Why Dorchester?
There is a rich and diverse history associated with Dorchester County. Native Americans called this area home long before explorers, or traders, from England and Spain explored these shores. Settlers from England began to claim lands in the mid 1600's under land grants from Lord Baltimore and by 1669 Dorchester County was recognized as a County. The County was named for the Earl of Dorset, a family friend of the Calverts (the family name of Lord Baltimore). Dorchester County is called "The Heart of the Eastern Shore" because its mid-shore location and geographic configuration is heart-shaped. Throughout history, renowned individuals have called Dorchester County home: Patty Cannon, a ruthless slave trader; Harriet Tubman, the "Moses of her people" who helped over 300 slaves find freedom through the Underground Railroad during the Civil War; and Annie Oakley, famed sharpshooter.
Dorchester County is rooted in its seafood industries and agriculture. The Choptank River and Chesapeake Bay produce bountiful quantities of seafood and the rich soil of farm lands provides for productive harvests. Although, Dorchester is a rural gem, it is located within easy driving distances of many major metropolitan cities which include; Baltimore, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and New York City.
The school system of Dorchester County is diverse in culture and boasts proud community schools. With more than 4,000 students, the county has 12 school buildings with over 600 employees to foster the educational experiences of our county's children. Dorchester County has two high schools, two middle schools, a pre-kindergarten-8 grade school, six elementary schools, a four year old learning center and a career and technology center. The challenge is to make sure that the students are career and college ready after completing their education, will have a place to work and can enjoy a superior quality of life.
The Board of Education of Dorchester County does not discriminate in admissions, access, treatment, or employment in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, sex, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or other basis prohibited by law. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request. The information in this announcement is available in alternative formats upon request. Concerns regarding the above are directed to Gary McCabe, Sr., Assistant Superintendent for Administration, Dorchester County Public Schools, 700 Glasgow Street, Cambridge, Maryland, 21613, or by phone at 410-228-4747, extension 1015.
