Community School of Maryland

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.

The Community School of Maryland is proudly dedicated to Nivea Córdova Berríos, whose extraordinary advocacy helped preserve educational opportunities for children with autism in Maryland.

Years ago, while searching for an educational program that could meet the needs of her son, Raymond, Nivea learned that The Community School of Maryland had closed and was no longer accepting students. Refusing to accept that families would lose access to specialized education close to home, she tirelessly advocated for the school’s reopening.

Driven by her commitment to Raymond and to the countless other children who deserved the opportunity to learn and thrive, Nivea worked alongside CSAAC’s leadership to champion the return of the school. Her advocacy helped secure a future where not only her son, Raymond, but also countless other students with autism could receive the individualized education and support they deserve through The Community School of Maryland. Her determination created a lasting legacy that continues to benefit students, families, and communities throughout the region.

Today, the dedication of The Community School of Maryland stands as a tribute to Nivea’s courage, perseverance, and unwavering belief that every child deserves access to a high-quality, specialized education. Her legacy lives on in every student who walks through the school’s doors.