Charles County reports rising pre‑K enrollment and Maryland ExcELS accreditation progress

Charles County Public Schools presented a pre‑K program update at the March 24 work session showing increased enrollment, expanded special education placements and progress on Maryland EXCELS accreditation.

Assistant staff reported pre‑K enrollment rose to 1,252 students across pre‑K 3, pre‑K 4 and early pre‑K programs, with pre‑K 4 enrollment rising from 934 to 984 since the district’s September count. The early pre‑K site at the Epic Glynn Early Learning Center enrolls children with IEPs who turn 3 after Sept. 1 and currently serves 35 students in one‑day‑a‑week sessions.

Staff said the district expects to add two pre‑K 4 classrooms at Margaret Jamieson Gordon Elementary next year and that pre‑K 4 applications open April 22, 2025; pre‑K 3 applications open May 22, 2025. Officials reminded families that applications require income verification and that enrollment is prioritized by tiers (Tier 1: up to 300% FPL and students with IEPs, homelessness or foster care). Staff emphasized that Tier 2 and 3 applicants are placed on a waiting list and that enrollment is not guaranteed.

On program quality, administrators reported that additional schools achieved Maryland EXCELS ratings during the school year. Staff noted that Mary Bieniel Elementary was rated Level 5 and that other schools (Dr. Brown and Berry Elementary) also achieved accreditation mid‑year; the district said it aims to have all sites at Level 4 by July 1, 2025.

Assessment results presented showed growth in preschool early literacy indicators (PELI) and phonemic awareness measures in pre‑K 3 and pre‑K 4 from fall to winter administrations. Staff said they will disaggregate assessment data next year to show outcomes for students with and without IEPs and that teachers receive professional development on curricular materials, conscious discipline and phonemic‑awareness instruction.

The district also reported plans to broaden early‑childhood special‑education options: maintaining inclusion classes but expanding self‑contained settings and providing half‑day options when appropriate based on IEP team determinations. Staff said decisions about half‑day placements will be made during IEP meetings and driven by student needs.

The district invited families to its Early Learning Launch on April 26, 2025, at La Plata High School for application assistance and readiness activities. No board action was taken; staff said more detailed enrollment and disaggregated assessment data will be provided in future reports.