The High Road Schools and Academies of Maryland specialize in serving students facing learning, language, and social challenges.  As part of a network of schools comprising one of the leading specialized education companies in the country, the High Road School of Southern Maryland puts over two decades of experience to work to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment for students who can best reach their potential in an alternative setting. Since we first opened our doors in May 2003, our school has focused on the distinct needs of each leaner, which is why we custom‐tailor a unique Individualized Education Program (IEP) to each student and then closely monitor the student’s progress and skills acquisition, fine‐tuning the IEP along the way, as warranted.

The High Road School of Southern Maryland serves students and families in the Tri-County Area (Charles, St. Mary’s, Calvert County).  We provide education services to students referred from Anne Arundel, Prince George’s and King George (VA) Counties.  It is our intended purpose to present our students with opportunities to succeed academically, socially and emotionally.  

The High Road School of Southern Maryland proudly highlights the greatest strengths of our program, like small class sizes, interactive one‐on‐one instruction, and personalized academic and behavioral interventions. Students requiring supplementary services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling, receive anything and everything they need here, for our overarching goal is to help them achieve success in all facets of their lives — in the classroom, at home, and in the community.  We therefore expertly address every challenge we encounter, ultimately working toward optimum outcomes for each student in our care.

To that end, in addition to a rigorous academic program (in accordance with the guideline and curriculum of the student’s home school district) and a comprehensive behavior management system, our program also provides students to participate in extracurricular activities including athletic teams (flag football, basketball & kickball) and a state-wide Fine Arts Festival.

New

Mark Your Calendars

April 26, 2012 - 7th Annual Fine Arts Festival
May 10, 2012 - Regional Career Fair
May 18, 2012 - Junior/Senior Prom
June 11, 2012 - Graduation

The Cooking Lesson

Project based learning promotes hands on activities which includes a variety of teaching that caters to all learning styles. Therefore as part of a functional life skills lesson Ms. Vagell and Ms. McClain’s class baked Holiday Cookies for the staff and students of High Road School of Southern Maryland.

The students took great pleasure in helping in the kitchen and learning culinary skills. The lesson provided the opportunity to work on such skills as, Creating shopping lists, Vocabulary and abbreviations associated with cooking, Reading recipes, Following directions, Measuring, Hygiene, and Food safety. During the exit interview the students were asked what they found most useful about the lesson and the overwhelming response was that they learned from, “Doing” rather than studying or talking about the task. The student’s also enjoyed the group interaction with peers.

Ms. Vagell shared her fondness of project based activities as a great way to keep student’s interested and engaged while providing a deeper understanding of the content. Project based activities also differ from day to day lessons because they encourage students to have fun and be creative, and this was the perfect way to do both. After all kids love to cook and, better yet, eat their creations!

Most Improved Student of the Month

Please click link for more information

Student of the Month

Please click here for more information

New

It's Off to Work We Go...

Helping our student’s transition into life after high school is our most important goal. One of our strategies is to show students how they, as independent people, connect to a larger society. We find that providing opportunities to interact in the community at placements which personally inspire a student creates internal motivation and gives the student a sense of purpose., Patricia McKenzie and Devonna Duberry chose to internship at Hooks and Hangers and Use it Again thrift stores. These stores work in conjunction with Spring Dell Center, Inc. which is dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities. Both girls were drawn to the mission of helping those with disabilities achieve a higher level of independence. Both girls are enthusiastic about the interactions they continue to have with the people of Spring Dell Center and believe that this is an experience that brings about change and can lead their lives in different directions. They also share the philosophy that this is more than just volunteering; it is a way of life, which has brought them both much more confidence. Chrisitan(Bobbi)Mattia-Uribe is also interning at Master T’s which is a local barbershop that fosters and mentors youth! Bobbi is enjoying this experience tremendously, the knowledge and experience he is gaining is vital to his post-secondary success. The community support is greatly appreciated; words cannot express the gratitude that comes from within me!

Sincerely,

Sylvia Thomas
Transition Coordinator

New Job Opportunities

As part of our program students are presented with various job opportunities inside and outside our school to serve as work experience leading to post-high school employment.  Ms. Sylvia Thomas has been in constant contact with many businesses in the area.  As a result to the perseverance and hard work of Ms.Thomas, we are proud to announce a partnership with the Charles County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.  In addition, there are many more partnerships to be announce in the coming weeks.


For additional information about job opportunities at this organization, please contact Ms. Thomas Transition Coordinator (301) 392-6377 or e-mail at sthomas2@highroadschool.com

New

Tip Off Is Coming

The 2012 High Road Basketball Season is getting set to tip off.  Check back for additional details and game results throughout the season.

New

Mark Your Calendars

April 26, 2012 - 7th Annual Fine Arts Festival
May 10, 2012 - Regional Career Fair
May 18, 2012 - Junior/Senior Prom
June 11, 2012 - Graduation

2011 Michael Cardin Scholarship Winners

Five Students of High Road Schools earn Scholarships
Please click here for more information

The Michael Cardin Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Michael Cardin in memory of his extraordinary volunteerism and his support in the service of children with special needs.  The purpose of this fund is to provide financial assistance to students in non-public schools throughout the state of Maryland.

Each year, MANSEF (Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities) award deserving students attending non-public schools throughout the state of Maryland.  This year, 35 individuals were awarded scholarships by the Michael Cardin Scholarship Committee.  Four of those students attend High Road Schools within the Southern Maryland Region.  Our High Road School Student Winners along with the other scholarship recipients were honored at the MANSEF Annual Awards Luncheon on June 6, 2011 with Myrna Cardin and Nancy Grasmick, Maryland State Department of Education Superintendent, in attendance.

Douglas Argueta (High Road Academy – Lanham) received a scholarship for the C.A.S. Driving School.  As noted by his social worker, Ms. Jasmine McWain, “…he has proven to be a student that is focused and determined on succeeding…”  Learning how to drive will provide Douglas the independence to pursue his long-term career goals beyond high school.

Catheil Jackson (High Road Upper School – Beltsville) was awarded a scholarship to attend the Child Care Certification Training Class at Prince George’s Community College.  This 90 hour training course will allow Catheil to pursue employment in a Daycare Center.  As Catheil stated, “…my goal is to work with infants in daycare.  My plans are to stay focused and on the right track…to help them and teach them the important things in life.” 

Ashley Pannell (High Road School – Capitol Heights) is a graduate of the Class of 2010 who originally won the Michael Cardin Scholarship in 2010.  This year, she once again was awarded the scholarship to continue her college career at Washing Adventist University.  Along with attending classes, Ashley also works at her local CVS Pharmacy.  She also continues to stay in touch with the staff that helped her achieve her high school goals at the High Road School of Prince George’s County.

Aaron Robinson (High Road School – Capitol Heights) received a scholarship to attend Salisbury University to pursue a career in Nursing.  In his own words, “My goals are to help and be of service to the community…”  In her recommendation letter, Ms. Erica Robinson Newby, Social Worker shared that through his outstanding leadership and clear sense of purpose, Aaron has earned her “deepest respect”.

Dominic Wilson (High Road School – Capitol Heights) was awarded a scholarship to attend Prince George’s Community College to reach her childhood dreams of becoming a nurse.  Ms. Carmen McGinnis, Director, reflected on Dominic in her recommendation letter. Specifically, she stated, “She is very hard working and diligent about her academic studies.  As a result, Dominic has consistently earned honor roil since her 9th grade year”.
 
We are extremely proud of our winners and wish them the best of luck in the programs that they will be attending this summer and into the fall.