ||
Indian Queen Elementary School and Community Center | Link | Fort Washington | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 359 | This school shares it's space with a full Community/Recreation Center which directly connected to the facility. | |
Mary Harris "Mother" Jones Elementary School | Link | Adelphi | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 736 | ||
Kenilworth Elementary School | Link | Bowie | Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 395 | ||
Kenmoor Elementary School | Link | Landover | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 369 | For SY2012-13 and beyond, PGCPS has removed the Talented and Gifted Center (TAG) Magnet Program at Kenmoor Elementary School.[23] | |
Kettering Elementary School | Link | Upper Marlboro | Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 412 | ||
Francis Scott Key Elementary School | Link | District Heights | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 626 | America's Choice School Design Signature Program | |
Kingsford Elementary School | Link | Mitchellville | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 776 | Talented and Gifted Center (TAG) Magnet Program | |
Lake Arbor Elementary School | Link | Mitchellville | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 874 | ||
Lamont Elementary School | Link | New Carrollton | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 655 | ||
Langley Park-McCormick Elementary School | Link | Hyattsville | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 461 | ||
Laurel Elementary School | Link | Laurel | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 551 | ||
Lewisdale Elementary School | Link | Hyattsville | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 565 | ||
Longfields Elementary School | Link | Forestville | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 387 | Talented and Gifted Center (TAG) Magnet Program | |
Magnolia Elementary School | Link | Lanham | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 451 | ||
Marlton Elementary School | Link | Upper Marlboro | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 550 | Talented and Gifted Center (TAG) Magnet Program | |
Mattaponi Elementary School | Link | Upper Marlboro | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 465 | ||
James McHenry Elementary School | Link | Lanham | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 683 | America's Choice School Design Signature Program | |
Melwood Elementary School | Link | Upper Marlboro | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 775 | ||
Montpelier Elementary School | Link | Laurel | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 611 | ||
Mount Rainier Elementary School | Link | Mount Rainier | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 337 | ||
North Forestville Elementary School | Link | Forestville | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 355 | ||
Northview Elementary School | Link | Bowie | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 870 | ||
Oakcrest Elementary School | Link | Landover | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 351 | PGCPS permanently relocated the Talented and Gifted Center (TAG) Magnet Program at Oakcrest, to Highland Park Elementary School.[23] | |
Oaklands Elementary School | Link | Laurel | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 401 | ||
Barack Obama Elementary School | Link | Upper Marlboro | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 725 | Facility opened in August 2010 and became the second LEED certified educational facility in the county. | |
Overlook Elementary School | Link | Temple Hills | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 326 | ||
Oxon Hill Elementary School | Link | Oxon Hill | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 321 | ||
William Paca Elementary School | Link | Landover | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 462 | ||
Paint Branch Elementary School | Link | College Park | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 341 | ||
Panorama Elementary School | Link | Temple Hills | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 428 | America's Choice School Design Signature Program | |
Rosa L. Parks Elementary School | Link | Hyattsville | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 784 | ||
Patuxent Elementary School | Link | Upper Marlboro | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 575 | ||
Perrywood Elementary School | Link | Largo | Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 706 | ||
Pointer Ridge Elementary School | Link | Bowie | Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 453 | ||
Port Towns Elementary School | Link | Bladensburg | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 790 | America's Choice School Design Signature Program | |
Potomac Landing Elementary School and Community Center |
Link | Fort Washington | Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 471 | This school shares it's space with a full Community/Recreation Center which directly connected to the facility. | |
Princeton Elementary School | Link | Suitland | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 356 | ||
James Ryder Randall Elementary School | Link | Clinton | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 452 | ||
Catherine T. Reed Elementary School | Link | Lanham | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 426 | ||
Ridgecrest Elementary School | Link | Hyattsville | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 578 | America's Choice School Design Signature Program | |
Riverdale Elementary School | Link | Riverdale | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 660 | ||
Rockledge Elementary School | Link | Bowie | Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 527 | Maryland Blue Ribbon School | |
Rogers Heights Elementary School | Link | Bladensburg | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 649 | ||
Rosaryville Elementary School | Link | Upper Marlboro | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 596 | ||
Rose Valley Elementary School | Link | Fort Washington | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 392 | ||
Scotchtown Hills Elementary School | Link | Laurel | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 680 | ||
Seabrook Elementary School | Link | Seabrook | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 380 | ||
Seat Pleasant Elementary School | Link | Seat Pleasant | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 303 | ||
Skyline Elementary School | Link | Suitland | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 221 | Autism Program | |
