The SEED School of Maryland – a statewide opportunity for students from disadvantaged circumstances

The SEED School of Maryland is a statewide college-preparatory public boarding school that opened in August 2008 with the first class of 80 sixth grade students. The Maryland General Assembly passed legislation to establish the program which is publicly funded through state and local sources. All SEED students live on campus from Sunday night through Friday afternoon and return home each weekend.

For the 2012-2013 school year SEED will serve up to 388 students in grades 6 to 10. By enrolling a new 6th grade class each year, SEED will grow to educate up to 400 Maryland students in grades 6 through 12. The school offers a 7-year opportunity for eligible students. Students are expected to graduate SEED high school and go on to attend a 4-year college. Students from throughout Maryland who are about to enter the 6th grade may apply.

Enrollment is determined each year through a lottery held in mid-May for all eligible students, with admissions applications due in April. The lottery is designed to ensure that at least two eligible students from each school system have an opportunity to enroll. This year SEED will serve students from up to 17 different Maryland school systems.

SEED Maryland's Head of School is Dr. Khalek Kirkland and its Director of Academics is Ms. Jallon Croskey. For further information about the school program, enrollment, campus, and leadership, visit the SEED School of Maryland by clicking on the link below or calling SEED's main telephone number 410-843-9477. See below for a link to a school directory.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) oversees the school and holds it accountable to state and federal standards. The liaison to the SEED School of Maryland from MSDE is Dr. Rhona Fisher. You may email her at SeedProgram@msde.state.md.us or call Dr. Fisher at 410-767-1007 for further information. Enrollment criteria for all incoming students are described below.

• Be a Maryland resident entering the sixth grade,
• Have experienced academic and environmental challenges that hinder their ability to complete high school and attend college, and
• Meet other eligibility criteria specified in the law.
  [Click Here for law]

Is my child a good fit for the SEED School? Families and school staff will want to be sure that any student applying to SEED is a good fit for the program being offered. Students must be capable of being safe and healthy within a boarding school program, and should be personally motivated to pursue and prepare for a college education. Although SEED is a boarding school, it should not be confused with a therapeutic residential program. SEED does not offer this type of highly specialized treatment. The dedicated and talented SEED School staff is equipped to work with students on the full spectrum of academic and behavioral successes and challenges.

Are students' prior academic performances a factor in determining eligibility? SEED recognizes that a student's academic performance prior to applying to SEED may not determine students' academic capabilities or potential and is not the determining factor for eligibility. SEED wants families and students who are committed to working hard and challenging themselves to achieve the goal of graduating from high school and going to college.

Does the SEED School of Maryland offer Special Education Services? SEED is an inclusion model school offering special education services for a broad range of needs.

www.seedschoolmd.org

The SEED School of Maryland Directory
2012-2013 School Year