Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Academy

The FACE Academy welcomes families of students enrolled in Charles County Public Schools from pre-K through grade 12

Its mission is to strengthen the connection between home and school, provide families with access to community resources, and support students' academic success. Through the FACE Academy, parents receive tools and guidance to reinforce classroom learning at home and help their children thrive.

The FACE Academy is designed to strengthen authentic partnerships among schools, families, and community organizations by providing families with meaningful learning opportunities, practical resources, and direct access to supports that promote student success academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. FACE Academy programming is intentionally aligned to the evolving needs of our school communities and is designed to build family capacity as essential partners in student achievement.

Each FACE Academy session offers something new!

One meeting might explore ways to encourage listening and help children adjust to routines, while another could dive into fun, healthy recipes that families can make together. These activities not only build teamwork but also reinforce skills like following directions and using math—all while having a great time!

During the 2025–2026 school year, FACE Academy expanded its reach and impact through differentiated programming for elementary and secondary families. In Fall 2025, FACE Academy served approximately 130 elementary school families districtwide through a hybrid model that included one in-person orientation session and multiple evening virtual learning opportunities. In Spring 2026, FACE Academy expanded to secondary families, engaging approximately 130 families again while introducing Lunch and Learn opportunities to increase accessibility, flexibility, and family participation.

All in-person FACE Academy sessions were intentionally structured to remove barriers to participation and ensure equitable access for families. Families were provided dinner, childcare services, interpretation support, and take-home materials/resources to fully engage in the learning experience and extend learning into the home environment.

Through these sessions, families gained practical strategies and tools to:

• Support literacy and mathematics achievement at home.
• Build routines, organizational, and time-management skills that support academic success.
• Strengthen communication and collaboration with schools and teachers.
• Promote positive behavior, emotional regulation, and resilience.
• Support student mental health and wellness through stress-management and mindfulness strategies.
• Recognize and address emerging concerns related to tobacco products and substance use.
• Understand student safety expectations, attendance, discipline processes, and Teen Court supports.
• Navigate college- and career-readiness resources, including Xello and College Board tools.
• Access scholarship information and debt-free college planning opportunities.
• Explore enrichment and experiential learning opportunities for students.
• Navigate digital citizenship, online safety, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.
• Access community-based supports, wellness resources, and enrichment programming.