Academics

Public School Essential Curriculum

Like public schools statewide, MSD implements the Maryland State Department of Education’s (MSDE) State Curriculum. MSD complies with all federal and state mandates, including the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law, and fully participates in the Maryland Assessment Program. In elementary, middle, and high school, MSD students study Maryland’s curriculum of core subjects and disciplines:

• Mathematics
• Reading/English Language Arts
• Science
• Social Studies
• Advanced Technology
• Career and Technology Education
• Foreign Languages
• Guidance
• Health and Physical Education (including adaptive physical education)
• Leadership Development
• Library/Media
• Performing Arts
• Service Learning
• Visual Arts

Opportunities

Students follow a sequential and expanding educational program. In middle and high school, the flexible curriculum prepares students for post-graduate opportunities in higher education or in the workforce, as appropriate. MSD students benefit from field trips, guest speakers, and opportunities to participate in external programs like Virtual High School and the annual FCPS Reading Rally. They broaden their horizons by interacting with peers through international partnerships, national programs such as Academic Bowl, and local community service projects.

Quality

MSD’s ongoing cooperation with State and local education professionals ensures alignment of the MSD curriculum with evolving content standards.

Diplomas

Students who complete the public school curriculum earn the Maryland High School diploma.

For information about Maryland’s State Curriculum, see http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/msde/curriculum.