Skip to Main Content

GMS Counseling: 8th Grade Families

Please find information regarding Free and Reduced Meal Plans

Mathematics / 8th Grade

Application Process

 

SAVE THE DATES

 

 

           **Fall 2023**

MCPS High School Regional/Countywide Application Programs At-A-Glance

In addition to the various academic programs in the local schools, Grade 8* students who live in Montgomery County may be eligible to apply to MCPS High School Regional/Countywide Application Programs (criteria-based/selective and interest based/lottery).   For more information, visit the MCPS regional/countywide high school application programs website (below).  Application season is expected to open in early October with the expected deadline of November 3, 2023 

www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/high/   

Spanish Version/Versión en español                                                                    

*Grades 8-11 students may apply to the Visual Art Center.  

**This document will be updated on a regular basis please check back often

Parent information meetings details will be shared by mid-September.

All meetings are in person unless otherwise noted. Information can be found at the high school’s website. See below for dates and times.

 

High School Preview Countywide Programs Presentation 

 9/20/2023 (7pm- English; 8 pm- Spanish)

MCPS High School Regional/Countywide Application Programs Preview

Programas de solicitud previa, regionales y a nivel del Condado

 Last Update: 10/17/23    

                                                                                                                                                                             

MCPS High School Regional/Countywide Application Programs and Parent/Student Information Meetings                                  

Program Descriptions

Eligibility and/or Course requirements

Fall 2023

Pathways in Network and Information Technology Program of Study (P-TECH) at Clarksburg HS

 

9/27/2023 7pm

 

P-TECH Information Night 9.27.23 PRESENTATION

P-TECH Information Night 9.27.23 MEETING RECORDING 


 

This program provides students an in-depth study of network operations and information technology along with an opportunity to earn industry certification, college credit, and an associate’s degree in applied science from Montgomery College.

  • Grade 8 Montgomery County residents who live in the following HS clusters: Clarksburg, Damascus, Gaithersburg, Northwest, Poolesville, Quince Orchard, Seneca Valley, Watkins Mill and Magruder


 

International Baccalaureate Career-related Programs (IB/CP) at Rockville HS 

 

10/4/2023 7pm

 
  • PLTW Biomedical Sciences

  • PLTW Engineering

  • Computer Science

  • Hospitality Management 

  • Child Development Associate











 

Students will complete a specific  career-related pathway while engaging in International Baccalaureate (IB) academic courses, service learning, and a reflective project. Career pathways include:

Biomedical:  Students explore multiple medical-related fields of science to develop a strong foundation for success in university pre-medical, medical, and biomedical programs.

Engineering:  Students explore aerospace, mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering through a nationally recognized, hands-on curriculum to develop a strong foundation for success in university math, science, technology, and engineering programs.

Computer Science: Students explore technology as a means for solving computational problems and examine computer science’s relevance to and impact on the world today.

Hospitality Management:  Students acquire knowledge, skills, and authentic work-based learning experiences needed to pursue careers in the hospitality and foodservice industry. 

Child Development Associate:

Students participate in the day-to-day operations of a preschool lab program and participate in mentored internships with professional educators.

  • Grade 8 students who live in the following HS clusters: Magruder, Rockville, Richard Montgomery, Sherwood, Northeast Consortium (NEC)- Paint Branch, Springbrook, Blake, and Downcounty Consortium (DCC)– Blair, Einstein, Northwood, Kennedy, Wheaton

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) at Wheaton HS

 

10/5/2023 6:30 pm

 

Copy of Wheaton Open House 2023



 

 

Engineering:  Students explore aerospace, mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering to develop a strong foundation for success in university math, science, technology, and engineering programs.

Biomedical:  Students explore multiple medical fields to develop a strong foundation for success in university pre-medical, medical, and biomedical programs.

