5 Critical Updates Parents Must Know About Centennial Lane Elementary School’s 2026 Future
Centennial Lane Elementary School (CLES) remains a cornerstone of the Ellicott City, Maryland community, consistently serving families within the highly-regarded Howard County Public School System (HCPSS). As of December 21, 2025, the school is navigating a period of significant change and planning, particularly concerning its future attendance boundaries, which is the most pressing issue for current and prospective families.
This deep dive provides the most current profile of CLES, focusing on its leadership, academic environment, and the critical redistricting efforts that will shape the student body and community for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond. Understanding these updates is essential for anyone connected to the Centennial Lane community.
Centennial Lane Elementary School at a Glance: 2025-2026 Profile
Centennial Lane Elementary School is located at 3825 Centennial Lane in Ellicott City, MD, and is a vital part of Cluster 6 within the HCPSS structure. The school’s community is built on a foundation of strong academic focus and dedicated parental involvement, which contributes to its reputation for educational excellence.
- Location: 3825 Centennial Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21042
- School District: Howard County Public School System (HCPSS)
- Current Principal: Mrs. Debra Anoff
- Assistant Principal: Siobhan Drumgoole (Note: Another source mentions Alayna Lynam, but Siobhan Drumgoole appears on the most recent staff list)
- Enrollment: CLES serves a large student body, with a reported enrollment of approximately 749 students, a figure that is central to the current redistricting discussions.
- Community Focus: The school emphasizes a strong educational partnership with parents and the broader Howard County community, with the Board of Education Representative for Cluster 6 maintaining close contact with the school.
1. The Critical 2025-2026 Redistricting Process
The single most significant and current development affecting Centennial Lane Elementary School is its central role in the HCPSS 2025-2026 redistricting process, which is designed to take effect for the 2026-2027 school year. This initiative was announced to address the problem of "ballooning enrollment" at CLES and other nearby schools, such as Bryant Woods Elementary School.
The Howard County Board of Education (BOE) has been actively reviewing new options after initial proposals met with community concerns. The goal is to balance student populations across the district to ensure equitable resource allocation and manageable class sizes, a common challenge in rapidly growing areas like Ellicott City. The current boundary includes areas up to Frederick Road, which is a key point of discussion in the proposed changes.
Parents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend Community Engagement Sessions to voice their opinions and understand how the potential boundary changes might affect their attendance area. This ongoing process highlights the school's high demand and the district's effort to manage growth effectively.
2. Academic Excellence and Achievement History
Centennial Lane Elementary School has a long-standing history of being recognized for its academic achievements. The school community prides itself on continuous improvement and high standards for its students.
Historically, CLES has shown strong performance in core subjects. For example, the school has been noted for the continued improvement in reading achievement scores for its fifth graders. While specific recent assessment data (post-2024) is pending, the foundational commitment to academic rigor remains a defining characteristic of the school’s culture.
The focus extends beyond standardized tests, with the administration and teachers dedicated to fostering a supportive learning environment that prepares students for the transition to middle school and beyond within the Howard County Public Schools system.
3. Diverse and Engaging After-School Programs
A key aspect of the CLES experience is the availability of specialty and enrichment programs, often run in partnership with organizations like the Howard County Recreation and Parks. These programs are vital for holistic student development, offering opportunities that extend learning outside the traditional classroom setting.
Popular after-school activities and specialty programs frequently offered at Centennial Lane Elementary School include:
- Robotics: Encouraging STEM skills and problem-solving through hands-on engineering challenges.
- Chess Club: Developing strategic thinking and concentration skills.
- Drama/Theater: Providing creative outlets and building confidence in public speaking and performance.
- Other Enrichment Activities: The school often hosts various other clubs and activities designed to cater to diverse student interests, supporting the overall development of the young learners.
These initiatives, alongside the dedicated efforts of Principal Debra Anoff and the entire school staff, contribute to the positive reviews and strong reputation that make CLES a highly sought-after elementary school in Ellicott City.
4. Enrollment and New Family Information
The process for enrolling a child at Centennial Lane Elementary School is managed through the general HCPSS enrollment system. Families who are new to Howard County must first establish residency within the designated school attendance area before beginning the registration process.
Given the ongoing redistricting discussions, prospective families are strongly advised to check the official HCPSS website for the most current boundary maps and enrollment guidelines. The high enrollment numbers at CLES underscore the importance of following the registration steps promptly to ensure a smooth transition for new students.
The school’s website also provides essential resources, including the 2025-2026 school supply list and information on how to pay for activities and events using the school’s online payment system.
5. The Importance of Community Engagement
The success of Centennial Lane Elementary School is intrinsically linked to the engagement of its community. The school actively encourages parents to participate, whether through the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), volunteering for special events, or attending school board meetings, particularly those related to the redistricting.
Community involvement provides a crucial layer of support for the administration, including Assistant Principal Siobhan Drumgoole, and helps maintain the high standards of the school. The school’s calendar is regularly updated with events, providing numerous opportunities for parents to connect with teachers and the wider CLES family.
As Centennial Lane Elementary School moves through the 2025-2026 school year, the focus remains on delivering exceptional education while proactively managing the challenges of growth through the redistricting process. The dedication of the students, staff, and the Ellicott City community ensures CLES will continue to be a beacon of learning in Howard County.
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