High Schools
Best Buddies High Schools pair high school students with intellectual disabilities in one-to-one friendships with their non-disabled peers. In the past, individuals with intellectual disabilities have not had the opportunity to have friends outside of their own special education classroom. By introducing Best Buddies into public and private high schools, we are crossing the invisible line that too often separates those with disabilities from those without.
Best Buddies High Schools provide a platform for mutually enriching friendships between a student with an intellectual disabilities and a student without a disability. Social experiences and relationships are a part of life; unfortunately, individuals with intellectual disabilities have historically been excluded from many of the social opportunities that most people enjoy. By becoming a high school peer buddy, you will not only befriend someone with an intellectual disability, but you will also learn about yourself in the process.
Each chapter is a registered student organization within the school and is maintained by student leaders (a Chapter President and team of officers) with the support of a Faculty Advisor, a Special Education Advisor, and a Best Buddies employee (Program Manager). Buddy pairs commit to making weekly contact (phone calls, emails, letters) and getting together on their own twice a month. Additionally, the club meets regularly as a group and plans group activities (about 4-6 activities during the school year). These activities range from anything as simple as a picnic or a sports outing to something as elaborate as a trip to an amusement park. The main goal of Best Buddies is to increase social opportunities for students with disabilities and for everyone to have fun.
Best Buddies programs in Maryland's high schools are primarily funded through two grants from the Maryland State Department of Education. Funds are also secured through county government grants, federal government grants, private foundations, individual donations, and special events. When an opportunity to open a new program arises, we strongly consider schools that have support from administration, parents, and teachers, and have a plan in place for filling the leadership positions. If you are interested in adding a school to the Best Buddies Maryland high school chapter waiting list, please download the Waiting List Request Form and return to Program Supervisor, Rann C. Winn through email (RannWinn@bestbuddies.org) or fax (410-327-9816). Thank you for your interest and your patience! Please keep in touch.
Maryland High School Chapters
Anne Arundel County
Arundel HS
Broadneck HS
Baltimore City
Patterson HS
Baltimore County
Randallstown HS
Calvert County
Calvert HS
Huntingtown HS
Northern HS
Patuxent HS
Carroll County
Francis Scott Key HS
South Carroll HS
Westminster HS
Winters Mill HS
Cecil County
Elkton HS
Perryville HS
Charles County
La Plata HS
Lackey HS
Dorchester County
North Dorchester HS
Garrett County
Northern Garrett HS
Southern Garrett HS
Harford County
Bel Air HS
C. Milton Wright HS
Fallston HS
North Harford HS
Howard County
Atholton HS
Centennial HS
Glenelg HS
Hammond HS
Howard HS
Oakland Mills HS
Reservoir HS
River Hill HS
Wilde Lake HS
Montgomery County
Academy of the Holy Cross
Albert Einstein HS
Connelly School of the Holy Child
Damascus HS
Georgetown Preparatory School
Paint Branch HS
Quince Orchard HS
Rockville HS
Seneca Valley HS
Sherwood HS
Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart
Walter Johnson HS
Walt Whitman HS
Watkins Mill HS
Wootton HS
Prince Georges County
Northwestern HS
St. Mary's County
Chopticon HS
Great Mills HS
Leonardtown HS