Gladys Noon Spellman Elementary School | Link | Cheverly | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 410 | America's Choice School Design Signature Program | |
Springhill Lake Elementary School | Link | Greenbelt | Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 471 | ||
Thomas S. Stone Elementary School | Link | Mount Rainier | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 614 | America's Choice School Design Signature Program | |
Suitland Elementary School | Link | Suitland | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 538 | America's Choice School Design Signature Program | |
Tayac Elementary School | Link | Fort Washington | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 422 | ||
Templeton Elementary School | Link | Riverdale | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 546 | 1999 Maryland Blue Ribbon School and a 1999 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence | |
Tulip Grove Elementary School | Link | Bowie | Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 292 | ||
University Park Elementary School | Link | Hyattsville | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 558 | ||
Valley View Elementary School | Link | Oxon Hill | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 493 | Talented and Gifted Center (TAG) Magnet Program | |
Vansville Elementary School and Community Center | Link | Beltsville | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 862 | This school shares it's space with a full Community/Recreation Center which directly connected to the facility. | |
Waldon Woods Elementary School | Link | Clinton | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 642 | ||
Whitehall Elementary School | Link | Bowie | Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 431 | 2012 Maryland Blue Ribbon School[24] and a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence[24] | |
Phyllis E. Williams Elementary School | Link | Upper Marlboro | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 416 | ||
Woodmore Elementary School | Link | Mitchellville | Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 482 | ||
Woodridge Elementary School | Link | Hyattsville | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 422 | ||
Judge Sylvania W. Woods, Sr. Elementary School | Link | Glenarden | Pre-Kindergarten | Grade 6 | 353 | America's Choice School Design Signature Program | |
Yorktown Elementary School | Link | Bowie | Kindergarten | Grade 5 | 305 |
Secondary School Reform
Please See Secondary School Reform (Prince George's County)
Accolades and achievements
Newsweek's America's Best High Schools
In June 2010, seven PGCPS high school were listed in Newsweek's annual list of the top 1600 high schools in the nation. This is up from five county high schools which made the list from the previous year. The schools that made the 2010 list include: Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt (#409), Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill (#957), Bowie High School in Bowie (#1,173), Laurel High School in Laurel (#1,343), High Point High School in Beltsville (#1,361), Central High School in Capitol Heights (#1,429), and Parkdale High School in Riverdale (#1,481).[25] The schools are ranked on the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and/or Cambridge tests taken by all students in a school in 2009, divided by the number of graduating seniors, called the "Challenge Index". The schools represent the top six percent of all public high schools in America. In June 2009, five PGCPS high schools were named in the best high schools list.[26][27] It included Bowie High School in Bowie, Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Springdale, High Point High School in Beltsville, Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill, and Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt. Eleanor Roosevelt ranked the highest out of county schools at 372nd on the nationwide list, Oxon Hill ranked 918th, High Point ranked 961st, Bowie ranked 1,370th, and Charles Herbert Flowers ranked 1,445th.
U.S. News & World Report's Best High Schools
Since 2008, U.S. News & World Report has ranked high schools in PGCPS amongst the Best High Schools in America. High Point High School, Northwestern High School, and Eleanor Roosevelt High School, have all been recognized as Silver Medal Schools.[28]
State & National Blue Ribbon Schools
PGCPS has 14 Blue Ribbon Schools, 12 of which are USDE National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence.[29][30][31]
National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence
- Beacon Heights Elementary School | Riverdale | 2003-04
- Columbia Park Elementary School | Landover | 1987-88
- Fort Foote Elementary School | Fort Washington | 2000-01
- Glenarden Woods Elementary School | Glenarden | 2005-06
- Greenbelt Center Elementary School | Greenbelt | 1991-92
- Heather Hills Elementary School | Bowie | 1989-90
- Templeton Elementary School | Riverdale | 1998-99
- Whitehall Elementary School | Bowie | 2011-12
- Kenmoor Middle School | Landover | 1988-89
- Kettering Middle School | Upper Marlboro | 1992-93
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School | Beltsville | 1992-93
- Eleanor Roosevelt High School | Greenbelt | 1990-91 & 1997-98
- Suitland High School | Forestville | 1988-89
Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools
- Beacon Heights Elementary School | Riverdale | 2003-04
- Bond Mill Elementary School | Laurel | (Year N/A)
- Columbia Park Elementary School | Landover | 1987-88
- Fort Foote Elementary School | Fort Washington | 2000-01
- Glenarden Woods Elementary School | Glenarden | 2005-06
- Greenbelt Center Elementary School | Greenbelt | 1991-92
- Heather Hills Elementary School | Bowie | 1989-90 & 2006-07
- Rockledge Elementary School | Bowie | (Year N/A)
- Whitehall Elementary School | Bowie | 2011-12
- Templeton Elementary School | Riverdale | 1998-99
- Kenmoor Middle School | Landover | 1988-89
- Kettering Middle School | Upper Marlboro | 1992-93
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School | Beltsville | 1992-93
- Eleanor Roosevelt High School | Greenbelt | 1990-91 & 1997-98
- Suitland High School | Forestville | 1988-89
Magnet programs and centers
Magnet Programs were first implemented in PGCPS in 1985, to fulfill a court ordered desegregation mandate. Up until as late as the late-80s, Prince George's County had been predominately white in terms of racial demographics. In order to desegregate mostly all-White schools in the school system, PGCPS created several magnet programs that eventually were instituted in over fifty schools, spread throughout the county.
