Continuous School Improvement Plan
Frederick County Public Schools is dedicated to continuous improvement. Our school principals lead efforts to plan, implement, and review their goals, using a variety of data to make sure we’re always moving in the right direction. School and division plans are monitored for progress and updated quarterly to support our commitment to our students and their families.
This information keeps families informed about our progress and the status of school goals. You’ll find updates and insights as we work together to improve student learning and school performance.
School Profile Information
School: James Wood High School
Principal: Shelly Andrews
Enrollment: 1,430
School Vision Statement
At James Wood High School, we lead with a commitment to safety, community, and consistency. We ensure a safe and supportive environment where all students and staff can learn and grow. We strengthen our sense of community by fostering relationships built on respect, trust, and collaboration. And we provide consistent, fair, and steady leadership that upholds high expectations and celebrates the traditions that make “the Ridge” a place of pride and belonging.
School Mission Statement
At James Wood High School, we lead with safety, build through community, and grow with consistency.
Goal #1
By May 2026, 85% of students taking the EOC Algebra I SOL will pass the test.
By May 2026, 85% of students taking the EOC Reading SOL will pass the test.
| Date | Status | Progress Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| November 2025 | On Track |
As of October 15, 2025, 71.2% of students showed 70%+ mastery of Algebra I. Literacy Team has begun baseline literacy walkthroughs. The Literacy Team has met and reviewed documents related to the literacy plan and literacy goals for the school division. Awaiting Common Unit Assessment data for English Q2. |
| March 2026 | ||
| June 2026 |
Goal #2
By May 2026, administrators at James Wood High School will strengthen teacher capacity and support staff retention by providing high-quality, consistent instructional feedback. Specifically, 100% of teachers will receive at least two documented cycles of feedback per semester from an administrator, focused on the clarity of lesson objectives and evidence of student mastery of those objectives. Feedback will include actionable next steps, and progress will be monitored through walkthrough data, post-observation conferences, and teacher reflection surveys.
| Date | Status | Progress Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| November 2025 | On Track |
The administrative team has completed 40 formal observations of teachers, followed by documented feedback. The administrative team has completed 87 walkthroughs aligned with the Continuous School Improvement Plan as of November 19, 2025. The four core areas are those in which the most walkthroughs have occurred. Alignment of Instruction to Lesson Objectives (87 Responses) 
Over 100 walkthroughs were completed by administrators in the first semester. The results of these were shared with teaching staff on January 5, 2026. Administration is making a calendar to ensure appropriate achievement of this goal. |
| March 2026 | ||
| June 2026 |
Goal #3
By May 2026, all core collaborative learning teams will engage in the process of goal-setting, high-quality instruction, common formative assessments, and instructional interventions.
| Date | Status | Progress Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| November 2025 | On Track |
In feedback collected from teachers regarding Professional Learning Communities, teachers overwhelmingly listed documentation as a key obstacle for them. Administration then created a PLC walkthrough to be used to assess the proficiency of the teams working in PLCs rather than burdening teachers with creating the documentation. Professional Learning Community coaching occurred in December 2025 with a number of recommendations to be shared with teachers in January 2026, with an implementation date for the recommendations as January 31, 2026. |
| March 2026 | ||
| June 2026 |
Goal #4
By May 2026, James Wood High School will increase meaningful family engagement by providing consistent opportunities for parents to be informed, involved, and active partners in their child’s education. Specifically, at least 85% of parents/guardians will report on the annual survey that they feel informed and included in their child’s education, compared to the current baseline.
| Date | Status | Progress Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| November 2025 | On Track |
Newsletter is distributed through ParentSquare every week on Thursday at 5:00 PM. November Parent Survey sent to parents through Parent Square on November 19, 2025. As of January 2, 2026, 11.07% of students were chronically absent. |
| March 2026 | ||
| June 2026 |
For more information about James Wood High School's Continuous Improvement Plan please join us at our quarterly events or reach out to the school principal.
Quarterly Events
- January 20, 2026, 5:30 p.m. VIRTUAL - Link to be published in newsletter.
- March 24, 2026, 5:30 p.m. VIRTUAL - Link to be published in newsletter.