Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) extended the application deadline for two specialized programs, giving families until Friday, Nov. 13, to apply.
The extension covers both the 8th Grade Center Programs, which place rising high schoolers in specialized academic tracks, and the Middle School Magnet Consortium (MSMC), which serves students entering middle school. MCPS announced the change in its Nov. 5 "Things to Know" newsletter, saying the district wanted "to give you extra time to explore options, dig into specific offerings and complete your application."
The two programs target different grade levels. The Center Programs are for current 8th graders choosing a high school path for the 2027–2028 school year. Each high school will belong to a region of four to five schools hosting 15 or more specialized programs, according to the MCPS Center Programs website. The five program themes are Medical Science; International Baccalaureate, Humanities and Languages; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); Leadership and Public Service; and Visual and Performing Arts.
The admission process includes two rounds. Students participate in a High School Possibility Process beginning in September before applying.
The MSMC, meanwhile, is open to current 5th graders. The consortium consists of three schools: Argyle, Loiederman and Parkland middle schools, according to the MSMC website. Argyle focuses on digital design and development. Loiederman offers creative and performing arts. Parkland centers on math and science through aerospace technology and robotic engineering.
MCPS noted that a recent boundary change tied to the reopening of Woodward High School may affect some families in the MSMC attendance area. Families whose new base middle school falls outside the consortium zone can still enter the lottery as out-of-consortium applicants, though placement is not guaranteed.
Board of Education President Grace Rivera-Oven discussed the Center Programs on an Oct. 8 episode of the district's EdTalk program.
Families can reach the Department of Consortia and Application Program Services at 240-740-7800 or [email protected] with questions before the Nov. 13 deadline.
