10 HCPSS Full-Day Pre-Kindergarten Programs Earn State Accreditation

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Ten Howard County Public School System full-day pre-kindergarten programs achieved state accreditation during the 2024-2025 school year.

The accreditation process takes 18 months and requires pre-kindergarten staff to show that they meet state standards in three categories - program administration; program operation; and home and community partnerships. Program staff also must develop and implement an improvement plan to meet any unmet standards, the school district stated.

“Maryland accreditation is a rigorous and continuous process. The HCPSS pre-K programs that have achieved accreditation have put in the time and energy to create a highly sought-after program using early childhood best practices,” said HCPSS Early Childhood Programs Resource Teacher Alicia Phippen.

The newly accredited programs include:

• Bellows Spring Elementary School
• Bollman Bridge Elementary School
• Deep Run Elementary School
• Ducketts Lane Elementary School
• Forest Ridge Elementary School
• Gorman Crossing Elementary School
• Longfellow Elementary School
• Talbott Springs Elementary School
• Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School
• Waverly Elementary School