CHARLES COUNTY - There are 19 elementary schools in Charles
County and a 20th school is expected to open in August 2006. Elementary schools
serve students in kindergarten through grade 5. In most instances, a
prekindergarten program is also offered. State law requires children to attend
kindergarten before they enter first grade. Children must be five years old by
Oct. 31, 2004, to be eligible to enter kindergarten for the 2004-05 school year.
All schools offer the same curriculum and learning opportunities for students.
Curriculum is the content, skills and process used to prepare students for the
future. The Charles County school system has developed an essential curriculum
in the areas of literacy, mathematics, science and social studies for grades
prekindergarten to eight. The essential curriculum is designed to ensure that
all students are taught the essential elements of each subject
area. Reading is a major focus of Charles County Public Schools. In
the primary grades emphasis is placed on teaching students to read through a
4-Blocks Model that addresses reading, writing, phonics and independent reading
opportunities.
ST. MARY'S COUNTY elementary schools uses the state
voluntary curriculum to guide instruction. A student's formal
instruction, beginning in elementary school, sets the foundation for lifelong
learning. Focus during the elementary school years is on high
expectations for all students, instruction in basic and advanced knowledge and
skills, and frequent monitoring of progress. Curriculum is based on
the developmental changes that students undergo as they mature from
prekindergarten through grade 5. In elementary school, students study
language arts (including reading, writing, handwriting, spelling, listening, and
speaking), library media, mathematics, science/health education, social studies,
art, music, physical education, and environmental education. Library
media centers and computer networks provide students access to current and
emerging technologies. Guidance counselors, psychologists, pupil
personnel workers, and school nurses are available for needed
services. In addition, special education, gifted and talented, Title
1, and English Language Learners (ELL)) programs are provided.