The mission of the HCPSS is to ensure excellence in teaching and learning so that each student will participate responsibly in a diverse and changing world.Howard County, Maryland, is a suburban community of more than 274,000 situated along the Baltimore-Washington corridor. More than 97,000 people live in the county's population center - the planned community of Columbia - conceived and designed by visionary planner James Rouse.A great community deserves great schools, and the HCPSS is a recognized source of local pride. The school system consistently ranks among Maryland’s top school districts based on student performance on the Maryland School Assessments. Howard County students score above the national averages on standardized tests and more than 90% of graduates continue their education beyond high school.