Program Analysis → Program Analysis Overview for Families of Middle School Students

Program Analysis Overview for Families of Middle School Students

We're exploring exciting new opportunities for our high school students and want to keep you in the loop! Here’s a simple overview of what's happening.

Big Changes on the Horizon for High School*

We are currently looking at two main updates that will begin in the 2027-2028 school year:

1. More Program Choices: We're expanding new and existing academic programs to give students more opportunities to follow their passions. This new system would group high schools into six regions, each offering a variety of specialized "program strands." The goal is to provide more choices closer to home for all students. Visit the program analysis website here.
2. New School Boundaries: With two new high schools opening in 2027 (Woodward HS and Crown HS), a boundary study is underway that could change your student’s assigned high school. MCPS will have 27 high schools.
3. Illustration of Student Classes: This chart illustrates the grade and school year for each of the graduating classes. Families should find their student’s class and follow it across the years as it relates to the current model and proposed regional model. The first group of students who would be impacted by the regional model are the current Grade 7 students.

   	2024-2025 Grade	2025-2026 Grade	2026-2027 Grade	2027-2028 Grade	2028-2029 Grade	2029-2030 Grade	2030-2031 Grade	2031-2032 Grade	2032-2033 Grade
   Graduation Year (Class)		New Boundaries Approved (March 2026)	1st Admissions Application Process year for Regions	Transition Year 1st Class of regions applicants Woodward & Crown open, Northwood reopens	Transition Year	Final Transition Year
   2028	9	10	11	12	No changes to school assignments
   2029	8	9	10	11	12	No changes to school assignment
   2030	7	8	9	10	11	12	Boundary studies impact
   2031	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	First class in new boundaries & new 6 region model
   2032	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
   2033	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
   2034	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11

   Transition Year- Years of Phasing Out the Current Model and Rolling Up the Six Region Model.

   Please note: None of these changes are final. The Board of Education will vote on the academic program plan in December 2025 and the new boundaries in March 2026.

   *Board of Education Approval Pending

What You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions (For Grades 6 and 7 students)

Can students still apply to the career and technical education programs at Thomas Edison HS of Technology or Seneca Valley HS?

• Yes. These career and technical education programs will continue to serve students in this regional model.

Can students apply to programs outside of their assigned region in this model?

• No. Under the new model, students would only be able to apply to programs within their region; and each region would offer similar regional programs.

Is this going to operate as a Choice process?

• No. Students will attend their assigned home high school and can choose to apply for a specific regional program. 

Where can we see the proposed regions?

• The proposed regions are available on the MCPS Academic Programs website.  This plan is in the development phase, and future adjustments could occur.  

What happens to existing high school local signature and academy programs?

• It is expected that these pathways may continue if they demonstrate high interest, sufficient enrollment and student outcomes.  Course offerings continue to be driven by these elements. 

Are some  programs being dismantled?

• No. Current regional/countywide programs will remain for the next four years as students finish their programs.  Many of the centrally managed existing programs will evolve into the new regional model as “regional program options” students may apply to;  and some will become local pathways.  

Downcounty and Northeast Consortium Families of Grade 7 and 6 FAQ

Is this regional model already approved by the Board of Education to happen for my 6th or 7th grade student when they enter Grade 8?

• No. The Board of Education is learning about the options and will render a decision in December 2025. 

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.

Is it required to apply to a regional program?

• No. The regional programs are optional.

Will sibling link remain if the NEC and/or DCC evolves into the six region model and the Choice process discontinues?

• If the NEC and/or DCC evolves into a six region model as a result of the December 2025 program analysis board decision, sibling link will discontinue.

Next Steps & Timeline here