By the late-1990s, the population demographics of the county had shifted towards a mostly African American majority. Magnet programs (as they were set up) were costing PGCPS approximately $14 million per year, to operate. The programs were costly and this was exacerbated by the fact that the school systems operating budget was greater than the final budget the school system had traditionally been allotted, an issue that had plagued the school system for years. Since the county's population now primarily consisted of African Americans and due to the expense of operating the Magnet Schools Program, courts began to investigate the justification of PGCPS's magnet program. In 2004, a court ruled to discontinue court-ordered busing which had existed in the county, for over 30 years, based primarily on the fact that desegregation, was no longer an issue in the predominately Black, Prince George's County.
With the ending of the court-ordered busing, also came changes to the school systems Magnet Schools Program. The systems Magnet Schools Program had gained national attention, as it was one of the largest, in the country. It served as a model for school systems across the nation. Dr. Iris T. Metts, the current superintendent of schools at the time, formulated an ambitious plan to actually expand the magnet programs in PGCPS, as well as reassign magnet programs that weren't performing well at one location, to other schools. Due to long and highly publicized in-house issues between Metts and the current Board of Education, Metts was replaced at the end of her contract with PGCPS, by Dr. Andre Hornsby. When Hornsby arrived, he essentially reversed the decision that Metts had made, in regards to the future of the county's magnet programs, and he decided to instead eliminate most of the schools systems magnet programs — most of which had been identified as under-performing, for several years. Ten magnet programs were identified for elimination, something that proved extremely controversial because some of the proposed eliminated programs were located at sites in which the program in question, had been extremely successful, such as the Academic Center magnet program located at Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Center, which had been the highest performing middle school in the system for several years and also identified as a blue ribbon school.
Despite the opposition by parents, in 2006, the magnet programs in PGCPS nevertheless underwent an overhaul, and most of magnets were eliminated, while a few programs that were determined to be "successful", were either expanded and replicated at other locations, or consolidated and relocated to a dedicated magnet school that would serve large geographic areas of the county.
Current magnet programs
ES = Elementary School • MS = Middle School • HS = High School
- Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology Program (HS)
- Biomedical (HS)
- Biotechnology (HS)
- Career and Technical Education (HS)
- Centers for Visual and Performing Arts (HS)
- Creative and Performing Arts (ES • MS)
- French Immersion (ES • MS • HS)
- International Baccalaureate (HS)
- Montessori (ES • MS)
- Science and Technology Center (HS)
- Talented and Gifted Center (ES • MS)
Magnet program descriptions
Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology Program
The Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology program[32] is a college and career preparatory program, offering areas of study in Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology. Supported by partnerships with the College Park Aviation Museum; NASA; local colleges and universities; and private industry.[32] This program is designed to prepare students for college and high-demand careers.[32] Each student will receive a laptop upon entry into the program, and transportation will be provided for all accepted students.[32]
Admission to the program is based on the same criteria and examination used for the Science and Technology Center.
LOCATIONS:
Biomedical
The Biomedical Program at Bladensburg High School is a high school curriculum that focuses on medical and health careers, such as physicians and research doctors. Students who have a strong interest in pursuing a career in health related fields have an opportunity to engage in biomedical research, internships, practicums, and to enroll in courses including medical related science courses and other advanced placement courses. The curriculum provides an opportunity for students to be introduced to a wide variety of medical careers through engaging field trips, speakers in the medical field, internships, accelerated courses, a wide variety of electives related to the biological and social sciences, and independent research.
