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Kicking Off the 2023–2024 School Year

Posted On August 30, 2023
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MCPS opened its doors on Monday, Aug. 28, welcoming more than 162,000 students to the start of the 2023–2024 school year. "Our focus is always on providing a nurturing and dynamic learning environment where every student's potential is realized and celebrated,” said Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight. “Our collective commitment is to grow each and every student academically and personally to set them on a path to be compassionate and resilient individuals. As we come together at this exciting time of year, I am thrilled to be in partnership with our entire community as we all work for a bright future, one lesson at a time." Watch video from the first day.

“Ensuring an excellent and equitable education system is not just a goal, but a commitment we hold as the Board of Education,” said Board of Education Vice President Shebra Evans. “Our dedication to oversight and monitoring remains paramount, as we understand that only through vigilant supervision can we truly achieve the standards of excellence our students deserve. Every child, regardless of their background or the language they speak, has the inherent right to quality education. As a board, we are resolute in our mission to provide inclusive and comprehensive teaching that embraces the rich diversity of our student body.”

Key investments that are shaping this school year:

  • Math and English Language Development Coaches: To support improvement in vital areas of learning.
  • Academic Opportunity Specialists: To connect middle school students with rigorous coursework, setting them on a path to success.
  • Sports Medicine Program: The fully staffed sports medicine program now includes certified athletic trainers at every high school, ensuring the well-being of student-athletes.
  • Blueprint for Maryland's Future: MCPS is expanding efforts to implement the vital Blueprint, enhancing educational opportunities for all. These resources are being strategically and transparently invested in students, focusing on growth and achievements.
  • Pre-Kindergarten expansion: Preliminary numbers show that pre-kindergarten enrollment is up 486 students from this time last year, and 240 additional full-day pre-kindergarten seats have been created.
  • Expanding access to meals: Free breakfast will be available to students in classrooms at 117 sites, reflecting an increase of 28 sites funded through the Maryland Meals for Achievement program.

Pathway to Student Success in College, Career and Community

The district has introduced the "Pathway to Student Success in College, Career, and Community," a framework that guides its mission and defines essential milestones, competencies and experiences that shape a student’s journey, ensuring they are well-prepared for their futures. The focus on individual success aligns with the district’s commitment to academic excellence, social and emotional development, and meaningful experiences for every student.

Significant gains are already occurring

  • Kindergarten: A 24-point gain in early literacy from the start to the end of the school year.
  • First Grade: A 17-point gain in early literacy from the start to the end of the school year.
  • Second Grade: A 10-point gain in early literacy from the beginning to the end of the school year.
  • In mathematics, MCPS is making its mark:
    • MCPS ranks in the top third in the state in the recently-released elementary mathematics test results.
    • MCPS is third in the state for Geometry and first for Algebra II, according to the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP).

Our commitment to excellence has translated into many other student achievements:

  • 12,000 graduates in the Class of 2023, who earned $262 million in scholarships.
  • 238 students graduated high school with an associate's degree.
  • 1,800 graduates earned the Seal of Biliteracy.
  • Our students completed 1.5 million hours in Student Service Learning.

Opening of a New School — Cabin Branch Elementary

In the Seneca Valley cluster, the newest addition, Cabin Branch Elementary School, joins a cluster of exceptional institutions. From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School's tradition of excellence to S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary's focus on building relationships and student support, and the various impactful initiatives at Lake Seneca Elementary and Waters Landing Elementary schools—the Seneca Valley cluster is a testament to the potential of MCPS schools. See a fact sheet about the new school.

Check out a photo gallery from the first day of school.