The Northeast Consortium began as a unique
response to student assignment in the northeast
area of Montgomery County. As a result, three high
schools—Paint Branch, Springbrook, and James
Hubert Blake—were affiliated into a consortium to
serve the attendance and educational interests of all
the students living in the northeast area. Each year, Grade 8 students and their parents will
participate in a process known as the Choice process in which a student ranks his/her order of
preference for a high school from among three
choices—Paint Branch, Springbrook, and James Hubert Blake.
Each high school offers a comprehensive high school curriculum
plus a distinctive Signature Program.
Signature programs focus on fields of high interest to
young people of diverse ability and achievement levels and
incorporate these themes throughout the instructional program.
Springbrook - International Studies and Technology
Paint Branch - Science and Media
James H. Blake - Fine Arts and Humanities
The Choice process has two rounds, one in December and one in March. In December, Grade 8 students who reside in the Consortium
complete a Choice form ranking
their choice of high schools (1, 2, and 3). Each student in the
Consortium has a “base school,” which is determined by where
the student lives. Students are guaranteed assignment to their
base school if it is their first choice. Students are informed of
their school assignments in time to register for specific courses
at the assigned high school. Grade 8 students on transfer into an NEC middle school, new Grade 8 students to the NEC, and students who did not receive their first choice in Round 1 can participate in Round 2 (March) of the Choice process.
Beginning in October, the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services (DCAPPS)
and Signature program coordinators begin informing students
and parents about the Choice process and Signature programs. Students
receive orientation on the programs available at each high school
and the Choice process at their middle school during the school
day. Evening informational meetings for parents and students
are scheduled throughout the month
and each high school holds open houses for parents and
students.
DCCAPS staff are available to help
you through this process. For more information
about the Choice process or opportunities
available to students at each of the three high
schools visit the Northeast Consortium Web site or
call DCCAPS office at 301-592-2040. |
