Community School Of Maryland

About the School

The Community School of Maryland is a 12-month, non-graded residential and day school serving male and female students ages 6–21. CSM is a licensed, non-public educational facility that provides full-day, separate private special education and related services for students with autism.

CSM’s goal is to prepare students for active participation in their communities and future employment. The school implements each student’s IEP through evidence-based instruction, transition services, and related services delivered on campus and in community settings. Programming focuses on functional academics, communication, daily living, social and leisure skills, vocational development, and transition planning.

Classrooms serve no more than seven students, with staff-to-student ratios of 1:2 or lower, based on individual needs, and many students receive 1:1 support. The majority of students are on the autism spectrum, with students who have related disabilities considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with Maryland State Department of Education licensing. Students are placed in classrooms primarily based on age and academic ability.

Serving students from Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Howard, Prince George’s, and Baltimore Counties in Maryland, as well as Loudoun County, Virginia and Washington D.C.

Admissions

CSAAC welcomes referrals and applications year-round. Our Admissions team works closely with families, educators, and agencies to guide each step of the process.

1

Referral Submission

Schools or agencies submit an initial inquiry or referral form.

2

Review

Our Admissions team reviews eligibility and documentation.

3

Tour and Meeting

A visit to the school and discussion of the student’s needs.

4

Placement

Once accepted, our team coordinates transition and individualized supports.

Start the Admissions Process

Whether you are a parent, educator, or case manager, our team is here to help you find the right fit.

Brian Tureck Director of Education

Phone: 240-912-3606

Email: btureck@csaac.org

School Calendar 2025-2026

Community School of Maryland Calendar 2025-2026

Our Campus

Student Artwork Displayed in Hallway

Student Outdoor Green Space

Classroom

Our campus is designed to inspire creativity and support student success. Throughout the building, hallways are decorated with artwork created by our students, celebrating their talents and creating a welcoming, vibrant environment.

The school features dedicated spaces for learning, therapy, and skill-building, all designed with our students’ needs in mind.

Programs

CSM delivers instruction through a range of structured programs that combine academics, vocational preparation, and real-world learning experiences.

Academic

Students at CSM follow the Montgomery County Public Schools curriculum and the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards. Instruction includes group lessons in functional academics and enrichment areas such as reading, math, science, health, cooking, art, and physical education. Most of each student’s day is guided by an individualized schedule focused on IEP goals, related services, and transition and prevocational activities, with scheduled breaks built in to support engagement.

Community-Based Instruction

One of CSM’s primary goals is to help students become active members of their communities. Through Community-Based Instruction, students participate in weekly outings that include functional activities such as grocery shopping, dining out, and recreation. These experiences help students build communication skills, practice appropriate behaviors, and apply skills learned at school in real-world settings that support greater independence.

Transition and Prevocational Services

Preparing students for life after high school is a central focus at CSM. In the classroom, students engage in structured prevocational activities that build skills such as sorting, matching, counting, fine and gross motor coordination, and task completion. In the Prevocational and Life Skills Center, students practice skills related to retail, office, and restaurant settings, as well as independent living skills. Students age 18 and over may participate in community jobsites one to two times per week.

Residential Services

CSM offers a community-based residential program for students referred through LEAs, the Autism Waiver, Departments of Social Services, and other public agencies. Group homes are located throughout Montgomery County and typically serve two to three students per home. Residential staff provide awake supervision and support students in developing independent living skills through structured activities during afternoons and weekends.

Related Services

The Community School of Maryland provides speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and other related services in accordance with each student’s IEP. Services are delivered individually or in small groups and may take place in a provider’s office or through push-in support during daily activities. CSM uses a consultation-based model in which related service providers collaborate closely with both students and staff.

Family Collaboration

Family involvement is key to each child’s success. Our staff communicates regularly with parents and guardians to share progress, celebrate achievements, and plan next steps. Together, we create a consistent and supportive environment that helps students apply what they learn in school to home and community life.

CSM’s Transition Coordinator works closely with students and families to guide the transition process, including assessments, individualized planning, and referrals to adult service agencies such as the Developmental Disabilities Administration and the Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Success Stories

“CSAAC gave our child the tools and confidence to communicate, learn, and thrive.”

— Parent of a Community School student

Read More Success Stories

Community School of Maryland

21515 Zion Road, Brookeville, Maryland 20833
Phone: 240-912-2606 | Fax: 240-813-1000