Each of our schools’ leadership teams analyzed the factors that impact their students’ ability to engage deeply and achieve academic success. They shared stories of their students and families, some of whom are facing serious challenges associated with physical wellness, social-emotional stability, unique learning needs, family security, mental health, violence, and food/housing uncertainties. They discussed the obstacles that their students face daily when preparing to come to school on time, ready to learn.

Below is the school’s story as seen through the eyes of school leaders. They discuss the culture of their school and the community.

Diversity is Invited, Nurtured, and Celebrated Meade has established a tradition of excellence based upon a foundation of values, a supportive community, and outstanding academic and extracurricular programs. Meade High School is an IB World School, offering the IB Middle Years Programme to all students in grades nine and ten and the IB Diploma Programme to a cohort of students in grades eleven and twelve. We are committed to offering students an education that prepares them for success in the 21st century, both in post-secondary studies and the workforce. Meade is committed to graduating students who can communicate effectively, not only in English but in a second language as well. Additionally, students should also be able to make connections between what they learn in the classroom and the world around them, both here at home and with other cultures around the world. Meade also offers our students several other programs that enhance their experience in an IB World School. We serve

students’ diverse interests and needs through our Homeland Security Signature Program of Studies, AVID, Project Lead The Way, JROTC, a variety of co-curricular activities, and our diverse mentorship programs. Meade High School, though a large school, has a home for each of our students. One of Meade High School’s greatest strengths is our rich diversity in culture, ethnicity, and student experiences. Meade High School is invested in our community and addressing the socio-economic challenges many of our students and families face. Through service, compassion and commitment, our students in the Key Club, Happy Helpers for the Homeless, the IB Diploma Programme, and Meade Matters, serve each other and our local community. At Meade, we seek to eliminate all barriers which impact our ability to communicate with our families. Our faculty and school community are supported by having bilingual facilitators. Everyone in the Meade Family Fosters Student Growth Student growth is fostered at Meade High School in each and every classroom and throughout the school community. It is expected, all faculty and staff develop positive, caring, professional relationships with students to support the whole development of each student.

The leadership team in each AACPS school reviewed all of the factors that may influence their students’ engagement and achievement in school; these challenges include academic data elements, community history, and socio-economic aspects of each community. The school’s leadership team identified the following elements as impactful for their students.

READ MORE