MCPS Schools Excel in NICHE Rankings

Three Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) have been recognized as the top schools in Maryland as ranked by Niche, a national school and college search platform. In the latest rankings, an additional 18 MCPS schools—across elementary, middle, and high school levels—also placed in the top 10 for the 2025 Best Public Schools in Maryland.

Poolesville High School was named the number one public high school in Maryland. Walt Whitman, Winston Churchill, Thomas S. Wootton, Richard Montgomery and Bethesda-Chevy Chase high schools joined Poolesville in the top 10 rankings. Northwest, Montgomery Blair, Quince Orchard, Clarksburg and Sherwood high schools ranked among the top 25.  

Cabin John Middle School was distinguished as the number one middle school in the state. Thomas W. Pyle, Robert Frost, Herbert Hoover and North Bethesda middle schools also ranked in the top 10 schools at this level. Joining the top 25 are Takoma Park, Westland, John Poole, Lakelands Park, Hallie Wells and Tilden middle schools.

At the elementary level, nine MCPS schools earned recognition in the top ten rankings, with Westbrook Elementary School named as the top school. Following in are Stone Mill, Seven Locks, Wayside, Ritchie Park, Carderock Springs, Cold Spring, Diamond and Burning Tree elementary schools. Named among the top 25 elementary schools are Bells Mill, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Wyngate, Kensington Parkwood, Bradley Hills, Bannockburn, Fallsmead, Wood Acres, Lakewood and Travilah  elementary schools. 

Overall, MCPS was recognized as the second Best School District in Maryland and the second Best School District for Athletes in Maryland. 

According to Niche, these rankings reflect MCPS’ exceptional performance across numerous factors analyzed by Niche, including academic performance, extracurricular activity opportunities, data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education and user input from current students, alumni and parents. 

For more information on the rankings visit Niche.

MCPS Cheerleaders Shine at the 36th Annual Cheerleading Competition 

Teams from 25 MCPS high schools performed amazing stunts during the 36th annual cheerleading competition on Oct. 26, held at Montgomery Blair High School. Squads were judged on level of difficulty, technique and execution. The competition showcased the talent of the squads and gave fans an opportunity to support the teams.

We are so proud of our student-athletes who excelled and showcased their talents at the MCPS Cheerleading Championships,” said Systemwide Athletics Director Jeffrey Sullivan. “Their stunting, tumbling, and spirited routines exemplify our R.A.I.S.E. core value of spirited competition. A special congratulations is extended to our three division winners – Winston Churchill, Bethesda-Chevy Chase, and John F. Kennedy high schools. We look forward to watching many of our teams compete at the regional and state levels in the coming weeks!

Read more about the competition that celebrated the dedication and passion of these talented young athletes!

One Day Left to Apply to the High School Regional/Countywide Special Programs

Attention 8th graders! Apply to Regional/Countywide Special Programs using the high school common application found in ParentVUE. Students in grades 9-11 may apply for career readiness programs.

Information sessions will be available for students and families. Visit the Special Programs webpage for details.

Application deadline: Friday, Nov. 1.

Programs At A Glance, eligibility, FAQs and a video overview are available on the Special Programs webpage.

Save the Date: Operating Budget Forums

MCPS invites you to participate in a series of listening sessions to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget. Join the MCPS leadership team to explore how every dollar is utilized within the school system, learn about upcoming changes, ask questions and share your insights. Your voice is important!

• Monday, Nov. 11, 6:30–8 p.m., location to be determined
• Thursday, Nov. 21, 6:30–8 p.m.,  location to be determined

Last Call for School Calendar Feedback!

As MCPS continues to develop the 2025–2026 traditional school year calendar, the district is seeking additional feedback from staff, families, students and the community. Take a moment and give us your feedback on Round 2 of the survey. The survey will close on Sunday, Dec. 1.The Board of Education is expected to adopt the 2025–2026 school calendar at its Dec. 5 business meeting.

The major differences between the two calendar options are:

·     Length of winter break (eight days or 10 days).

·     Last day of school for students (Wednesday, June 17, 2026 or Monday, June 22, 2026).

Click here or scan the QR code below to access the survey.

Coming Soon: Winter Sports Season

Online registration for 2024-2025 high school winter athletics is available through the ParentVUE portal. This portal, accessible in English and Spanish, consolidates all necessary forms and documents into a user-friendly, internet-based platform. Parents and guardians can securely log in to the portal to complete the registration. Additionally, they have the option to scan and upload their student’s physical examination documents. Please note that pre-participation physical exams remain valid for a duration of 13 months. More information is available on the registration page of the MCPS Athletics website.

Marking Remembrance and Reconciliation Month

MCPS observes Remembrance and Reconciliation Month with mandatory brief K-12 learning on local African American history and support of local Emancipation Day celebrations. The Commission on Remembrance and Reconciliation was established by the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights in 2019.

Below are upcoming MCPS Emancipation Day events for this year:

• Sandy Spring Slave Museum & African Art Gallery’s Maryland Emancipation Day Celebration 
  Saturday, Nov. 2, noon-3:20 p.m.
  18524 Brooke Road, Sandy Spring, Md. 20860

• Brown vs. Board of Education’s Impact on MCPS
  Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7-8 p.m.
  Zoom webinar registration, open to the public

• Annual Changemaker Workshop
  Thursday, Nov. 14, 6:30-8 p.m.
  Students can earn up to two SSL hours.
  Zoom Webinar Registration Link
  

Student Opportunities

On-The-Spot Admissions: Several local and regional colleges and universities are offering on-the-spot admissions to MCPS seniors from 6–8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at Seneca Valley High School, and from 3–6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Richard Montgomery High School. Attendees will also get FAFSA support and learn about the Montgomery College application process.

Seneca Valley is located at 19401 Crystal Rock Drive in Germantown.
Richard Montgomery is located at 250 Richard Montgomery Drive in Rockville.

Speak Up, Save a Life: The State’s Attorney’s Office’s “Speak Up, Save a Life” student video PSA contest is open to middle and high school students. The videos must focus on the dangers of using drugs, opioids and fentanyl. Students can earn 10 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours by participating; the top prize is $1,000. Entries are due by midnight on Friday, Nov. 12. Submit an entry. For questions, send an email.

National C-SPAN Documentary Competition: Students in 6th through 12th grades are invited to participate in C-SPAN’s annual national video documentary StudentCam competition, which encourages them to think critically about issues that affect our communities. This year, students are being asked to create a five-to-six-minute video documentary on a topic that relates to the competition theme, “Your Message to the President.” Students may compete individually or in groups. The submission deadline is Inauguration Day, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. C-SPAN awards cash prizes to the top 150 student documentaries. More details here.