Page 44 - Garrett County 2022/2023 Visitors Guide

Quality of Life: EDUCATION
GARRETT COUNTY SCHOOLS
GET STUDENTS READY FOR COLLEGE, CAREER
When you’re considering a new place to settle, you’ll want to know that your kids will have access to quality instruction at all educational levels. You’ll also want to know that your children will be as safe as possible in the classroom.
Good news: Garrett County’s public schools system is well regarded throughout the state for its focus on science programs, career and technology education, robotics — and life skills such as a good work ethic.
In addition, Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS, garrettcountyschools.
org) ensures student safety by adhering to a mask mandate in school buildings. Other measures that GCPS has taken to protect students and staff include social distancing of at least three feet between students, enhanced ventilation and frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces.
A unique perk for Garrett County students: after high school graduation, they are eligible for the Garrett County Scholarship Program (garrettcollege. edu/garrett-county-scholarship.php), which covers the cost of tuition and fees for a two-year degree from Garrett College (garrettcollege.edu).
Elementary and Secondary Education
The 12 schools that make up GCPS serve some 3,800 students. The school system’s graduation rates are above state average (see Table 1) and all schools have at least a three-star rating on Maryland’s five-star scale.
According to Niche.com, Garrett County classrooms have a student-teacher ratio
of 13 to 1. Niche also rates GCPS as the state’s safest school district. Eighty-two percent of teachers at Garrett County Public Schools hold advanced professional state certifications.
42 The Deep Creek Experience