The Howard County Public Schools Calendar is a traditional academic calendar, with classes starting in late August or early September and ending in late May or early June. The school year is divided into two semesters, with a mid-term break and a winter break in December.
Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is a school district located in Howard County, Maryland, United States. The district serves the communities of Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Fulton, Savage, and other unincorporated areas of Howard County. The district has a diverse student population of around 54,000 students across 68 schools, including 51 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, and 7 high schools.
The school district is known for its commitment to providing a high-quality education for all students and has consistently ranked among the top school districts in the state of Maryland and the nation. The district has been recognized for its strong academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses, as well as its focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. HCPSS also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, and clubs, to support the social and emotional development of students.
Howard County Public Schools Calendar 2023-24
Life at Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is centered around providing students with a high-quality education and a well-rounded learning experience. Students attend school in a safe and supportive environment, where they are encouraged to take on challenging coursework and engage in extracurricular activities.
Academically, HCPSS offers a wide range of programs and services to support student learning. These include Advanced Placement (AP) courses, as well as specialized programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Additionally, the district has a strong focus on equity and inclusion, and offers a variety of support services, such as special education and English language learner programs, to meet the diverse needs of students.
Beyond the classroom, students can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, and clubs, to support their social and emotional development. These activities provide students with opportunities to build leadership skills, develop friendships, and explore their interests.
HCPSS also places a big emphasis on the student’s mental and physical well-being. Counseling and mental health services are available to students, parents and staff, and there are many support groups, workshops, and activities to promote good mental health among students.
HCPS Holidays 2023
| Holidays | Date |
| New Year Day | Jan 2, 2023 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Jan 16 2023 |
| Washington’s Birthday | Feb 20, 2023 |
| Memorial Day | May 29, 2023 |
| Juneteenth | June 19, 2023 |
| Independence Day | July 4, 2023 |
| Labour Day | Sep 4, 2023 |
| Veterans Day | Nov 10, 2023 |
| Thanksgiving | Nov 23, 2023 |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 |
Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) offers a wide range of courses to its students, covering various subjects such as English, math, science, social studies, and foreign languages. The district also provides opportunities for students to engage in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which are college-level courses that allow students to earn college credit while still in high school.
In terms of the core curriculum, HCPSS follows the Maryland State Department of Education’s curriculum for English, math, science, and social studies. The district also offers a variety of elective courses, such as business education, health, and physical education, art, and music, which provide students with the opportunity to explore their interests and develop new skills.
HCPSS also places a big emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, with dedicated programs and courses in these subjects starting from an early age. This includes classes in computer science, engineering, physics, and biology that prepare students for further study in these fields. And in the high school level, students have access to many advanced courses such as AP Computer Science, AP Physics, etc.
The district also provides many programs for students to learn about different cultures and languages. For example, students can take classes in Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin Chinese. And some schools also have programs that focus on African American studies, women’s studies, etc.
Howard County Public Schools Holiday Calendar 2023-24
Overall, HCPSS offers a wide range of courses that provide students with a well-rounded education and help to prepare them for college, career, and life. With a focus on academic excellence, equity, and inclusion, HCPSS provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
The school day typically starts at 7:30 or 8:00 am and ends at 2:30 or 3:00 pm. Some high schools in the district may have slightly different schedules, and starting and ending times may vary.
In addition to the regular school days, HCPSS also schedules early release days, professional development days, and parent-teacher conference days throughout the year. These days are used for teacher training and meetings, and to allow for additional time for parent-teacher conferences.
The school district also observes national holidays and state holidays, such as Veterans Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, etc. And the district typically schedules the spring break for a week in the middle of April.
HCPSS also has inclement weather policies, when schools may be closed due to bad weather conditions, or have delayed opening. These situations are usually communicated through the district’s website, email, phone calls, and social media.
Overall, the Howard County Schools Calendar is designed to provide students with a balanced and comprehensive education. While also allowing for breaks and holidays throughout the year. The district works to provide a calendar that is both effective for students and staff, while also taking into account the needs of the broader community.