Things to Know

Calendar Reminder: Friday, Sept. 18 is an early release day for all students. Monday, Sept. 21 is a non-instructional day; there will be no school for students and teachers.

Enrollment in MCPS is declining for the first time in more than 40 years. As a result, some schools have more available space than they need, while other communities are still growing. That means it’s time to take a thoughtful, countywide look at how we are using our schools and facilities, and plan for a better future for all students. 

As part of that work, MCPS needs to consider whether to close and consolidate some elementary and middle schools. We will begin now with a careful review of data and meaningful community engagement around the decision making framework and the metrics and factors that should be considered.

We recognize that conversations about school closures and consolidations will be difficult for students, families, staff and communities. We are absolutely committed to approaching this work with care, transparency and empathy, while keeping students’ needs at the center of every decision. Learn more about the next steps.

Complete this survey by Sept. 20 to share your input on the development of the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 school calendars.

Here’s one school form that’s worth a few minutes of your time. If your family may qualify for Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARMS), apply! There’s no stigma and no reason to hesitate. A student’s eligibility is confidential.

Best of all, you only need one application for all MCPS students in your household, even if they attend different schools. If you filled an application out last school year, you still need to fill out another one for this school year.

It’s quick. It’s confidential. And it could make a real difference for your family. Don’t count yourself out; take a few minutes and see if you qualify.

Apply for FARMS and learn more. Need help filling out your application? View this step-by-step guide and MySchoolApps video and complete your application before Wednesday, Oct. 7. 

MCPS is hosting a virtual information session on Sept. 23 to learn more about the Center Program application process, requirements and offerings for students entering Grade 9 in the 2027–2028 school year.

It will be held:

• Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m.: English (with ASL and live interpretation in Amharic, Chinese and French) | 8 p.m., Spanish

For 8th grade families, in addition to the academic, extracurricular, athletic and social opportunities available at your local high school, you can also explore the specialized Center programs offered within your region. Learn more.

Families are invited to join the Accelerated and Enriched Instruction (AEI) Family Webinar Series this fall. The four-part virtual series will provide families with information and resources to better understand enrichment and acceleration opportunities, gifted and talented identification, the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and parent advocacy. Learn more: English / Spanish / Amharic / Chinese / French / Korean / Portuguese / Vietnamese

MCPS is joining more than 20 school districts across the nation to expand access to advanced coursework and help more students recognize their potential. Through the Social Mobility Leadership Network, MCPS will work with the Aspen Institute Education & Society Program, College Board and participating school districts to explore ways to support high-quality advanced coursework, including Advanced Placement (AP), dual enrollment and International Baccalaureate (IB). Through the three-year cohort, MCPS will build on its existing efforts, examine how districtwide practices and policies can create more consistent pathways to advanced learning, and learn alongside districts navigating similar challenges. Learn more.

Join Saturday School (George B. Thomas, Sr. Learning Academy) this weekend for opening ceremonies at one of its nine locations. Families will be able to learn what the programs are about and register their students. Tutoring sessions begin Sept. 26 from 8:30-11 a.m.

Programs run on Saturday mornings for students in grades K–12, focusing on reading, language arts, math, test prep and STEM enrichment, such as coding and robotics.

Cost: $100/year ($50 for FARMS recipients)
Transportation: Free MCPS bus routes available to center sites.
More information and registration: saturdayschool.org

The Board of Education held its annual legislative summit at Richard Montgomery High School to unveil its 2027 legislative platform. This event brings together members of the Montgomery County Delegation and local leaders to preview the Board’s legislative priorities for the upcoming 2027 Maryland General Assembly session. The Board’s four priorities were: securing adequate school funding, preserving local autonomy, recruiting top educators and maintaining safe learning environments. Learn more. 

Small conversations can make a big difference. MCPS’ Mental Health & Safety one-pager shares practical tips for parents and caregivers to support their child’s mental health and well-being, from checking in and noticing changes to building healthy routines and knowing when to ask for help. The guide also includes school-based supports and crisis resources, so families know where to turn when they have a concern. Learn more.

MCPS students demonstrated progress in mathematics on the spring 2026 NWEA MAP assessment, with performance increasing across all reported student groups in elementary and middle school. Elementary math performance increased by 7.3 percentage points overall, while middle school math performance increased by 6.3 percentage points. These results demonstrate clear momentum and systemwide progress in improving academic achievement.

