Lifelong Learning

Baltimore County residents are fortunate to have access to one of the nation’s top educational systems. The county’s committed public schools, range of private alternatives, and opportunities for higher education are second to none. The Baltimore County Public Schools are dedicated to providing a quality, comprehensive educational program designed to address the needs of a diverse student population. Building on current successes, the system’s Blueprint for Progress outlines the vision, mission, belief statements, performance goals, performance indicators, and key strategies.

The Blueprint for Progress, a framework for improving student achievement, provides clear direction for everyone involved in education in Baltimore County. The Blueprint for Progress is built on a foundation of clear standards, quality instruction, and individual accountability. Implementing this blueprint is essential to meeting state and national standards and accomplishes the goals of increased student achievement and continuous school improvement.

Furthermore, the Chamber has an Education Committee that is comprised of local educators from the public and private sector and members of the business community who work together to promote communication between both groups for the good of the community. The focus of the committee is to foster working relationships between educators and business leaders, which in turn affect the youth in our schools and community. A shared vision enables the committee to learn, develop and study ways that will enhance the outlook of our youth.

A number of technical, private, and parochial schools are also available in the area. The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)-Essex Campus offers hundreds of exciting academic and career training programs for those pursuing education toward an associate’s degree, or to open doors to a well-paying job through non-credit courses.

One of 12 Vanguard Learning Colleges, CCBC is noted nationally for its commitment to student learning.

The college consists of three comprehensive campuses and five extension centers in metropolitan Baltimore County. With such a broad range of available programs, students can receive certifications that will propel them into a successful career, or transfer to a four-year college.

Library
The Baltimore County Public Library meets all educational, recreational, and informational needs of the community. The White Marsh branch of the county library offers readers easy access adjacent to the White Marsh Town Center. The recently renovated Essex Library offers a Chesapeake Bay theme, complete with aquarium, lighthouse, and sand tables. Located in the Middlesex Shopping Center, the library has over 14,000 square-feet of space, including books, multimedia, computers, and meeting rooms. Every library provides a number of Internet resources and databases whether on location or off premises.