Academics – HCPSS
Source: https://www.hcpss.org/academics
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:16
Academics – HCPSS
skip to main content
Academics
Building a rigorous and strong academic education
K–12 Instruction
Career and Technical Education
Allows students to explore a variety of technology concepts from computer science to engineering, and includes advanced-level coursework to prepare students for in-demand careers.
English/Language Arts
We maintain a student-centered, integrated instructional approach to ensure that learners become thinking, probing users of language.
English Language Development
Develops multilingual learners’ academic English skills to thrive in school, careers, and the community.
Fine Arts
The arts are an essential part of every child’s learning and cognitive development, sharpening analytical skills, encouraging abstract associations, innovative thinking, and creative problem solving.
Gifted & Talented
The G/T Program seeks to recognize and develop talents in advanced-level learners through differentiated instruction, programs and activities, and parent education on the topic of advanced-learners.
Health Education
Provides a setting in which teachers, parents, and community members partner to help students focus on health prevention concepts and to practice life skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Mathematics
Calls on students to practice applying mathematical ways of thinking to real world issues and challenges.
Physical Education
Develops physically-literate individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity.
Science
By using students’ perceptions of the world around them, our program provides opportunities to expand, change, enhance, and modify the ways in which they view the world.
Elementary Science
Secondary Science
Social Studies
Introduces students to a variety of concepts and ideas from different global and local perspectives, with the goal of promoting citizenship in a diverse and changing world.
Elementary Social Studies
Secondary Social Studies
World Languages
World Language instruction prepares students to participate in a multilingual environment that values other cultures.
Course Catalogs
Preview courses offered at our middle and high schools, learn about high school course registration, and download a course review form.
Learning Behaviors
Learned actions that enable students to access learning and interact with others productively in the community.
Special Education
We support the rights of all students to receive a free appropriate public education that will enable them to develop their unique talents and abilities, thus preparing them to participate in and serve their community with dignity and pride.
Learn more about our special education program →
21
st
Century Learning
JumpStart Dual Enrollment
Expanding options for students to develop skills, earn college credits, and become college and career ready.
Library Media
Teaches students the skills necessary to locate, use, synthesize, apply, evaluate and share information.
Digital Education
Enhances traditional instruction with digital content and helps extend learning through advanced and college-level courses.
Instructional Technology
Strives to ensure dynamic and creative learning environments through the seamless integration of technology at all Howard County public schools.
Service Learning
Combines meaningful service to the community with curriculum-based learning.
Technology Use in HCPSS
Technology enhances all aspects of learning, prepare students for a 21st-century workplace and has become an everyday tool for today’s youth.
Focus on Your Future with the Career Academies
Our Career Academies offer high school students with similar interests a unique opportunity to prepare for college and entry-level employment in specific career areas.
Learn more about the Career Academies →
High-Quality Materials and Meaningful Assessments
Testing
Our curriculum is aligned with meaningful assessments that provide actionable data for instructional planning.
Homework Guidelines
Appropriate design, use, and evaluation of homework assignments is a core part of instruction and helps inform educators on student progress.
Approved Instructional Materials
Materials for use in instruction are presented and approved by the Board of Education.
Early Childhood Programs
HCPSS promotes school readiness by focusing on families of, and community programs that work with, children ages birth to five.
Learn more about early childhood programs →
skip to main content
Academics
Building a rigorous and strong academic education
K–12 Instruction
Career and Technical Education
Allows students to explore a variety of technology concepts from computer science to engineering, and includes advanced-level coursework to prepare students for in-demand careers.
English/Language Arts
We maintain a student-centered, integrated instructional approach to ensure that learners become thinking, probing users of language.
English Language Development
Develops multilingual learners’ academic English skills to thrive in school, careers, and the community.
Fine Arts
The arts are an essential part of every child’s learning and cognitive development, sharpening analytical skills, encouraging abstract associations, innovative thinking, and creative problem solving.
Gifted & Talented
The G/T Program seeks to recognize and develop talents in advanced-level learners through differentiated instruction, programs and activities, and parent education on the topic of advanced-learners.
Health Education
Provides a setting in which teachers, parents, and community members partner to help students focus on health prevention concepts and to practice life skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Mathematics
Calls on students to practice applying mathematical ways of thinking to real world issues and challenges.
Physical Education
Develops physically-literate individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity.
Science
By using students’ perceptions of the world around them, our program provides opportunities to expand, change, enhance, and modify the ways in which they view the world.
Elementary Science
Secondary Science
Social Studies
Introduces students to a variety of concepts and ideas from different global and local perspectives, with the goal of promoting citizenship in a diverse and changing world.
Elementary Social Studies
Secondary Social Studies
World Languages
World Language instruction prepares students to participate in a multilingual environment that values other cultures.
Course Catalogs
Preview courses offered at our middle and high schools, learn about high school course registration, and download a course review form.
Learning Behaviors
Learned actions that enable students to access learning and interact with others productively in the community.
Special Education
We support the rights of all students to receive a free appropriate public education that will enable them to develop their unique talents and abilities, thus preparing them to participate in and serve their community with dignity and pride.
Learn more about our special education program →
21
st
Century Learning
JumpStart Dual Enrollment
Expanding options for students to develop skills, earn college credits, and become college and career ready.
Library Media
Teaches students the skills necessary to locate, use, synthesize, apply, evaluate and share information.
Digital Education
Enhances traditional instruction with digital content and helps extend learning through advanced and college-level courses.
Instructional Technology
Strives to ensure dynamic and creative learning environments through the seamless integration of technology at all Howard County public schools.
Service Learning
Combines meaningful service to the community with curriculum-based learning.
Technology Use in HCPSS
Technology enhances all aspects of learning, prepare students for a 21st-century workplace and has become an everyday tool for today’s youth.
Focus on Your Future with the Career Academies
Our Career Academies offer high school students with similar interests a unique opportunity to prepare for college and entry-level employment in specific career areas.
Learn more about the Career Academies →
High-Quality Materials and Meaningful Assessments
Testing
Our curriculum is aligned with meaningful assessments that provide actionable data for instructional planning.
Homework Guidelines
Appropriate design, use, and evaluation of homework assignments is a core part of instruction and helps inform educators on student progress.
Approved Instructional Materials
Materials for use in instruction are presented and approved by the Board of Education.
Early Childhood Programs
HCPSS promotes school readiness by focusing on families of, and community programs that work with, children ages birth to five.
Learn more about early childhood programs →