Frequently Asked Questions

• My student wants to go to their home high school. Do we have to complete the High School Possibility form? 

Yes. Families of Grade 8 are encouraged to submit their student’s high school plan after exploring all their options. 

• Can I update my application after I have submitted it? 

Yes. You can edit your Center application until the November 6, 2026 deadline (midnight). Simply log back into your existing submission, make your changes, and click ‘submit’ again. Your updates will overwrite the previous version, and the review committee will see only your most recent submission. 

• Is it possible to be eligible for a criteria-based program and not receive a seat? 

Yes. Eligibility confirms you meet the program's criteria, but placement is determined by the ranked-choice lottery. Your chances depend on the number of available seats, the number of other applicants in that region, and your specific program rankings. 

• Can students apply to a program outside of their assigned region?

No. Students will apply to programs within the region in which they reside.

• My student submitted four ranked choices in Round 1 and received their 4th. Can we go into Round 2 to try for a higher ranked choice?

Yes. Students from Round 1 may enter Round 2 for a higher ranked choice. If you get a higher ranked choice in Round 2, you forfeit your Round 1 seat. 

• Can students apply to Thomas Edison High School of Technology and Seneca Valley hub programs?

Yes. These hub-based career and technical education opportunities remain part of the overall model and will continue to serve students part-time. (Edison - Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4 Seneca Valley - Regions 5 and 6)

• Are teacher recommendations or awards considered for the criteria-based review? 

 No. These items are not necessary for this process. 

• How many seats will regional programs have?

Most programs will enroll 15-60 students per grade per year, increasing overall seats countywide so that more  students can participate compared to today. 

• I am interested in an interest-based Center program at my school. Do I have to apply or can I just register for the Center program at my home school during registration? 

  Students must apply to Center programs regardless if they are at one’s home school or within the region 

• Will transportation be provided?

There is limited central stop transportation available for the Center programs. MCPS is unable to provide route information at this

time as existing student enrollment information is necessary to create routes. This information will be available in the summer of 

2027. MCPS is committed to ensuring students have access to limited central stop transportation to their Center program.

• What is the general admissions timeline?

The general admissions process begins with in October, closes in November, and releases results in January.

• What happens to the Northeast Consortium and the Downcounty Consortium under the regional model?

The Northeast Consortium and the Downcounty Consortium transition to the six-region model. Students in those areas will attend their home high school and may apply to regional programs within their assigned region.

• How will students and families learn about their local and regional options and the application process?

Students and families will receive information through school and district communications, central office lead in-person and virtual parent information sessions, school counselors, school staff, district webpages, school open houses, and other outreach efforts.

• Can a student be enrolled in more than one regional program pathway at a time?

No. Students may be enrolled in only one regional program pathway. Because each pathway includes required courses and planned experiences, students cannot formally participate in multiple pathways at the same time. Students may still take individual courses or electives in other areas, depending on availability, prerequisites, and schedule.

• If my student’s home high school does not host a regional pathway in an area such as arts or world languages, will those courses still be available at the home school?

Yes. Regional pathways do not replace local high school courses. All MCPS high schools will continue to offer a broad range of courses and experiences, including arts, world languages, electives, advanced coursework, clubs, and activities.

• What happens if a student changes their mind or is not successful in the pathway?

MCPS will provide support to help students remain successful in the pathway. If a student does not continue in the pathway, the student will return to their assigned home high school.