7 Key Facts About Duckett's Lane Elementary School: What Parents Need To Know For The 2024-2025 School Year
Parents and community members seeking the most current information about Duckett's Lane Elementary School (DLES) in Elkridge, MD, will find that the institution continues to stand out within the highly-regarded Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) as of December 19, 2025. This comprehensive guide provides an up-to-date look at the school’s profile, its dedicated leadership, its unique academic distinctions, and the modern campus features that contribute to a high-quality educational experience for all students from Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade.
The school, which opened its doors in 2013, has quickly established a reputation for its commitment to environmental sustainability, strong academic support systems, and a vibrant community atmosphere fostered by an active PTA and dedicated staff. The 2024-2025 school year is marked by a continued focus on student success, inclusive practices, and leveraging its status as a Title I school to provide enhanced educational resources and comprehensive support for its diverse student body.
Duckett's Lane Elementary School Profile: Key Facts for 2024-2025
Duckett's Lane Elementary School, often referred to by its acronym DLES, is a pivotal institution serving the Elkridge community. Its profile reflects a modern, well-supported school dedicated to fostering a nurturing and high-achieving environment. Understanding the foundational facts about the school is the first step for any prospective or current family.
- Location: 6501 Ducketts Lane, Elkridge, Maryland 21075.
- School District: Howard County Public School System (HCPSS). The school operates under the policies and academic standards set forth by the HCPSS, a district known for its strong performance across the state of Maryland.
- Grades Served: Pre-Kindergarten (PK) through Grade 5. The school provides a full elementary education experience, including foundational early childhood programs.
- Principal: Molly Caroland. Ms. Caroland provides the administrative vision and leadership for the school community.
- Assistant Principal: Amy Van Osdel. Ms. Van Osdel works alongside the Principal to manage daily operations and support the instructional staff.
- Year Opened: Duckett's Lane Elementary School opened in 2013, making it one of the newer facilities in the Howard County Public School System.
- Student Enrollment (2024-2025): Approximately 662 students. This figure helps define the school's size and student-to-staff ratios, which contribute to personalized attention.
- Student-Teacher Ratio: The school maintains a competitive student-teacher ratio, promoting an "above average" educational experience according to independent ratings.
- Title I Status: The school is listed as a Title I, Part A school for the 2024-2025 school year, indicating it receives federal funding to support students who are at risk of failing to meet the State’s challenging academic standards.
5 Reasons Duckett's Lane is a Top-Tier Howard County Elementary School
Beyond its basic profile, DLES distinguishes itself through several key programs, facilities, and academic supports. These features are what truly define the student experience and contribute to the school's standing within the competitive landscape of Howard County education. The focus on environmental stewardship, academic equity, and comprehensive student development makes DLES a unique and highly desirable learning environment.
A Commitment to Environmental Excellence: The Green School Legacy
Ducketts Lane Elementary School is widely recognized for its dedication to sustainability and environmental education. The school has received multiple awards for its excellence in sustaining a green and healthy environment for its staff, students, and the wider community.
This commitment is formalized by its status as a Maryland Green School. The school was certified in 2016, a designation that requires rigorous integration of environmental education into the curriculum, implementation of green practices, and a strong community involvement in ecological projects.
The ‘Green School’ initiative goes beyond recycling; it encompasses energy conservation, water quality monitoring, schoolyard habitat projects, and a focus on student-led environmental action. This focus provides students with invaluable hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), preparing them to be environmentally conscious citizens.
Academic Support and Resources as a Title I School
For the 2024-2025 school year, Duckett's Lane Elementary is designated as a Title I, Part A school. This is a critical distinction that directly benefits the students and the community.
Title I funding is federal money distributed to schools with high percentages of students from low-income families. While this status indicates a specific demographic need, it is a significant positive for the school's resources. This funding allows DLES to:
- Hire additional instructional staff, such as reading specialists and math coaches, to provide targeted intervention and small-group instruction.
- Purchase enhanced educational technology and materials.
- Implement professional development for teachers focused on best practices for diverse learners.
- Offer extended learning opportunities, such as after-school tutoring or summer programs.
The goal of Title I is to ensure all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education, and DLES leverages this status to bolster its academic performance and equity initiatives.
Modern Facilities and a Comprehensive Learning Environment
Having opened in 2013, the Duckett's Lane campus boasts newer facilities compared to many older schools in the region. This modern infrastructure provides a comfortable, technologically advanced, and conducive setting for 21st-century learning.
The campus is often praised by community members for its design and maintenance, providing a wonderful backdrop for the educational process. Furthermore, the school offers a wide array of student extracurriculars, including robust music programs such as band, orchestra, and chorus, which are vital for holistic development and are often highlights of the elementary school experience.
Leadership and Community: The Heart of DLES
A school's success is inextricably linked to its leadership and the strength of its community engagement. Duckett's Lane Elementary School benefits from stable administration and a highly involved parent body, which work together to create a supportive and inclusive climate.
Dedicated Administrative Team and Staff
Under the leadership of Principal Molly Caroland and Assistant Principal Amy Van Osdel, the administrative team is focused on maintaining a positive and academically challenging school environment.
The stability in leadership ensures consistent policy implementation and a clear vision for the school's future. The entire DLES staff is part of the broader Howard County Public School System, which provides continuous professional development and resources, ensuring teachers are equipped with the latest instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of their students.
The Vibrant Role of the PTA and Community Events
The school is characterized by an active Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) that plays a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience. The PTA organizes community events, supports student programs, and acts as a vital link between the home and the school.
This partnership is essential for creating a strong sense of belonging and for fundraising efforts that provide supplemental resources for the students. The consistent involvement of parents in school governance and activities is a hallmark of the DLES community.
A Focus on Equity and Inclusivity: The Rainbow Safe Space
In line with the Howard County Public School System's commitment to equity, Duckett's Lane Elementary School participates in the HCPSS Rainbow Safe Space initiative.
This initiative ensures that the school is a welcoming and affirming environment for all students, staff, and families, including those who identify as LGBTQIA+. This commitment to inclusivity is a core guiding principle, making DLES a place where every child is supported and celebrated for who they are. The school's policies and culture actively work to promote tolerance, understanding, and respect among the entire student body, contributing to a healthy social-emotional learning environment.
Upcoming Information and Resources for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
Looking ahead, DLES is already preparing for the next academic cycle. Current information, such as the 2025-2026 School Supplies List, is typically made available on the official HCPSS website for Duckett's Lane Elementary School, allowing parents to plan well in advance.
Furthermore, families who may need financial assistance with meals are encouraged to utilize the Free and Reduced Lunch (F.A.R.M.S.) application process, which is a key resource for the community.
In summary, Duckett's Lane Elementary School in Elkridge, MD, is a dynamic and forward-thinking institution within the HCPSS. Its combination of modern facilities, the prestigious Green School certification, robust Title I academic support, and strong, inclusive leadership under Principal Molly Caroland and Assistant Principal Amy Van Osdel positions it as a premier choice for elementary education. The school’s dedication to a holistic approach—blending academic rigor with environmental stewardship and comprehensive student support—ensures that its students are well-prepared for their future academic journeys.
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