LOCATIONS:
Biotechnology
The Biotechnology Program offers a four-year, college-preparatory program of study in molecular biology, biochemistry and technical career training that includes scanning electron microscopy. Students have first-hand experience with the advanced technologies used in biotechnology research, academia and industry.
Courses are taught in modern laboratory classrooms equipped with the latest biotechnology instrumentation. The facilities include gel electrophoresis, refrigerated centrifugation, scanning spectrophotometry, high pressure liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and access to scanning electron microscopy. Computers will support classroom instruction as well as student initiated research projects.
Students study biotechnology theory and technique in a cyclic fashion where concepts introduced in beginning courses will be emphasized in depth during upper level classes. Mini-research projects are conducted by science students to demonstrate their understanding of course content and laboratory procedures. Complementing the specific science offerings of the Biotechnology Program is a full selection of courses, including Advanced Placement level in English, social studies and mathematics.
Eligibility Requirements: Students who express interest are eligible to apply. No pre-testing is required. Admission to the program is through a race-neutral random magnet lottery application process, on a space-available basis.
LOCATIONS:
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program
The Technical Academy is a program that provides students with technical skills and knowledge. Benefits to students include: (1) gaining a foundation for a college major in a technical field, (2) having access to a technical career after high school if college is postponed, and (3) having access to a part-time technical job to help with college expenses.
LOCATIONS:
- Bladensburg High School
- Crossland High School
- Gwynn Park High School
- Laurel High School
- Suitland High School
Centers for the Visual and Performing Arts
The Centers for the Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) has been in existence since 1986, originally at Suitland High School. The program was expanded to Northwestern High School, in Fall 2013. The CVPA is a rigorous four-year arts program that offers artistically talented high school students educational opportunities designed to prepare them artistically for college, professional study, or career options in the arts. Strong association with the arts in the Washington, DC-area offers distinct advantages. Students study with professional artists, dancers, actors, musicians, singers, directors/producers, and radio/television personalities. Students explore, and eventually major, in any one of the six principle concentrations: vocal music, instrumental music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and interactive media production. Suitland High School offers a 1000-seat auditorium and experimental theatre, a fully equipped dance studio, and a television and recording studio. Northwestern High School offers an 1100-seat auditorium, fully equipped dance studio, state-of-the-art music rooms, several music practice rooms, a piano lab, and a television and recording studio. Admission into the CVPA magnet program is through audition only.
LOCATIONS:
Creative and Performing Arts
The Creative and Performing Arts Magnet Program is located at three sites. The programs at Thomas G. Pullen and Benjamin D. Foulois are open to students in Kindergarten through eighth grade; the program at Hyattsville Middle School is open to students in seventh and eighth grade (Hyattsville Middle School has a limited program boundary).
The Creative and Performing Arts Magnet Program is designed to develop the interest and talents of students in the arts, and feature an enhanced interdisciplinary academic program that encourages creative and artistic expression. Experiences and training are designed to challenge and develop skills of all students, as well as to provide exceptional opportunities for artistically talented students.
The curriculum provides in-depth experiences in each art discipline, plus related arts experiences and an infusion of the arts in the overall curriculum. The arts are provided as an integral part of a strong academic program.
The Creative Arts Schools follow the general curriculum guidelines that are used for all Prince George's County public elementary and middle schools. Basic instruction is provided in reading, mathematics, English, science, and social studies, as well as specialized instruction in the arts - art, drama, music, dance, physical education, creative writing, media production, literary arts, and related computer lab experiences.
LOCATIONS:
- Thomas G. Pullen Creative and Performing Arts Academy
- Hyattsville Middle School for the Creative and Performing Arts
- The Benjamin D. Foulois Creative and Performing Arts Academy
French Immersion
The French Immersion Magnet Program is designed for kindergarten through twelfth grade. It is referred to as a "full immersion program" as all academic subjects are taught through French, in grades K-5. In grades 6-8, the students have two periods per day of French, one period for French Language Arts and one period of world studies in French. In high school, students have two courses in grades 9 and 10 with a focus on literature and the francophone world, which are part of the Pre-International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. At the elementary level, students are immerse totally in French by their bilingual teachers, as they learn math, science, social studies and language arts.
At the middle school level, students also study Italian. In addition, Algebra and Geometry are possible options in mathematics. The interdisciplinary approach for English, Art and World Studies includes special themes, seminars, field trips, and a strong focus on essay writing. International travel is an enrichment part of the French Immersion Program.
