Maryland public school systems began re-opening on Wednesday, August 19, as a record number of students across the State prepare to start the 2015-16 academic year.
By the time all schools open their doors on September 9, more than 865,000 K-12 students will fill classrooms and another 250,000 children will be involved in some form of pre-kindergarten, Head Start, or licensed childcare program.
“Few moments are more exciting than the first day of school—for students, as well as teachers and parent. We look forward to a safe and productive new school year,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Strong schools and classrooms lead to a stronger Maryland.”
Schools this fall begin the third full year of implementation of the Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards and the second administration of the new PARCC state assessments— online tests for grades 3-8 and high school, aligned to the State standards.
“Maryland’s classrooms will offer students many new and exciting learning opportunities this year, as we continue to embrace the high academic standards our children need to succeed at each grade level,” said State Superintendent of Schools Lillian M. Lowery. “We’re enormously proud of our talented teachers and administrators, who foster and encourage students to learn what they need to know to get on track for college and careers.”
St. Mary’s and Washington Counties kicked off the school year on August 19. Opening dates for the remaining systems: August 20 for Cecil County;
August 24 for Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Caroline, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, and Somerset Counties, along with the statewide SEED School; August 25 for Calvert, Kent, Prince George’s and Talbot Counties; August 27 for Harford County; August 31 for Baltimore City and Carroll, Charles, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s and Wicomico Counties; and September 9 for Worcester County.
For more information, visit: MarylandPublicSchools.org.