HCPSSHCPSS Celebrates Newly Accredited Prekindergarten Programs
August 26th, 2026
Eleven Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) prekindergarten programs achieved Maryland Accreditation during the 2025-26 school year, reflecting their commitment to providing high-quality early childhood programming. Maryland Accreditation is awarded for five years.
The newly accredited HCPSS programs, which include both Pre-K and Multiple Intense Needs Classes (MINC-PK), are as follows:
- Dayton Oaks Elementary School
- Fulton Elementary School
- Guilford Elementary School
- Hanover Hills Elementary School
- Ilchester Elementary School
- Pointers Run Elementary School
- Rockburn Elementary School
- Veteran Elementary School
- Waterloo Elementary School
- Waverly Elementary School
- Worthington Elementary School
Accreditation is the culmination of an 18-month process requiring Pre-K program staff to demonstrate through written documentation and direct observation that they meet state standards in three categories: program administration; program operation; and home and community partnerships. Program staff must also develop and implement an improvement plan to meet any unmet standards.
To date, 32 HCPSS Pre-K and MINC Pre-K programs have achieved Maryland Accreditation. Additional information on HCPSS’ pre-K programs, including eligibility criteria and an application, can be found online.