At the high school level, students may take one of the immersion courses and the continuation of the second foreign language started at the middle school level. Other options are IB preparation courses for English, history, science, and access to Chemistry and Calculus. Higher level IB or Advanced Placement (AP) courses, are available. There is an Exchange Program with a school in France and other exchanges are being explored for high school students. In addition to the immersion continuity, students may continue the study of their second foreign language which began in middle school — either Russian, Italian, Latin, or German.
LOCATIONS:
International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Magnet Program is an academically challenging and balanced course of study, that prepares students for success in college and life beyond. The mission of the program is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better, more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
The IB program offers many benefits to its participants, such as: higher university and college acceptance rates for IB graduates; increased scholarship and grant opportunities; a college-level academic program that transitions students to university and college standards; and teacher development using IB strategies.
LOCATIONS:
- Central High School
- Crossland High School
- Laurel High School
- Parkdale High School
- Suitland High School
Montessori
Prince George's County Public Schools has implemented two facilities dedicated to the Montessori instructional program — the Robert Goddard Montessori School and the John Hanson Montessori School. As dedicated facilities, these schools do not have a neighborhood attendance area. Entry into the program is through the random lottery application process only.
The Montessori Primary Program for children ages 3 to 6 years old is based on the Montessori educational philosophy. Taught by Montessori accredited teachers, young children are guided in developing an inner discipline, strengthening their coordination, and extending their concentration span. These accomplishments result with their readily learning to read, write and grasp mathematics. The program consists of a half-day morning for preschoolers (ages 3 ). Children older than four must be enrolled in a certified Montessori program to be accepted into the program.
The Montessori Lower Elementary Program is designed for students ages 6 to 9 years old with prior Montessori experience. Rapid growth and learning is observed in classrooms filled with appropriate educational materials. The Montessori Upper Elementary Program continues for the next age grouping of students ages 9–12 with prior Montessori experience. Taught by Montessori accredited teachers, these elementary program students study an integrated curriculum that includes: mathematics, geometry, language, cultural studies, astronomy, biology, chemistry, geography, history, geology, philosophy, art, music and physical education.
The Montessori Middle School Program completes the Montessori studies for students progressing to the seventh and eighth grades. An interdisciplinary teaching team provides the Montessori Program for multidisciplinary learning to include English Language Arts, mathematics, science and social studies. At the high school level, the student can apply for entry to Biotechnology, Biomedical, Military Academy, Center for the Visual & Performing Arts and/or the Science & Technology Center.
LOCATIONS:
Science and Technology Center
The Science and Technology Center (S/T) is a highly challenging four-year curriculum which provides college-level academic experiences in science, mathematics, and technology. The program is not a true magnet program, as students are admitted into the S/T program based on competitive examination only, as opposed to the standard magnet lottery process. Of twenty-eight possible credits, a student is required to obtain a minimum of thirteen credits in specific mathematics, pre-engineering technology, research and science courses. In grades nine and ten, the program consists of common experiences courses for all student. In grades eleven and twelve, each student must choose course work from at least one of four major study areas. Students are expected to be enrolled in a full schedule of classes during the entire four-year program. External experiences are possible and encouraged, but must be a direct extension or enrichment of the Science and Technology Program, and have the recommendation of the Science and Technology Center Coordinator prior to approval by the principal.
The program is offered at three centers — Eleanor Roosevelt High School in northern Prince George's County, Oxon Hill High School in southern Prince George's County, and Charles Herbert Flowers High School in central Prince George’s County. Students attend the center that serves their legal residence. Transportation is provided for all students. Each school is a four-year comprehensive high school, as well as a Science and Technology Center. Each school is an active member of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology (NCSSSMST).
Admission into the Science and Technology Center is highly competitive and contingent upon three criterion, with all criterion weighed equally. The criterion are:
- Grades from four quarters of 7th grade and the first quarter of 8th grade (or four quarters of 8th grade and first quarter of 9th grade) in math, science, English, and social studies
- A standardized reading comprehension test
- A standardized numerical test
All of these are factored into a final score. The number of students admitted into the S/T program vary from each school, but as an example, 225-250 students with the top scores are admitted to Roosevelt's Science and Technology Program. The next 60 students are placed on a waiting list. All interested 8th and 9th grade students who are residents of Prince George's County are eligible to apply for admission to the Science and Technology Center.