  • Grade 8 Montgomery County residents who live in the Downcounty Consortium (DCC) -- Blair, Einstein, Northwood, Kennedy, Wheaton OR

  • Currently attending a DCC middle school (Argyle, Eastern, Odessa Shannon, Loiederman, Newport Mill, Takoma Park, Parkland, Sligo, Silver Spring Int’l) 

  • Currently or previously enrolled in Algebra 1 or higher

Regional College and Career Programs at Wheaton/Edison 

10/5/2023 6:30 pm 

Copy of Wheaton Open House 2023

 
  • Construction Management & Architecture 

  • Healthcare Professions

  • Hospitality and Tourism Management

  • Information Technology & Cyber Security 


 

Construction: In this regional college and career program, students take classes at Wheaton and Edison high schools to develop an understanding of the built world through the design and construction process.

Healthcare: In this regional college and career program, students take classes at Wheaton and Edison high schools to develop in-demand healthcare skills and knowledge while experiencing careers in various medical settings through hands-on instruction, clinical experiences, lab instruction, and internships.

Hospitality:  In this regional college and career program, students take classes at Wheaton and Edison high schools to  build business and management skills related to the hotel, lodging, and tourism industry in this nationally recognized program that offers a professional credential developed by industry experts and members of the American Hotel & Lodging Association

Information Technology: In this regional college and career program, students take classes at Wheaton and Edison high schools to explore courses in computer science, web design, computer networking, and cybersecurity through nationally recognized, hands-on curriculum to develop a strong foundation for success in university IT and computer science programs.

  • Grade 8 students who live in the following HS clusters: Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Winston Churchill, Walter Johnson, Richard Montgomery, Rockville, Sherwood, Walt Whitman, Thomas S. Wootton, Northeast Consortium- Paint Branch, Springbrook, Blake, and Downcounty Consortium – Blair, Einstein, Northwood, Kennedy, Wheaton  

Leadership Academy for Social Justice  (LASJ) 

at Whitman HS

10/5/2023 7pm 

LASJ Open House Parent Meeting

 

The Leadership Academy for Social Justice at Walt Whitman High school is a comprehensive, cross-curricular program that seeks to create a learning environment in which students become active and socially responsible leaders, committed to advancing social justice in their local community.

  • All Grade 8  Montgomery County residents. 

  • Note: Regional transportation for out of area students  is being explored for 2024-2025. Updates will be communicated to families once information is available.  

 

 

Science Math and Computer Science at 

Blair HS  

 

10/9/2023 7pm

 

Fall Parent Meeting - October 9 2024.pdf

Fall Parent Meeting Spanish Version - October 9 2024.pdf 

 

This program is designed to offer accelerated instruction in the areas of math, science, and computer science for highly motivated and able students.

  • Grade 8 Montgomery County residents who live in the following HS clusters: Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Winston Churchill, Walter Johnson, Richard Montgomery, Rockville, Sherwood, Walt Whitman, Thomas S. Wootton, Northeast Consortium (NEC)- Paint Branch, Springbrook, Blake, and Downcounty Consortium (DCC) – Blair, Einstein, Northwood, Kennedy, Wheaton  

  • Currently or previously enrolled in Algebra 1 or higher

 

 

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Biomedical Sciences at Gaithersburg HS 

 

10/9/2023 6pm

 

PLTW Student Presentation (Fall - Class of 2027)


 

Students explore multiple medical fields to develop a strong foundation for success in university pre-medical, medical, and biomedical programs.

  • Grade 8 Montgomery County residents who live in the following HS clusters: Clarksburg, Damascus, Gaithersburg, Northwest, Poolesville, Quince Orchard, Seneca Valley, Watkins Mill, and Magruder

 

Aviation and Aerospace at Magruder HS

 

10/12/2023 5:30 pm

presentation

Aviation Website 

This program focuses on the study of flight/ aircraft systems. Students have the opportunity to earn a private pilot license and/or remote pilot certificate and/or college credit.

  • All Grade 8  Montgomery County residents. 

  • Note: Transportation is only provided for students who live in the following HS clusters: Gaithersburg, Magruder, Rockville, Sherwood.

 

Regional International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB) at Kennedy HS 

10/12/2023 6:30 pm

Open House 2023

 

This is an international program that meets the needs of highly motivated students and leads to a qualification that is recognized by leading universities around the world.

