Marcia D Smith School

The Marcia D. Smith School emphasizes highly individualized special education services designed around each student’s needs. Instruction focuses on preparing students for adulthood by teaching independent living and vocational skills, alongside behavioral supports. The program is transition-oriented, aiming to help students move into adult services and supports.

Marcia D. Smith School placement is primarily referral-based: CSS accepts referrals from Montgomery County Public Schools and other Maryland Local Education Agencies (LEAs), and the LEA determines whether a student is referred for day or residential special education services. (css-md.org) For families seeking CSS services more broadly (not limited to the school), CSS states that Montgomery County residents should submit an admissions referral form and that referrals may also be sent by Autism Waiver case managers, CCS, or family members; families can also email CSS to request information or a tour. (css-md.org) Eligibility/requirements described for the school include serving students roughly ages 11–21 with autism, intellectual disabilities, and/or multiple disabilities, with services delivered consistent with the student’s IEP (and related supports). (css-md.org) The website text available does not list application deadlines or specific admissions decision dates, and it does not describe a waitlist process; enrollment is described as capacity-limited (total capacity stated as 25). (css-md.org) No priority categories for admission to the school are stated, though CSS notes that students completing special education in this program receive priority for admission to CSS adult services. (css-md.org)