Rock Terrace School

Hidden away in Rockville, Maryland, lies Rock Terrace School. A place where the ordinary fades and the extraordinary unfolds. Rock Terrace School isn’t your typical school. It’s a special place, part of the Montgomery County School system, dedicated to students aged 11-21 with diverse cognitive disabilities. Rock Terrace School focuses on helping each student reach their full potential. The school wants to prepare them for life after graduation. This includes interacting with the community, exploring post-secondary education, and finding and keeping jobs. The curriculum at Rock Terrace School is tailored to each student’s needs, using a modified version of the MCPS program based on Common Core standards. Students graduate at 21 with a Maryland Certificate of Program Completion. Rock Terrace School is divided into three levels: middle school (11-14), high school (15-17), and upper school (18-21). Every student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP). This plan guides their classroom instruction, focusing on their academic, functional, and social/behavioral goals. Teachers adapt their lessons to meet the individual needs of every student in each class. Rock Terrace School offers a diverse range of courses. From Chorus and Culinary Arts to Community-Based Instruction and On-the-Job Training, there’s something for everyone. Other classes include Computer Applications, Horticulture, Home Survival Skills, Math, Broadcast Technology, Office Skills, Physical Education, Reading, Science, Social Skills, Social Studies, and Visual Arts. The school’s primary goals are continuous student achievement and maximum independence after they graduate. Rock Terrace School, formerly Rockville Colored Elementary School, has a unique history. It was built in the early 1950s as one of four consolidated elementary schools in Montgomery County. This was during the era of segregated schools. After the Brown vs. Board of Education decision, Rock Terrace eventually transitioned into the special education high school it is today. The school’s journey reflects the changing landscape of education and the ongoing commitment to providing specialized learning environments for all students. So, as you stand before Rock Terrace School, remember that it’s more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to the power of individualized education and the belief in every student’s potential to thrive.