 

  • Grade 8 students who live in the following HS clusters: BCC, Churchill, Whitman, Walter Johnson, Downcounty Consortium (DCC) – Blair, Einstein, Northwood, Kennedy, Wheaton

  • Enrolled in at least level I of Spanish or French or are bilingual in one of those languages

 

 

Leadership Training Institute (LTI) at

Kennedy HS

 

10/12/2023 6:30 pm

LTI Video

Open House 2023

 

This program partners with the Academy of Leadership at the University of Maryland and the University of Richmond Institute and is designed to prepare students for successful decision-making in their scholastic and professional careers.

 

  • Grade 8 Montgomery County residents who live in the Downcounty Consortium (DCC) -- Blair, Einstein, Northwood, Kennedy, Wheaton OR

  • Currently attending a DCC middle school (Argyle, Eastern, Odessa Shannon, Loiederman, Newport Mill, Takoma Park, Parkland, Sligo, Silver Spring Int’l)  

 

Countywide International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program at Richard Montgomery HS 

 

10/16/2023 7pm

IB Magnet Open House (5).pdf

 

This is an international program that meets the needs of highly motivated students and leads to a qualification that is recognized by leading universities around the world. 

  • Any Grade 8 Montgomery County resident 

  • Enrolled in at least level I of Spanish, French, or Chinese or are bilingual in one of those languages.

 

 

Regional International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB) at Watkins Mill HS 

 

10/18/2023 7pm

 

11/2/2023 7pm NEW Date

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WTjBv6c-t1QD-KIn6j8Q05nfT8UIIwqA/view

 

Presentation 

This is an international program that meets the needs of highly motivated students and leads to a qualification that is recognized by leading universities around the world.

  • Grade 8 Montgomery County residents who live in the following HS clusters: Clarksburg, Damascus, Gaithersburg, Northwest, Poolesville, Quince Orchard, Seneca Valley, Watkins Mill and Wootton

  • Enrolled in at least level I of Spanish or French or are bilingual in one of those languages

Visual Art Center (VAC) at Albert Einstein HS 

 

10/19/2023 6pm


 

The Visual Art Center (VAC) offers students a broad perspective of the fine arts and deepens their understanding of the opportunities for art-related careers through exposure to art history, contemporary artists and artwork.

 

  • Grades 8 – 11 Montgomery County residents

  • Portfolio required for consideration

  • Students who participate in the VAC attend Albert Einstein High School as full time students.  

  • Note: Regional transportation for out of area students  is being explored for 2024-2025. Updates will be communicated to families once information is available.  

 

 

 

MCPS High School Regional/Countywide Application Programs and Parent/Student Information Meetings                                  

Program Descriptions

Eligibility and/or Course requirements

Fall 2023

Communication Arts Program (CAP) at 

Blair HS 

 

10/23/2023 6pm


 

This program is designed for students who wish to develop their intellectual, creative, and communication skills in the fields of media and the humanities.

  • Grade 8 Montgomery County residents who live in the Downcounty Consortium (DCC) -- Blair, Einstein, Northwood, Kennedy, Wheaton OR

  • Attended a DCC middle school (Argyle, Eastern, Odessa Shannon, Loiederman, Newport Mill, Takoma Park, Parkland, Sligo, Silver Spring Int’l)  

Regional College and Career Programs at Seneca Valley

 

10/24/2023 6pm

 
  • Healthcare Professions 

  • Hospitality and Tourism Management 

  • Information Technology & Cyber Security 

  • Construction Management and Architecture 

  • Project Lead the Way Engineering 





 

 

 

 

 

 

Healthcare:  In this regional college and career program, students develop in-demand healthcare skills and knowledge while experiencing careers in various medical settings through hands-on instruction, clinical experiences, lab instruction, and internships.

