Faulkner Ridge Center Funding Will Expand HCPSS Pre-K Offerings

May 10th, 2023

HCPSS will receive $22 million in one-time state pass-through grant funding from the Howard County Government to renovate the Faulkner Ridge Center, allowing the school system to expand universal Pre-K services for 3- and 4-year-olds within the County, including those with disabilities.

When completed, the Faulkner Ridge Regional Prekindergarten Center will add at least 13 classrooms for 260 students, including recreational space. The renovation of this building will help HCPSS meet the requirements of Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future, which mandates the expansion of free, full-day Pre-K to income-eligible 3- and 4-year-olds so that all children have the opportunity to begin kindergarten ready to learn.

“We are thrilled about the upcoming renovation of the Faulkner Ridge Center, which will expand access to high-quality prekindergarten services for young children and their families in Howard County. The early years are essential when it comes to helping children build the social, emotional, thinking and learning skills needed for success in school and beyond,” says Amy Raymond, HCPSS Coordinator, Early Childhood Programs. “Through our inclusive programs, we look forward to welcoming children to what will be a joyful, exciting and developmentally appropriate learning environment that can help promote a love of learning, healthy development and kindergarten readiness.”

“Understanding the reality that learning begins at birth, we must continually implement and expand efforts to serve children even before they arrive in kindergarten,” says Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano. “I have spent significant time considering the best way to use this valuable space and have always considered it a prime location to serve our youngest learners and I cannot wait to see this space become a thriving learning environment for Howard County Students. I am thankful for the support of County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball, the County Council, and our State Delegation for securing the funding to make this project possible.”

The Faulkner Ridge Center, located near Columbia’s Wilde Lake Village Center, opened in 1969 as Faulkner Ridge Elementary School, which closed in 1983. The building has been vacant since 2011.

The funding was announced at a press conference held by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball on Thursday, May 4.