Read the full spring 2026 MAP Performance Brief for additional districtwide results and student group data.

MCPS, Career Council, Inc. and College Fairs USA are hosting an in-person College Fair from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9 at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg for high school juniors and seniors. Students, who will attend the fair during the school day, will receive a link that will allow them to complete an online profile. For more information, students should contact their school counselor. Fair Flyer: English | Spanish

Attention high school seniors and families: As the college admissions and scholarship season kicks off, remember that MCPS College and Career Navigators are available to assist and answer questions about the college application process and financial aid. High schools are hosting a variety of in-person and virtual workshops to provide guidance to families on finding the college right path, writing essays and understanding the Common App. See what’s being offered and join us!

Montgomery College is also offering upcoming financial aid events. Learn more.  

Secondary students need 75 SSL hours to graduate. Keep earning with these September opportunities. Students who enroll in MCPS after Grade 6 will receive a waiver that prorates the SSL requirement. A full list of in-person and virtual opportunities, reminders and updates are available on the SSL website.

With the school year underway, families and students are reminded that cellphones and other mobile devices are expected to be put away for all grade levels during the academic day, from the first bell through dismissal. Under Maryland’s Phone-Free Schools law, MCPS is implementing a new cellphone regulation that will help students stay focused and connected in the classroom. This is expected to result in fewer disruptions, help students stay engaged in learning and keep students safer.

Put the phone away. Connect. Create. Learn. Lead. Be part of the day. Learn more. 

• Back-to-School Block Party: Montgomery County Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe is hosting this event from 12:30-3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18 at BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Drive in Germantown. 
• Youth Town Hall: The Montgomery County Council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Council Office Building, Third Floor, 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville, or on Zoom. Student attendees will be able to share their questions and concerns, and participate in a conversation with county leadership. Register to attend. 
• Girls With Impact Fall Session: This free, online, 10-week entrepreneurship program available to high school students begins the week of Sept. 28. Classes are held on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. or Wednesdays at 8 p.m. Register. Learn more: English | Spanish
• Latina Legacy Conference: This event for Latina female high school students will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30 at 15 W. Gude Drive in Rockville. Topics will include: Latina wellness and mental health; Latinas in education; Latina mentorship, and social justice and Latina student voice. To register, students should reach out to their assistant principal by Thursday, Oct. 15.
• Share Your Vision for America: Students in Grades 5–12 can write and perform a presidential speech and win prizes up to $1,000. Make Your Speech calls on students to imagine they’ve just been elected president and are delivering their inaugural address in a 2-3 minute video. Present your best unifying vision for our democracy. Learn more. Deadline: Friday, Oct. 30
• Design + Build at Blackrock Center for the Arts: The program will focus on developing a conservation landscape including native plants and trees at BlackRock Center for the Arts. Starting Oct. 3, high school students will spend six consecutive Saturdays designing and installing the project to help improve the Seneca Creek watershed. Students can earn up to 18 SSL hours. Apply. 

• Celebrating Outstanding Achievement in Literacy: William B. Gibbs Elementary School is shining bright! The school has been recognized as a Bright Spots Top School in literacy by The 74, a national nonprofit education newsroom.
• A Grand Day at Lakewood Elementary: Students had the opportunity to share meaningful moments with the special people in their lives, creating memories that will last for years to come.

• VISIT the MCPS homepage.

• CALL 240-740-3000. Staff take calls from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, in English and Spanish (240-740-2845).

• READ news and information sent via email and text message and on the MCPS News page.

• FOLLOW the MCPS social media pages:
  x.com/mcps / facebook.com/mcpsmd / instagram.com/mcps_md
  facebook.com/mcpsespanol / x.com/MCPSEspanol / instagram.com/mcpsenespanol

• SIGN UP for emails and text alerts and make sure your ParentVue information is up to date.

• WATCH the MCPS cable channels Comcast 34 (1071 HD), Verizon 36 or RCN 89

Open Registrations

• Prekindergarten and Head Start Registration Open for Income-Eligible Families

More from MCPS

• School calendar

• Parent resource page

• News and Information page

• Latest photo galleries

• MCPS TV videos

• MCPS TV español