Hospitality:  In this regional college and career program, students build business and management skills related to the hotel, lodging, and tourism industry in this nationally recognized program that offers a professional credential developed by industry experts and members of the American Hotel & Lodging Association

Information Technology: In this regional college and career program, students explore courses in computer science, web design and cybersecurity through a nationally recognized, hands-on curriculum to develop a strong foundation for success in university IT and computer science programs.

Construction: In this regional college and career program, students develop an understanding of the built world through the design and construction process.

PLTW Engineering: In this regional college and career program, students explore aerospace, mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering through a nationally recognized, hands-on curriculum to develop a strong foundation for success in university math, science, technology, and engineering programs.

  • Grade 8 students who live in the following HS clusters: Clarksburg, Damascus, Gaithersburg, Northwest, Poolesville, Quince Orchard, Seneca Valley, Watkins Mill and Magruder


 

 

 

 

 

MCPS High School Regional/Countywide Application Programs and Parent/Student Information Meetings                                  

Program Descriptions

Eligibility and/or Course requirements

Fall 2023

Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) at Sherwood HS

10/24/2023 7pm

Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) is a program for students interested in natural resources, horticulture, soil science, agriculture and more. This curriculum will teach them advanced science concepts with practical applications.  This program is at Sherwood High School.  

  • All Grade 8  Montgomery County residents.

  • Note: Regional transportation for out of area students  is being explored for 2024-2025. Updates will be communicated to families once information is available.  

 

 

Regional International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB) at Springbrook HS 

 

10/25/23 6:00 pm

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Open House at Springbrook High School, including the Regional IB Information Session, scheduled 10/25/23 starting 6pm, must be postponed. A new date will be announced in the coming days.


 

This is an international program that meets the needs of highly motivated students and leads to a qualification that is recognized by leading universities around the world.

  • Grade 8 students who live in the following HS clusters: Magruder, Rockville, Sherwood, Northeast Consortium (NEC) - Paint Branch, Springbrook, Blake

  • Enrolled in at least level I of Spanish or French, are bilingual in one of those languages

Middle College at Montgomery College (MC2) at Northwest HS and Northwood HS

 

Northwest HS 10/26/2023 7pm

Northwood HS 10/26/2023 6pm


 

Students earn college credits through a combination of courses (i.e. Advanced Placement and college courses); a college-like experience that begins on the high school campus that grows into full college coursework and experience on the college campus.

  • Northwest HS- Grade 8 Montgomery County residents who live in the following HS clusters: Clarksburg, Damascus, Gaithersburg, Magruder, Northwest, Poolesville, Quince Orchard, Seneca Valley, Watkins Mill 

 
  • Northwood HS- Grade 8 Montgomery County residents who live in the following HS clusters: Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Winston Churchill, Walter Johnson, Richard Montgomery, Rockville, Sherwood, Walt Whitman, Thomas S. Wootton, Northeast Consortium (NEC)- Paint Branch, Springbrook, Blake, and Downcounty Consortium (DCC) – Blair, Einstein, Northwood, Kennedy, Wheaton 

 

 

 

 

MCPS High School Regional/Countywide Application Programs and Parent/Student Information Meetings                                  

Program Descriptions

Eligibility and/or Course requirements

Fall 2023

Global Ecology @ Poolesville HS

 

10/26/2023 6pm VIRTUAL 

This program provides students with the knowledge and understanding of the science and cultural, social, political, economic, and technological conditions that affect the quality of life on our planet.

  • Any Grade 8 Montgomery County resident

  • Currently or previously enrolled in Algebra or higher 

Humanities at Poolesville at Poolesville HS   

 

10/26/2023 6:50pm VIRTUAL  

                       

Humanities:  Students will pursue rigorous humanities curricula with an interdisciplinary connection among English, social studies, communications, and fine arts.

  • Grade 8 Montgomery County residents who live in the following HS clusters: Clarksburg, Damascus, Gaithersburg, Magruder, Northwest, Poolesville, Quince Orchard, Seneca Valley, Watkins Mill

Science Math and Computer Science at Poolesville HS   

 

10/26/2023 7:35pm VIRTUAL 

                       

Science Math and Computer Science: This program is designed to offer accelerated instruction in the areas of math, science, and computer science for highly motivated and able students.

