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DCC logoDowncounty Consortium (DCC)

The Downcounty Consortium includes five high schools and their feeder middle and elementary schools—Blair, Einstein, Kennedy, Northwood, and Wheaton. Each DCC high school offers distinctive academy programs designed to capture students’ interest, incorporate rigorous academic course work, explore possible career pathways, and bring real world relevance to students’ education.  Review the DCC process frequently asked questions.

More about the DCC

DCC Timeline

  • September 18, 2025- DCC Virtual High School Information Video in English and Español.
  • September 25- October 15, 2025- In person Open Houses
    • September 25, 2025- Wheaton Open House* @ 6:30 p.m. (Link to Presentation)
    • September 29, 2025- Blair Open House* @ 6:00 p.m.  (Link to Presentation)
    • October 8, 2025- Northwood Open House* @ 7:00 p.m.
    • October 9, 2025- Kennedy Open House* @ 6:00 p.m
    • October 15, 2025- Einstein Open House* @ 6:30 p.m.
  • November 7, 2025- DCC Choice Form Deadline - Round 1
  • Mid January  2026- Notification of Round 1 results
  • Mid January 2026 - Round 2 Choice Form instructuctions mailed to families 
  • February 13, 2026- DCC Round 2 Choice Form Deadline
  • Mid March  2026- Notification of Round 2 results
  • April 10, 2026- Deadline appeal school assignment

* For information about application program open houses hosted at these schools please visit Programs at a Glance Document,  if you have additional questions, please review the the DCC process frequently asked questions.

MCPS Academic Programs Analysis

MCPS is conducting a districtwide analysis of academic programs available to students.  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.  Learn more about the project and possible changes to the DCC on the Academic Programs Analysis webpage. 

A webinar discussing the proposed new 6-region model was offered for DCC families on September 30, 2025. Watch the recording here: English and Español

Downcounty Consortium Highlights

Families can learn about the process and schools in the consortia by watching the DCC Virtual High School Information Video (English or Español), attending Open Houses or reviewing the slides posted.Choice Form letters will be sent to families of 8th graders living in the DCC in early October.  Round One Choice Forms are due on November 7, 2025. 

Enroll in DCC

Do you live within the DCC boundaries? Need to enroll your child in high school?

  1. Visit the MCPS enrollment page to learn more about the required documents needed for enrollment
  2. Contact DCCAPS by email DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org  or call 240-740-7800 to make an appointment to complete your enrollment

Information for students attending private school or are home schooled

  •  Private and home schooled families who live in the DCC attendance area  should contact DCCAPS to access the Choice Form 
    • 240-740-7800 or DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org

Appeal Information

  • An appeal process is in place for those who may have a unique and verifiable hardship or unforeseen circumstances that could warrant overriding the school assignment process.  The appeal process opens in March of each school year and closes in mid-April.   The 2026 deadline for appeals is April 10, 2026.
  • A submission past the deadline requires a reason to waive the deadline. Reasons for waiving the deadline could include new, verifiable information that was not available at the time of the deadline or a significant occurrence or issue that impacted the submission of the appeal. 
  • To appeal, you must submit a letter explaining the reason for the request to the director of DCCAPS.  Please include your student's name, MCPS ID number, parent/guardian signature, and phone number.  This can be submitted electronically to DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org or sent via US Mail.  

Appeal FAQ's  

Optional Appeal Form  

Please email DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org or call 240-740-7800 if you have questions.  Please allow up to 3 business days for a response. 

Questions?

For additional information about the Choice process and/or the DCC, contact your child's school counselor, or call Department of Consortia and Application Program Services(DCAPS) office at 240-740-7800 or email DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org.  

 

Last Update: 10/02/2025

 

Blair High School

Academy Programs

  • Entrepreneurship & Business Management
  • Human Service Professions
  • International Studies & Law
  • Media, Music, and The Arts
  • Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

More about the accademy programs at Blair HS

Application-Only Programs

Albert Einstein High School

Academy Programs

  • International Baccalaureate Academy & Diploma Program
  • Academy of Finance, Careers & Technology  
  • Renaissance Academy for College Readiness 
  • Visual and Performing Arts
  • Teacher Academy of Maryland 

More about the academy programs at Einstein HS  

Application-Only Programs

John F. Kennedy High School

Academy Programs

  • International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
  • Broadcast Journalism and Communications Academy
  • Health Care Professions Academy
  • Business Administration and Management Academy
  • Teacher Academy of Maryland 
  • Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC)

More about academy programs at Kennedy HS 
 

Signature Application-Only Programs

Regional Application-Only Programs

 

Northwood High School 

Northwood @ Woodward

Academy Programs

  • Technological, Environmental, and System Sciences (TESS)
  • Humanities, Arts, and Media (HAM)
  • Politics, Advocacy, and Law (PAL)
  • Music, Theatre and Dance (AMTAD)
  • Montgomery College Middle College  
  • Finance, Accounting, Marketing and Education (FAME)

More about academy programs at Northwood HS 
Northwood Academy Webpage

Application Program (interest based)

Montgomery College Middle College

 

Wheaton High School

Academy Programs

  • Bioscience Academy (PLTW)
  • Engineering Academy (PLTW)
  • Information Technology (AOIT)
  • Global Studies (GSA) 

More about academy programs at Wheaton HS

Application-Only Programs

Application Programs Open to DCC Students

Special Programs Open to ALL MCPS Students

Regional and Countywide Programs At-A-Glance (eligibility is based on home/assigned high school)

  •  Programs At-A-Glance (this document is being updated regularly please refer back for updated information)
 

All About the Lottery Choice Process

The Downcounty Consortium (DCC) Program Booklet has general and specific information about the five high schools in the DCC.