LOCATIONS:
Talented and Gifted Center (TAG)
Talented and Gifted Center (TAG) Magnet Schools, provide a full-day intensive educational program appropriate for identified talented and gifted students, in grades 2-8. Each school offers a full-day of enriched and accelerated educational experiences in the four major content areas. Special offerings include: elementary foreign language programs, computer laboratories, laboratory based science program, and fine arts programs.
LOCATIONS:
- The Accokeek Academy
- Capitol Heights Elementary School
- Glenarden Woods Elementary School
- Heather Hills Elementary School
- Highland Park Elementary School
- Longfields Elementary School
- Valley View Elementary School
- Greenbelt Middle School
- Kenmoor Middle School
- Walker Mill Middle School
See also
- List of Prince George's County Public Schools Middle Schools
- Prince George's County Public Schools Magnet Programs
- List of schools in Prince George's County, Maryland
- Secondary School Reform (Prince George's County)
References
- ^ "Search for Public School Districts – District Detail for Prince George's County Public Schools". National Center for Education Statistics. Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved August 30, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "About PGCPS". Prince George's County Public Schools. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
- ^ a b c d "PGCPS Facts and Figures". Prince George's County Public Schools. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
- ^ "Office of the Chief Executive Officer". Prince George's County Public School. Retrieved August 13, 2013.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ "The Board of Education". Prince George's County Public Schools. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
- ^ "Howard B. Owens Science Center – About Us". Prince George's County Public Schools. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
- ^ a b c d Wiggins, Ovetta (27 June 2013). "Anne Arundel superintendent chosen to lead Prince George's schools, sources say". The Washington Post. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
- ^ "County Executive Baker to Introduce Dr. Kevin Maxwell as New Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) Chief Executive Officer (CEO)". The Prince George's County Government Office of the County Executive. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
- ^ "School board approves Barack Obama Elementary name". The Gazette. 2009-06-26.
- ^ "Upper Marlboro school makes final touches". Prince George's County The Gazette. 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-05.
- ^ History of the City of Laurel, MD. URL last retrieved on December 27, 2006.
- ^ "Frederick Sasscer". The Prince George's Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame, Prince George's County, Inc. Retrieved 27 January 2013.
- ^ "BOE Approves Expanding Choices, Consolidating Under-enrolled Schools". Prince George's County Public Schools. 2009-03-26.
- ^ "Transportation: Frequently Asked Questions". Prince George's County Public Schools. Retrieved 2010-03-06.
- ^ "Transportation". Prince George's County Public Schools. Retrieved 2010-03-06.
- ^ "Transportation-Special Programs". Prince George's County Public Schools. Retrieved 2010-03-06.
- ^ "Safety Meetings and Topics - Training". Prince George's County Public Schools. Retrieved 2010-03-06.
- ^ "Bell Times for 2012-2013 School Year". Prince George's County Public Schools. Retrieved 2 September 2012.
- ^ Nunn, Holly (20 August 2012). "First day of school launches longer day for Prince George's middle-schoolers". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2 September 2012.
- ^ "Greenbelt Middle is Prince George's newest 'green' school". WTOP Radio. Retrieved 2 September 2012.
- ^ "New Greenbelt Middle School Opens on Monday". Prince George's County Public Schools. Retrieved 2 September 2012.
- ^ Wiggins, Ovetta (8 March 2012). "Prince George's fills waiting list for gifted and talented program". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2 September 2012.
- ^ a b c d e "Lottery Status/Updates". Prince George's County Public Schools. Retrieved 2 September 2012.
- ^ a b "Whitehall Elementary Receives National Blue Ribbon Award". Prince George's County Public Schools. Retrieved 7 September 2012.
- ^ "America's Best High Schools: The List". Newsweek. Retrieved 2010-06-13.
- ^ "Five county schools make top high school list". The Gazette. 2009-06-09.
- ^ "The complete list of the 1,600 top U.S. high schools". Newsweek Magazine. 2009-06-08.
- ^ Best High Schools in the US | Top US High Schools | Education - US News
- ^ "USDE Blue Ribbon Schools 1982-2002" (PDF). U.S. Department of Education.
- ^ "USDE Blue Ribbon Schools 2003-2006" (PDF). U.S. Department of Education.
- ^ "Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools Program". Maryland State Department of Education.
- ^ a b c d "NOW TAKING OFF AT PGCPS: THE AEROSPACE ENGINEERING & AVIATION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM". Prince George's County Public Schools. Retrieved 25 February 2013.