  • Grade 8 Montgomery County residents who live in the following HS clusters: Clarksburg, Damascus, Gaithersburg, Magruder, Northwest, Poolesville, Quince Orchard, Seneca Valley, Watkins Mill

  • Currently or previously enrolled in Algebra or higher 

 

 

 

MCPS High School Regional/Countywide Application Programs and Parent/Student Information Meetings                                  

Program Descriptions

Eligibility and/or Course requirements

Fall 2023

Virtual Middle College  

 10/19/2023 7 pm Virtual Meeting

OR

10/30/2023 7pm Virtual Meeting

Virtual Middle College (VMC) is a joint MC and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) academic initiative that allows qualified MCPS high school students the opportunity to enroll at Montgomery College, taking college credit courses to earn their high school diploma, while also earning a college degree through an online/virtual college experience. 

  • Any Grade 8 Montgomery County resident enrolled in MCPS high school.  

 


 

 

MONTGOMERY VIRTUAL ACADEMY         

Program Description

Eligibility

Virtual Academy for Elementary and Secondary School Students

 

10/11/2023  7 pm Virtual Meeting

A comprehensive online instructional program. Students  engage virtually, synchronously, and asynchronously five days a week.  

Any Montgomery County resident enrolled in MCPS in grades 2 - 12.

 NOTE: There is a separate application accessed in ParentVUE.

 

If your student has special needs that can only be addressed through an Individual Education Plan (IEP), Best Interest Meeting, Alternative Placement or ELD program, the school assignment through the regional/countywide application programs admission process may be superseded. 

Need More Information?

MCPS website: 

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/high/

 

Program Questions:

Office of Curriculum & Instructional Programs, 240-740-3970

Admission Questions:

Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services

240-740-2540 or DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org

 

                           Consortia Programs At A Glance

MCPS Consortia Programs  

Parent/Student Information Meetings

NEC Information Session - VIRTUAL

NEC Info Session Recording (English)   

NEC Info Session Recording (Spanish) 

September 26, 2023 @ 6 PM (English)

                                           7 PM (Spanish)

DCC Information Session - VIRTUAL

DCC Info Session Recording (English)

DCC Infor Session Recording (Spanish)  

September 27, 2023 @ 6 PM (English)

                                           7 PM (Spanish)

Blair HS Open House

 

Blair Open House Slides 

 

Blair Open House 2023-24 

Blair Open House (Spanish) 2023-24

October 2, 2023  @ 7:00 PM Open House

       see above for other information dates/times for application  programs at Blair

Wheaton HS Open House

 

Copy of Wheaton Open House 2023

October 5, 2023 @ 6:30 PM  Open House

      Wheaton Edison Partnership & Biomedical & Engineering Application Programs included

      at   6:30 PM

Blake HS Open House

Blake NEC Open House 

October 11, 2023 @  6:30 PM Open House

Kennedy HS Open House

Open House 2023

Academy Overview Video 

October 12, 2023 @ 6:30 PM Open House

        Regional IB and LTI included

Paint Branch HS Open House

October 18, 2023  @ 6:30 PM Open House

Einstein HS Open House

October 19, 2023 @ 7:0 PM Open House

         VAC Open House 6PM

Springbrook HS Open House

October 25, 2023 @ 6:30 PM Open House

         IB Program Open House Starts at 6 PM

Northwood HS Open House

October 26, 2023 @7 PM Open House

        (MC)2 6 PM information session

For more information about the DCC - https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/downcounty/

Summary Sheet (fall 2023)

For more information about the NEC - https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/nec/

Summary Sheet (fall 2023)

Important Dates

 

  • -  Application opens on ParentVUE
  • - Application deadline
  • - Notification of result

Resources & Tips

High School Regional/Countywide Application Process.  Your student has numerous options available for next year and we want to encourage you to explore the regional/countywide options that are available to your student.   Information can be found on this website:  https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/high/ , including:

MCPS Information

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY (PLTW)

GAITHERSBURG HIGH SCHOOL