Title I funds are allocated to an entire school, so they do not move with students if they attend another school.

Title I funds are used to improve outcomes for low-achieving students through activities and strategies identified in a school’s needs assessment and articulated in the school’s comprehensive schoolwide plan.

HCPSS serves the elementary grade span for Title I funding, as ESSA’s focus on early intervention and family programming lend well to elementary grades. Additionally, implementing and monitoring Title I programming with similar schools is helpful.

HCPSS determines at which levels Title I funds are distributed within the district. HCPSS has chosen to serve only the elementary grade span. Within that grade span, HCPSS must serve schools in order of the highest percentage of students in need based on Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs) participation. HCPSS has chosen to serve 13 elementary schools where at least 40% of students receive FARMs.

HCPSS Title I funding is based on county census data.

• Blueprint for Maryland’s Future
   
• MSDE Blueprint Implementation

The Howard County Public Schools Partnerships Office unites business and community organizations with schools to build rewarding, sustainable partnerships in support of the school system’s 2024—2029 Strategic Plan - Together we will BE GREAT!

Community schools operate the same way as other HCPSS schools, with additional focus on expanded learning opportunities; health and social supports and services; family and community engagement; and early childhood development. Programs and services vary school-to-school based on local needs and goals established by a school site community school team inclusive of all community voices.

Although most schools work with community partners and programs, community schools programs work intentionally to engage specified strategies that are focused collaborative efforts aligned with the school’s academic plans and goals. Through authentic engagement with school and community leaders; educators; community partners; students; families; and residents, a community school serves to be a hub that promotes positive, equitable outcomes for students, families, and communities.

Howard County Public School System has designated the following as community schools for the 2025-26 school year. These sites will be funded through Concentration of Poverty Grants established by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation.

• Bollman Bridge Elementary

• Bryant Woods Elementary

• Cradlerock Elementary