Parents Can Express Interest in the HCPSS 2021-2022 Digital Education Center, Through April 14, 2021

March 31st, 2021

Update: April 14 2021

This survey is now closed

More information on the Digital Education Center can be found online.

The Howard County Public School System is planning for a virtual school option for students entering grades K-12 who wish to learn virtually for the 2021-2022 school year. Once finalized, the Digital Education Center (DEC) program will give students the opportunity to take all classes and earn credits virtually, while receiving support services from the student’s designated home school. The DEC is intended to function as an additional, separate K-12 center, which will continue to operate even after fully in-person learning resumes throughout the county. The final DEC scope and options are subject to funding, staffing and final Board of Education approval. If the program is not funded, students who enroll in the DEC instead will access instruction through their designated home school.

The Digital Education Center is scheduled to begin in the 2021-2022 school year. Any student entering grades K-12 during the 2021-2022 school year will have the opportunity to enroll in the Digital Education Center. Students must commit to the DEC for the full school year to participate. Students who want to return to in-person learning at a HCPSS school location during the 2021-2022 school year should not sign up for the DEC. Decisions on the 2021-2022 academic year—in terms of students returning in person, hybrid or virtually—have not yet been determined, and will be communicated as soon as possible.

Via HCPSS Connect Synergy, HCPSS is seeking to understand families’ intentions regarding enrolling their children in a virtual school option (if that option becomes available) or having their children attend their traditional HCPSS school. This form is separate from the hybrid survey that families received earlier this school year and is not a commitment for the 2021-2022 school year. Parents/guardians will be asked to commit to enroll their children in the DEC at a later date. Your interest at this time will help facilitate planning.

This form is now closed.