Homewood Center

Ilchester Elementary has been a certified Maryland Green School since 2008, and environmental learning runs through every grade level and into related arts, from Waste Free Wednesdays to student art about protecting the planet. We are a Howard County Public School System elementary school on Ilchester Road in Ellicott City, serving kindergarten through grade 5. Our building also houses a Regional Early Childhood Center with Pre-K classes and special education preschool and pre-K classes taught by special educators and paraeducators. For older students we run Primary Learner and Upper Learner special education programs, and our team includes occupational therapists, a physical therapist, speech-language pathologists, a school psychologist, a school counselor, a reading specialist, an English Language Development teacher and an Advanced Academic Programs teacher. Related arts include art, music, PE, instructional technology, media, and band and strings. Students earn Cheetah Bucks for being Persistent, Respectful, Ready and Responsible through our PBIS program. Free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch are available, and Howard County Parks and Recreation runs before and after school care.

Linwood School serves students ages 6–21 with autism and related developmental disabilities, including multiple disabilities. We offer elementary grades 1–8 and secondary grades 9–12 in a small, structured learning environment. We plan around students’ strengths and interests, working with families and a multidisciplinary team. Academic, behavioral, related-service and vocational support are connected within each student’s program. Linwood School is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education.

The Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) is dedicated to empowering students who are deaf or hard of hearing, providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for children from preschool through high school. With a mission centered on fostering academic excellence and personal growth, MSD serves over 450 students with diverse needs, including those with language-based learning disabilities and twice-exceptional learners. The school employs innovative educational methodologies tailored to each student's unique learning style, integrating specialized programs that emphasize both academic rigor and social-emotional development. MSD stands out for its low student-teacher ratio, allowing for personalized attention and strong family partnerships that enhance the educational experience. Additionally, the school boasts specialized facilities designed to support a variety of learning modalities and hosts unique community events that celebrate student achievements and foster a sense of belonging among families. Through its commitment to excellence, MSD not only prepares students for academic success but also equips them with the skills necessary to thrive in their future endeavors.