Board of Education Approves Recommendations on School Boundaries, Programs, and Regional Planning
Dear MCPS Families,
On March 26, 2026, the Montgomery County Board of Education approved new high school and middle school boundaries and a new approach to regional secondary programs across the school district. The adopted recommendations aim to address shifting enrollment trends and inconsistent building utilization, while expanding educational opportunities for students across the district. These changes will take effect in the Fall semester of the 2027-2028 school year.
What Was Approved:
The Board approved three interdependent recommendations as a single, unified plan:
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The reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School and the expansion of Northwood High School.
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The relocation of Thomas S. Wootton High School to the Crown Farm site and the expansion of Damascus High School.
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The establishment of a regional approach to secondary programs across MCPS.
These actions are interconnected and designed to work together to better align where students live, where they attend school, and to increase opportunities for students to access programs closer to their home schools throughout the county.
Understanding that these decisions affect thousands of students and families, MCPS worked to create a process that was open and accessible. The district hosted in-person and virtual meetings, shared information in multiple languages, and provided an online platform with interactive maps and data. These efforts led to strong participation from across the county, and community feedback played a key role in shaping the Superintendent’s recommendation and the Board’s final decision.
There is no perfect solution when it comes to programs or school boundaries. While many families will see their feedback reflected in these decisions, others may not. Every perspective was carefully considered, even when not every request could be met. MCPS is grateful for the time, input and care our community has shared throughout this process.
Why This Change Was Needed:
Across Montgomery County, our school system is experiencing changing enrollment patterns and uneven use of school buildings. Some schools are significantly over capacity, while others have available space. And over many years our secondary program structure has provided robust opportunities for some students, while leaving many students and families without equitable access to programs or with long travel times to reach them.
Together, the boundary and program actions approved today lay a strong foundation for MCPS to achieve several critical priorities:
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Balancing enrollment and reducing overcrowding by making better use of available school space;
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Expanding and improving equitable opportunities for students to access high interest secondary programs closer to their home schools;
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Strengthening long-term planning for facilities and capital investments.
What This Means For Students and Families:
Now that the recommendations have been adopted by the Board, MCPS will begin implementation. The changes in boundaries and programs will begin to take effect for students in the 2027-2028 school year. The next phase of planning for this implementation will include:
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Direct communications with families about what the changes mean for their students’ school assignments;
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Deeper curriculum development of the regional program offerings, including working directly with schools and teachers in their areas of expertise;
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Engagement with elementary and middle school families in all regions about the program opportunities that will be available, as well as timelines and process for student choices;
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Hiring school leadership for the re-opened Woodward High School, continued construction of the new Thomas S. Wootton High School at the Crown Farm location, and planning for the move of Wootton High School to its new facility.
The timeline for changing school assignment for students in 8th, 11th and 12th grades, as well as students, assigned through the Northeast Consortium or Downcounty Consortium prior to the 2027–2028 school year, or those enrolled in a centrally managed regional or countywide program through the existing admissions process, may differ from the overall implementation timelines. Families will receive more specific information on these transition exceptions, and they are outlined in the resolutions as well.
Looking Ahead:
This long-term plan is a commitment to better serving every student, now and for years to come. We understand that these decisions may bring questions and we are committed to keeping families and the community informed as we move forward together during the changes. In the coming weeks, MCPS will share with families school-specific information and transition timelines, and throughout the months ahead we will continue community engagement and communication.
Montgomery County Public Schools
Resources:
Email us: ASKMCPS@mcpsmd.org