Benedictine adds an additional school location for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Wicomico County
(Ridgely, MD – April 17, 2026) – Benedictine announces an expansion of its school program into Wicomico County. Benedictine currently has an existing day and residential school program in Ridgely in Caroline County. This new school will provide additional support for intellectually and developmentally disabled students across Wicomico County and the Lower Shore. Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider supporting children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their greatest potential. They serve more than 200 adults and children from throughout the state of Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region and employ more than 400 staff.
“By establishing a presence on the Lower Shore, we are ensuring that more students who need specialized, high-quality support can access that support closer to home, “ said Executive Director Scott Evans.
Benedictine has been a trusted provider in the region for over 65 years and has long been the only non-public school serving the Eastern Shore. After learning of gaps in educational and support services in the Lower Shore, Benedictine started exploring the possibility of expansion into the area. They are currently pursuing approval from MSDE and hope to open in September 2026, serving students in grades K-8.
“The Benedictine School has proven itself for years as a beacon on the Eastern Shore, serving as the Shore’s only MANSEF school. That they have chosen to expand their services with a second Shore location, to be located in Wicomico County, is game changing. Their expertise will be a boon to our local school systems and the students who will benefit from Benedictine’s expansion” said Mike Dunn, President of the Greater Salisbury Committee.
Benedictine VP of Child Services, Julie Hickey, adds “Benedictine is excited to expand its mission into Wicomico County. The new satellite day school program builds on Benedictine’s longstanding commitment to inclusive education and individualized support, strengthening services for students and families throughout the Eastern Shore.”
For more information about Benedictine and its services please contact Chief Advancement Officer, Caroline Bauerle at caroline.bauerle@benschool.org or 410-634-2292.
###
About Benedictine:
Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider whose mission is to support children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can achieve their greatest potential. Benedictine currently supports over 200 children and adults.
The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties.
Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 22 Benedictine adult group homes in Caroline, Talbot, Kent and Anne Arundel Counties.
Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it supports to enter the workforce. Benedictine also collaborates with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in area schools and adults living in the surrounding community.
Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with over 430 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.
