Garrett County Public Schools invites community members to review and provide feedback on Wayfinder, a K-12 future readiness and social-emotional learning curriculum currently under consideration for district-wide adoption.
Following a thorough vetting process by our Student Services Curriculum Team, Wayfinder has been selected as our recommended curriculum to support student well-being, resilience, and college and career readiness across all grade levels. In accordance with district policy, this curriculum is now being made available for public review and comment prior to final board approval.
What is Wayfinder?
Wayfinder is an evidence-based curriculum focused on building the durable skills students need to thrive in school, career, and life. Content is organized around six core skill areas:
- Self-Awareness — understanding emotions, strengths, and values
- Adaptability — developing resilience, critical thinking, and a growth mindset
- Collaboration — building communication and healthy relationship skills
- Agency — learning to set goals, regulate emotions, and take responsibility
- Empathy — appreciating diverse perspectives and building positive community
- Purpose — finding meaningful direction and contributing to the world
Wayfinder’s curriculum is teacher-facilitated and designed for use in classroom instruction, counseling settings, and small-group support across all grade levels (K-12).
A Note on Content:
Garrett County Public Schools recognizes that families hold a range of values and perspectives. Wayfinder’s content has been specifically designed to be free of material that would be considered politically or culturally contentious. The curriculum does not address topics such as gender identity or sexual orientation. Instead, we are a platform that focuses on future-ready skills through the lens of adaptability, self-awareness, and purpose. Wayfinder has been successfully implemented in districts across Maryland and across the country, including in communities with a wide range of values and viewpoints.
How to Review the Curriculum:
Physical copies of Wayfinder curriculum materials are available for review at the following locations during normal business hours:
- Ruth Enlow Library, 6 North Second Street, Oakland, MD 21550
- Ruth Enlow Library Grantsville Branch, 102 Parkview Drive, Grantsville, MD 21536
A digital demo of the full platform is also available for community members to explore at:
- Log in at http://demo.withwayfinder.com using the following credentials:
- Username: counselor-garrett1445@wayfinderdemo.com
- Password: garrett2026
How to Submit Feedback:
Stakeholders are welcome to submit written comments during the public review period. Comments may be submitted via this Google Form.
Questions may be directed to Mr. Mike Lewis, Director of Student Services, by email at michael.lewis@gcps.net, or by calling 301-334-8926.
The public comment period will close on August 25, 2026. All feedback received will be reviewed and shared with the Board of Education and posted under the agenda item for the September Board meeting, prior to final curriculum approval.
Thank you for your partnership in supporting the students of Garrett County Public Schools.
