John L Gildner Regional Inst for Children & Adol

The Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents (RICA) in Rockville, Maryland, is a specialized residential and day treatment facility that serves as a unique partnership between the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) system and the Maryland Department of Health. Designed for students in grades 4 through 12 who face significant emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges, the school provides a therapeutic educational environment. By integrating intensive psychiatric and clinical support with a rigorous academic curriculum, the institution aims to stabilize students’ well-being while ensuring they continue to make progress toward their educational goals.

The program at RICA is highly individualized, focusing on helping students develop the coping skills and behavioral strategies necessary to eventually transition back to their home schools or into less restrictive settings. The multidisciplinary staff—which includes educators, social workers, therapists, and medical professionals—works collaboratively to create a wrap-around support system. Through its specialized approach, the institute plays a critical role in the community by offering a safe, structured space for students who require more intensive intervention than a traditional school environment can provide.