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K-12 Regional/Countywide Programs

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Announcements

  • Students currently in grades 8-11 who submitted applications for high school programs results will be shared beginning Monday, January 29, 2024. Read More »
  • Grade 8 Students and Families participating in the DCC Choice Process - Round 2 results will be mailed in mid-March 2024. Read More »
  • Grade 8 Students and Families particicpating in the NEC Choice Process - Round 2 results will be mailed in mid-March 2024. Read More »
  • Grade 5 Students and Families - The MSMC Choice Process results for Round 2 will be mailed in mid-March 2024. Read More »
  • Grade 5 Students and Families - The Central Review Process for middle school enrichment and the Criteria Based Regional Magnet programs results will be available the week of January15, 2024. Read More »
  • Grade 3 Students and Families - The Central Review Process for grade 4 & 5 literacy enrichment and the Centers for Enriched Studies (CES) lottery will begin in early January 2024. Read More »
  • Kindergarten Families Interested in One-Way Immersion Programs - The Immersion admission process opens February 1, 2024. Read More » 

What are K-12 Regional/Countywide Programs?

MCPS offers a range of elementary, middle and high school programming. Most students attend their local schools where there are many programs available. Students may also be eligible for regional/countywide programs at other schools in the county that are offered to meet unique interests or programmatic needs. Parents and students are encouraged to learn about all of their options, both local school and regional/countywide programs, to maximize their learning experience. Admission criteria may apply.

elementary school student

Elementary School

Elementary program options include world language immersion programs and the Centers for Enriched Studies. Two-Way immersion programs are local programs for students who reside within the boundaries of the identified schools.  Elementary One-Way world language immersion programs are regional programs that begin in Kindergarten. Entry into the Centers for Enriched Studies programs begins in Grade 4.

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middle school student

Middle School

Middle school programs include interest and criteria-based options. Entry into the Middle School Magnet Consortium begins in Grade 6 or 7. Entry into the middle school regional programs begins in Grade 6. Entry into the middle school immersion programs occur when a vacancy exists in Grade 6.

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High School

High School options include interest-based and criteria-based programs. There are programs for students entering high school as well as for those already in high school. Applications for any of these programs must be submitted in the fall of the current grade level for the following school year. Programs that begin in Grade 9 are full time programs. Programs beginning in grades 10-12 are part-time programs; students take core courses at the local high school, and the program courses offsite.

  • Full time regional, countywide programs - Apply in Fall of Grade 8
  • Part time regional, countywide programs- Apply in fall of Grade 9, 10, or 11 
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WHERE DO WE BEGIN? HOW DO WE APPLY?

Begin by exploring the options at your local school. All of our schools offer art, technology, enrichment, and extracurricular needs. Most students find that their local school meets their academic needs and provides opportunities to explore many interests. In addition, parents and students should also consider the following as they explore regional/countywide options:

  • Student’s interests and academic needs
  • Changing schools and making new friends
  • Longer day due to transportation 
  • Joining a new school community 

There is an admission process for these programs which is either interest (lottery) or criteria-based (multiple measures). Admission processes vary by program and by level. Please carefully review the admission process for each program. The majority of the regional/countywide programs require the student to attend the host school full time. Programs for rising Grade 10, 11, and 12 students are primarily part time.The admission process for all regional/countrywide programs occurs the year prior to student enrollment.

 For additional information about the admission process at each level visit: 

Admission to Regional/Countywide ProgramsApplication

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?

Additional resources include contacting your school counselor, teachers and the administrative staff. Parent/student information meetings are scheduled each year along with school-based opportunities to showcase options to students.

Who should I contact for more information?

General questions:

For general questions about programs and admissions, contact your student’s counselor. Your counselor has received an overview of program and admission options for students at their school.


Specific Program Questions:

Contact the program staff listed on the website or Department of College and Career Readiness and Districtwide Programs at 240-740-4000.


Admission Questions:

Contact the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services at DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org or 240-740-2540.

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