Parents → Academic Programs → Specialized Academic Programs
Specialized Academic Programs
Countywide, Regional, and Local School Programs
MCPS offers a wide variety of specialized academic programs for students at all grade levels. Some programs are open only to students in the sponsoring school, while others are open to all students in the county. These programs have different entrance criteria and application processes.
Programs are categorized as countywide, regional, or local school programs. Countywide programs are open to all students in the county. Regional programs are open to students within a specific region of the county that is larger than the boundary school that houses the program. Local school programs are open only to those students who reside within the school boundaries.
Additional Information
Countywide and Regional Elementary School Programs
Foreign Language Immersion Programs in Chinese, French, and Spanish are offered at several elementary schools. In total immersion, teachers conduct the entire school day in the foreign language. In partial immersion, about half the school day is taught in English and the remainder in the foreign language.
Elementary Center Programs for the Highly Gifted are located in seven elementary schools and provide highly gifted learners in Grades 4 and 5 with a rigorous and challenging academic program. All Grade 3 parents are mailed an application.
The Takoma Park Elementary School Primary Magnet is for students in Grades 1 and 2 and focuses on science and social studies. Parents may apply for the program during the spring of their child's kindergarten year.
Local Special Programs in Elementary School  |
Countywide & Regional Special Programs in Elementary School  |
Countywide and Regional Middle School Programs
Middle School Magnet Consortium (MSMC) is made up of three schools: Argyle, A. Mario Loiederman, and Parkland middle schools. Each school offers an innovative and challenging academic curriculum, and students have the opportunity to take specialty courses that are centered on the magnet instructional focus. Argyle focuses on advanced information technology, Loiederman offers a performing arts and humanities focus, and Parkland provides students the opportunity to explore math and science through aerospace technology and robotic engineering.
Foreign Language Immersion Programs in Chinese, French, and Spanish are offered at five middle schools. Admission to the Foreign Language Immersion Programs is open to incoming Grade 6 students who complete the corresponding immersion program at the elementary level.
The Humanities and Communication Program is offered at two middle schools and provides students with intensive courses in writing and opportunities for written products to be published and broadcast through a variety of media, such as television, radio, and film. Students study the human experience through analysis of historical events, literature, and art.
Middle School Mathematics, Science, Computer Science Program, located at two middle schools, offers rigorous academic study in mathematics, science, and computer science. Beyond the accelerated courses, students have opportunities to work with professional scientists and mathematicians and participate in field work and academic competitions.
Countywide and Regional High School Programs
Northeast Consortium (NEC) and Downcounty Consortium (DCC) give students living within the attendance areas of the member schools some choice of which high school they will attend, based on their interests and the unique program offerings at each school. The NEC consists of Paint Branch, Springbrook and James Hubert Blake high schools; the DCC includes Montgomery Blair, Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy, Northwood, and Wheaton high schools.
The Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science Magnet Program is a rigorous program offered at two high schools that emphasizes the development of problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the pursuit of both independent and collaborative research projects.
A Whole School Magnet at Poolesville High School is organized around three instructional "houses" Global Ecology (countywide), Humanities (regional), and Science, Math, Computer Science Magnet Program (regional). Each House offers a unique opportunity in course work and facilities.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is internationally recognized and provides students with a challenging liberal arts course of studies. Students must pass examinations in six academic subjects to be awarded the IB diploma. The program is offered at eight high schools.
Thomas Edison High School of Technology offers half-day professional career and technology education programs. Students attend Thomas Edison HS for half the school day and attend their regular comprehensive high school for the remaining half-day.
The Foundations Office operates three non-profit educational foundations within MCPS. The Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF), Construction Trades Foundation (CTF), and Information Technology Foundation (ITF) offer exciting classes at many high schools throughout the county. Each Foundation provides students with an opportunity to learn the skills of the industry, participate in authentic student run businesses, the opportunity to earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours embedded into the curriculum, gain entrepreneurial experiences, acquire connections into the local business communities, and earn college credit at local post-secondary institutions, such as Montgomery College.