Welcome to the 2024-2025 School Year

We are so excited to welcome you to a new school year! On Monday, Aug. 26, close to 160,000 students will walk through the doors to begin the school year. MCPS is committed to excellence, and by working in partnership with our families and the community, we will pave the pathway to a bright future for all of our students. We encourage you to visit the Back-To-School Resource Website, including a list of back-to-school nights. 

Stay Up-to-Date with Holidays, Professional Days and More with the School Calendar

• 2024-2025 Traditional School Year Calendar
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• 2024-2025 Innovative School Year Calendar (Arcola Elementary School only)
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Annual Back-to-School Fair - This Saturday, Aug. 24 

Join us on Saturday, Aug. 24 for the annual MCPS  Back-to-School Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Westfield Wheaton mall. The event is a wonderful opportunity for families to learn about the school system, and county programs and services. Enjoy free family activities, music, entertainment and giveaways. This year’s vendors include KID Museum, Glenstone Museum, Imagination Stage, Montgomery County Recreation, the Montgomery County Police Department’s Community Opioid Prevention Education trailer. Students and families will have assistance with ParentVue. There will also be a free immunization clinic. 

Free shuttles to the event from six high schools will be available starting at 9 a.m. Visit the fair’s webpage for shuttle locations and departure times.  

New to MCPS? Sign Up for ParentVUE

Families new to MCPS are encouraged to sign up for a ParentVUE account. ParentVUE is the online parent portal that serves as the primary communication vehicle for schools to share information regarding grades, attendance, scheduling, access to myMCPS Classroom and more. ParentVUE Quick Guides English /  español  / 中文  / français / Português / 한국어 / tiếng Việt / አማርኛ

Help Us Ensure Safe Transportation for All Students

Parents and guardians can help us open the school year smoothly by following simple guidelines and tips to ensure the safety of all students. Access important information on school bus transportation, including bus routes and times (scroll to section labeled “bus routes”), the Ride by the Rules campaign, and about riding the school bus and safe routes on the MCPS website. 

All You Need to Know for Lunch 

The Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) application is available for the 2024–2025 school year. Families must renew their FARMS application each school year even if their child qualified the previous year.

Students at schools participating under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) are eligible for free meals and do not need to apply for FARMS. We encourage all families with students enrolled at non-CEP schools to complete a Free and Reduced-price Meals Application. All meals are free for students who qualify for the program.

Visit the Division of Food and Nutrition Services webpage for information on prices, updated menus, including new menu items representing student picks and vegetarian options, how to add money to your child's account through “MySchoolBucks” and more. 

Share Your First Day of School Pictures!

We Want to See Those Smiles! 

MCPS invites parents/guardians to submit first-day-of-school pictures on Monday, Aug. 26. Pictures will be shared on the district’s website and social media pages beginning Monday morning. By submitting a photo, you are agreeing to publication on the MCPS website or social media channels. You may submit a photo by emailing us at pio@mcpsmd.org or tagging us on social media—#MCPSFirstDay or #MCPSForward.