Crossland High School Driving Student Success Through Rigor, Opportunity & Culture

Crossland High School is making measurable progress in student achievement, reflected in the latest Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) results. The school recorded a 12% increase in mathematics scores and a 3% gain in English Language Arts (ELA) on the 2025 MCAP — clear evidence of an upward trajectory of expectations and outcomes.

Principal Dr. Michael Gilchrist credits the growth to a renewed focus on instruction and academic rigor.

“The single most important thing we're doing to address our goals is strengthening academic rigor in the classroom,” Dr. Gilchrist said. “We're aligning content with state standards to boost proficiency in core subjects.”

That approach is anchored by continuous monitoring of student performance and targeted support. Students who need extra help are connected with academic labs, the 9th Grade Academy, and tutoring services, ensuring that every learner stays on track.

Dr. Gilchrist notes that the improvements extend beyond testing.

“Our growth isn't just about MCAP scores. We've seen gains in attendance, graduation, and promotion rates as well. It's been a journey, and I'm proud of how our staff has embraced the challenge head-on.”

Collaboration among educators is central to this progress. Teachers meet regularly to review interim assessment data and refine strategies.

ELA teacher and grade-level chair Lindsey Joseph points to the impact in her classroom.

“One strategy that's worked exceptionally well is hexagonal thinking,” Joseph explained. “It encourages students to make connections between ideas and support their thinking with evidence.”

Expanding Opportunity Through CTE

Crossland is also a designated Career and Technical Education (CTE) hub, giving students a direct pathway to opportunity and achievement. Beginning in ninth grade, students enter the Science, Technology, and Advanced Trades (STAT) Program, where academic knowledge is paired with technical skills.

Through CTE, students can earn industry-recognized certifications, gain college credit, participate in pre-apprenticeships, and build real-world work experience. These opportunities prepare them for in-demand, high-skill, high-wage careers — whether they choose to pursue higher education, join the military, begin an apprenticeship, or enter the workforce after graduation.

This investment in hands-on, career-connected learning ensures that every student has options to succeed — whether entering the workforce, pursuing higher education, entrepreneurial ventures or entering military service. It strengthens Crossland's ability to prepare students for life beyond the classroom and empowers them with choices for both immediate and long-term success.

An Innovation Zone Pilot School

Crossland's progress is especially meaningful as the school works to move beyond its designation as a Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) school. This year, it is one of 33 schools participating in the district's new Innovation and Performance Zone pilot — an initiative designed to accelerate achievement and help schools exit CSI or Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI) status.

The zone focuses on aligning resources for maximum impact. Strategies include closer collaboration with pupil personnel workers, weekly attendance meetings, reinstated School Performance Management Teams that meet biweekly to make data-driven decisions, and community conversations that build trust while reducing stigma around CSI status.

By embracing the “community schools” model, Crossland and other Innovation Zone schools are working to place schools at the heart of their communities and leverage every available resource to support student success.

Building Unity Through School Culture

Beyond academics, Crossland is strengthening its culture with the unifying motto, We Are One. Staff, students, and families have embraced the phrase, creating a shared sense of pride and purpose.

“Our students are proud to be here,” Dr. Gilchrist said. “They show up ready to learn and ready for an experience. We work every day to make that experience meaningful and engaging.”