When each school began to plan their important work based on AACPS’s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan during the spring of 2018, school teams reflected on their school culture, their community, and the key factors contributing to student achievement.  Each school was then asked to consider which Strategic Plan Indicators would have the greatest positive impact for their students. School leadership teams selected indicators and developed plans to focus and guide their efforts.  Please come with us on our journey as we describe why, what, and how we do our work to serve our students and families of our school.

Pasadena Elementary is a picturesque school, nestled on the shores of the Magothy River and Chesapeake Bay, serving approximately 375 students from the community. First opened in 1954, Pasadena was modernized with instructional technology access when rebuilt in 2008. Families are deeply rooted in the community, and in some cases several generations of the same family have attended our school. Enrolled students come from diverse socio-economic backgrounds of dual income, stay-at-home, and multi-generational families. Pasadena Elementary also serves as a Specialty Site, providing primary and intermediate self-contained classrooms for students with the Autism Spectrum Disorders. This program provides students access to a sensory-motor room and inclusion opportunities with non-disabled peers. To assist our working families, School Age Child Care (SACC) is available onsite and is provided by Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks. 

The Pasadena staff are committed to the school and community. Teachers’ dedication is evidenced by their participation in the PTA and their on-going commitment to professional growth. Our highly qualified staff includes the county’s only National Board Certified teacher in Physical Education and a recent top 5 finalist for AACPS Teacher of the Year. The ARC Central Chesapeake Region recognized our teachers with 2015 and 2016 “People First” Awards. Our exceptional Specialty Site (Autism) teachers were previously Structured Teaching Coaches, and were selected to participate in curriculum writing for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). We have been recognized by the AACPS Office of Equity and Accelerated Student Achievement for our #AACPSReadWithMe initiatives, earned a Maryland Green School recertification, as well as AACPS Wellness School of Distinction status. In addition, we were named a Maryland Blue Ribbon School of Excellence before earning National Blue Ribbon status.