There are several reasons why this could occur. First, HCPSS measures the distance from the property line of the school/school campus to the property line of the bona fide residence of the student. This measure is often different from measurements using popular mapping applications such as Google Maps or Apple Maps. Additionally, Board of Education Policy 5200 Student Transportation outlines a line of demarcation that can extend non-transportation areas above the listed distances in order to complete streets/neighborhoods when appropriate.

Families who move out of Howard County on or after the first day of the current school year can request student reassignment with the assessment of tuition. 

Tuition is assessed based on the following:

One testing date will be assigned to each applicant; rescheduling of the testing date will only occur for uncontrollable circumstances (e.g., illness). Applicants cannot be reassessed for any reason.

No. Decision letters will be mailed to each applicant via U.S. mail at the same time, and no result will be shared over the phone. We understand that families may need to make arrangements for their children for the upcoming school year. In the event their child is not accepted, families are encouraged to apply for early care and education programs and/or HCPSS Pre-K, as appropriate. Enrollment in early education programs and/or HCPSS Pre-K is not factored into the Early Admission to Kindergarten decision.

All testing for Early Admission to Kindergarten is typically completed by June 1, depending on the number of applicants and appointments. After the assessment window, each applicant’s academic assessment results and developmental checklists will be scored to determine eligibility. Decision letters will be mailed to each applicant via U.S. mail at the same time, and no result will be shared over the phone. This typically occurs in mid-June. Timelines specific to each applicant cohort are shared with families via email and on the HCPSS website. 

No. Each applicant who meets the standardized criteria will be accepted.

Each applicant who meets the standardized criteria will be accepted. While the acceptance rate varies year to year, an average of 20% of applicants are accepted yearly.

No. In alignment with assessment procedures in the school setting, families may not join their child in the assessment room. The family member accompanying the child can wait directly outside the assessment room or in the lobby. The assessor wants your child to be as comfortable as possible, so please explain to your child that they will be working with a new teacher before the assessment.

No. In alignment with assessment procedures in the school setting, the performance assessment is secure and will not be provided to applicants before the appointment. Children who have mastered the assessed skills will be able to demonstrate them during the evaluation; the assessor will model or demonstrate specific task expectations as appropriate. 

Your child will be assessed by an experienced early childhood teacher who has completed all requirements for employment in the Howard County Public School System. All assessors are current or retired teachers with classroom experience and certification in Early Childhood Education. Additionally, all assessors complete training and annual calibration to ensure consistency of delivery and implementation.