Page 45 - Garrett County 2023/2024 Visitors Guide

Public Schools at a Glance
Garrett County
MD
Student Enrollment (2022)
3,502
881,471
Cost/Pupil (2021):
$8,270.68
$14,960
Attendance Rate (All Grades) (2021):
92.8%
92.5%
Drop-out Rate (Grades 9-12) (2021):
NA
8.25%
4-Year Cohort Graduation Rate (2021):
93.84%
87.20%
Composite
(% scoring 3, 4, or 5):
52%
Total Test Takers:
151 (231 exams)
Education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is a high priority for GCPS, and youth robotics programs are a major asset that students can take advantage of. The school system collaborates with the nonprofit GEARS, Inc. to encourage achievement in robotics and other STEM pursuits. Some robotics teams in the county have their own operating budget and GEARS just provides space and mentorship. Other teams use GEARS to run fundraising drives.
As a key part of its activities, GEARS hosts several teams that compete in robotics competitions run by an organization called FIRST. FIRST competitions are international events that begin with regionals and culminate in the FIRST World Championship. Garrett County’s FIRST team is known as
the Garrett Coalition, or GaCo for short. Interested students can learn more about joining GaCo at gcps.net/Page/2453.
Work readiness is also an important
focus for GCPS. In 2020, GCPS, the Garrett County Department of Business Development and the Chamber of Commerce launched VirtualJobShadow. com, an online platform for students and teachers at both the county’s high schools. In 2022, Virtual Job Shadow became Pathful Explore (pathful.com/explore),
a K-12 career exploration and planning site that provides interactive tools, skills assessments, workplace preparation and virtual job shadowing opportunities.
Another career program established
in partnership with the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is the Work Ethic Diploma Program (visitdeepcreek.com/ work-ethic-diploma-program), which began in the 2018-19 school year and has graduated more than 200 students.
To qualify for a Work Ethic Diploma, students have to earn a minimum of
points in the following criteria: Discipline Standard, Attendance Standard, Absence Standard, Work Experience, Community Service/Internship Project Standard, Overall Grade Point Average Standard and Team Work Standard. They also have to complete an exit interview and submit a resume.
Another important component of GCPS’ work-readiness focus is the career and technical education (CTE) program. It is intended to prepare students for high-skill and high-wage jobs in a technologically advanced, global society. What makes GCPS’ CTE programs special is that
they are a fully integrated part of the
SAT Mean Scores (2022 cohort):
Average Composite: 1,107
Total Test Takers: 79 Source: Garrett County Public Schools,
Maryland Department of Education
comprehensive high school educational system — meaning that students enter them through the same process as all other electives. The school system is always working on new certification and credentialing opportunities to enhance
its existing programs. Currently, Garrett County students may choose to complete CTE courses in the following interest areas:
• Agricultural Production • Allied Health
• Automotive Mechanic • Biomedical Sciences
• Business, Management & Finance • Carpentry
• Computer Science
• Food Production & Service
• Manufacturing Engineering Technology • Pre-Engineering
GCPS also offers CTE electives focused on career and technology skills. They include computer-aided drafting, general electronics, an IT certification and a work- based experience.
Garrett’s high schools have many competitive athletic teams, including in wrestling, track and field and basketball.
AP Scores (2022 cohort):
QUALITY OF LIFE: EDUCATION
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