Howard County Public Schools

In the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), students can attend their neighborhood schools or, in certain circumstances, request a transfer to schools outside their district (called interdistrict transfer), as long as there is space. They can also attend charter schools; applications are due in early August. Gifted education programs are available for elementary, middle and high school students. The district has alternative schools for at-risk students. It also provides special education services. Under the federal No Child Left Behind law, students attending a Title I school designated as "in need of improvement" have the right to attend a higher-performing school in the district.