MCPS Program Analysis

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Overview

MCPS is conducting a districtwide analysis of high school academic programs available to students, including local pathways and regional/countywide programs. The goal of the study is to ensure that all students have access to high-quality programs and that programs available meet the needs of our community, industry demands and maximize the use of resources.

Currently, there are 35 full-time regional or countywide programs that Grade 8 students may apply to for the following year. These programs—some in place since the 1970s—include both interest-based (lottery) and criteria-based options.

Recently, MCPS presented a proposed six-region model to the Board of Education, along with a list of high-interest, career-relevant programs that will begin in the 2027-2028 school year. Students in Grade 7 in 2025-2026 will be the first class to access this new region model.

As the program analysis continues alongside the boundary study, here are common questions from the community.

1. Will we still have countywide programs?

Successful countywide programs will become regional and will be expanded with the six region model, allowing more students to have access to these programs.

2. Are we eliminating the Downcounty Consortium (DCC) and Northeast Consortium (NEC)?

Yes. The DCC and NEC will be realigned to a six region model. All students will have the opportunity to apply to programs in their region. This change allows all students in the county with access to similar programs closer to home and without as many limitations on available seats.

3. Will my student be able to continue with their program if we have already started a centrally managed or consortia program?

Yes. Students entering grades 8 in 2025-2026, who have been accepted into a centrally managed application program or assigned to a consortium, may remain in their current program/school.

Starting with the Class of 2031, students will attend programs available within their region.

4. Can students still apply to the programs in the career and technical education hubs at Thomas Edison High School of Technology and Seneca Valley High School?

Yes. These programs remain unchanged and will continue to serve students from multiple regions.

5. What are the proposed regions that will begin in the school year 2027-2028?

Proposed Regions

Region 1

Region 2

Region 3

Region 4

Region 5

Region 6

Bethesda-Chevy Chase

Montgomery Blair

Walt Whitman

Albert Einstein

Northwood

James Hubert Blake

Paint Branch

Springbrook

Sherwood

John F. Kennedy

Walter Johnson

Woodward

Wheaton

Richard Montgomery

Rockville

Winston Churchill

Thomas S. Wootton

Crown

Col. Zadok Magruder

Gaithersburg

Damascus

Watkins Mill

Seneca Valley

Clarksburg

Quince Orchard

Poolesville

Northwest

6. What are the five program areas that all regions will have?

Medical Science and Healthcare
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
International Baccalaureate, Humanities and Languages
Leadership and Public Service, Education
Visual and Performing Arts, Design and Communication

Program pathways may vary by region and will be a combination of both interest and criteria-based programs. Seat range will be from 120-240 seats with possible increases due to interest, space and availability. Seats for local students will be preserved. Central stop transportation to regional programs will be provided.

7. What does a sample four-year course look like for a student in a program?

Here is a sample of what a Medical Science and Healthcare Clinical Healthcare Pathway that would be interest-based (placement by lottery) might look like.

8. How are the classes of students in the near future going to be affected by the proposed six-region model?

As illustrated by the chart below, the following seven graduating classes are depicted below (the colors support communicating the phased approach). Current Grades 8, 9, and 10 students in 2025-2026 will continue in the current model and remain unchanged; and those who live in the Downcounty or Northeast Consortium will participate in the Choice process.

Current Grade 7 students (2025-2026), class of 2031, will be the first group of students to participate in the proposed six-region model.

9. What are the next steps and timeline?

August	Board Presentation: Preliminary Cost Estimates, Transportation Estimates, Program Specifics (locations, type) Identify existing programs for regional programs as well as gaps Work with school leaders to identify schools for each regional program and finalize pathway and local options Next phase of community engagement (more details to come soon)
September - December	Board Presentation(September): Local Pathways, Additional Program Specifics Identify professional learning and resource needs Build the budget and resources for high quality programming
December	Program Analysis Plan Finalized: Communication and Implementation
January	Boundary and Program Access Plan recommendation from Superintendent
March	BOE finalizes boundary recommendations
Fall 2026	Program outreach season begins for 1st class for admission in 2027-2028

10. Where can I get more information?

More information can be found on the Academic Programs Analysis website.