About Us

Welcome to St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS). With approximately 17,454 students, our school system is large enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs and services, and small enough to maintain an atmosphere of friendliness, helpfulness, and personalized service. As a school system, we are focused on student achievement and assuring that our students meet rigorous standards; at SMCPS all children can and will learn. Our goal is to focus our efforts to create a total community committed to learning and safety for ALL children. By "Working Hard and Being Nice," we have an opportunity to provide an optimal teaching and learning environment that is second to none. We look forward to working with you as we "Chart a Course to Excellence."

In St. Mary’s County Public Schools, we not only have high expectation for our students, but we also have high expectations for ourselves. We realize our acts must be aligned to provide the very best service for each child and to ensure academic excellence for all students. Toward this effort, we have implemented a 15 point plan that aligns our work. These 15 points include improving student achievement for ALL students -- Working to eliminate the achievement gap for all identified groups of students.  For the upcoming school year, SMCPS will continue its academic excellence as we move to the Common Core State Standards.  These research-based, rigorous education standards establish a set of shared goals and expectations for what students should understand and be able to do in grades K-12 in order to be prepared for success in college and the workplace.  The standards form a foundation for Maryland's new state curriculum and will be implemented in all Maryland schools in the 2013-2014 school year.  Assessments aligned to these new standards will be administered the same year to establish baseline data. 

We will have state assessments aligned to the current curriculum, the Maryland Core Learning Goals, while we build student capacity, deepen understanding, and focus on incorporating informational text across all curriculums - in preparation for the Common Core State Standards.  Instructionally, you will notice a shift in our local curriculum and assessments to align to these standards.

As a school system, we are focused on student achievement and ensuring that our students meet rigorous standards. Your child will benefit from the recent successes of SMCPS. These include:

We invite you to visit our schools in your attendance area in order to become acquainted with the principals and staff so that you can see, for yourself, the outstanding opportunities available for your child. Please call the school in advance so that the principal can set aside time to visit with you and answer your questions. Once you become acquainted with our schools, we are sure you will join the ranks of students, parents, staff, and community members who enthusiastically support St. Mary's County Public Schools in our efforts to create a total community committed to learning and safety for ALL children. By "Working Hard and Being Nice," we have an opportunity to provide an optimal teaching and learning environment that is second to none. We look forward to working with you as we "Chart a Course to Excellence."