Program History & Overview

History & Overview

Introduced in 2005, Argyle Magnet Middle School offers a rigorous core academic program alongside technology-focused elective courses in four distinct pathways designed to develop advanced skills in the areas of computer science (programming and cybersecurity), digital multimedia production, engineering, and digital art/design. Many of our advanced courses allow students who successfully complete the course to earn high school elective credit. In addition to a unique and specialized electives, 21st century technology tools are integrated into all curricular areas, allowing staff the opportunity to enhance educational experiences and support student engagement and achievement, and providing students with unique opportunities to use the technology skills they have learned to show what they know in core classes like English, World Studies, and Science.

Argyle Magnet Middle School provides a future-focused curriculum designed to empower students through hands-on technology integration, creative problem-solving, and specialized elective pathways. Our instructional design merges technical skill-building with creative expression, preparing our students for various Regional High School Academies and 21st-century careers.

Why Argyle?

At Argyle, we leverage technology to foster active creation rather than passive consumption.

1. Project-Based Learning: Classrooms operate as active studios and laboratories where technology facilitates student-led inquiry, iteration and the design process, and public presentation of work.

2. Technical Skills and Enhanced Career Readiness: Students at Argyle are exposed to industry-standard concepts in programming, cybersecurity, media production, digital design and engineering, giving them a head start for Regional High School Academy programs and technical career paths. Our programming integrates Career Connected Learning across all classes; we were awarded the prestigious Ruby Red distinction for Career Connected Learning in 2026!

3. Healthy Digital Habits: We pair robust technology access with intentional use of digital tools; students learn in a balanced environment that includes hands-on and cooperative learning alongside healthy digital behaviors.

4. Real-World Problem Solving: All 8th grade students develop a Capstone Project using the skills from our magnet pathway to address a problem connected to the UN Sustainability Goals. These collaborative projects allow students to showcase their technical skills within a pathway as well as their problem solving skills developed through their time at Argyle Middle School. Students present their projects at our annual Capstone Showcase each spring, with prizes awarded in each pathway.

Elective Pathways

1. Engineering

The Engineering pathway introduces students to the fundamentals of structural design, robotics, and the engineering design process. Students engage in project-based learning where they research, design, build, and test solutions to real-world challenges. Key focus areas include 3D modeling, mechanical systems, and collaborative prototyping.

Grade 6 - Innovative Minds 1
Grade 7 - Innovative Minds 2
Grade 8 - Intro to Engineering Design OR Foundations of Engineering Technology (both HS credited)

2. Computer Science

In Computer Science, students build foundational computational thinking skills. The curriculum covers introductory programming logic, block-based and text-based coding (such as Scratch and Python), web development, and algorithm design. Students learn to debug, write clean code, and develop interactive apps and games.

Grade 6 - Programming Fundamentals
Grade 7 - Advanced Programming & Game Design 1
Grade 8 - Advanced Programming & Game Design 2
Grade 8 - Foundations of Computer Science (HS credited)

The Computer Science pathway also includes courses in cybersecurity. These courses teach students essential technical skills, including networking fundamentals, system administration, and cryptography techniques like encryption and hashing. Through hands-on problem-solving, students learn to evaluate system vulnerabilities, analyze security logs, and deploy defensive measures like firewalls and multi-factor authentication. The curriculum emphasizes ethical digital practices and critical thinking, equipping students to defend systems, understand cyber threats, and promote online security awareness.

Grade 6 - Innovative Tech Solutions (Cyber 1)
Grade 7 - Cybersecurity 7
Grade - Global Technology Systems (Cyber 8)

3. Digital Art

The Digital Art pathway blends classical artistic principles with modern digital technology. Students utilize industry-standard design tools to explore vector illustration, photo manipulation, typography, and digital branding in addition to traditional studio art mediums such as drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture. The course builds foundations in the elements of art while also building students’ understanding of the creative world as a tool for exploring identity, storytelling, and problem-solving.

Grade 6 - Innovative Art and Design 1
Grade 7 - Innovative Art and Design 2
Grade 8 - Innovative Art and Design 3 OR Digital Publishing

4. Digital Media

Digital Media focuses on multimedia production, including video creation, audio editing, and digital journalism, and social media. Students gain experience operating audiovisual equipment, drafting scripts, editing video tracks, and publishing digital content for school and community audiences.

Grade 6 - Lights, Camera Literacy
Grade 7 - Intro to Digital Media AND Intro to Web Tools

Grade 8 - Intro to Digital Media OR TV Studio

Device Distribution & Asset Management at Argyle

To ensure equitable access, preserve hardware condition, and promote intentional technology use, Argyle utilizes a hybrid distribution framework consisting of Classroom-Based Chromebook Carts and Fixed Computer Labs. 

• Student Tech Team: The Argyle Middle School Student Tech Team are student leaders selected through an application process to provide hands-on technical support across our school. Assigned to a dedicated "Tech Support" period, these students gain real-world experience operating much like an IT helpdesk. Team members diagnose and resolve both hardware and software issues on student and staff devices, manage and audit our device inventory, and develop customer service skills. Through this program, students not only keep our technology running smoothly, but they also earn SSL hours while building professional workforce readiness skills that set them up for future success in high school pathways and technology careers.

• Classroom Chromebook Cart Model: In addition to specialized computer labs, Argyle utilizes dedicated in-classroom Chromebook carts. Our cart model ensures equitable technology access for students in all courses, especially our specialized technology electives. The model also helps students build intentional device habits, minimizes unnecessary screen time, and protects our devices from accidental breakage during hallway transitions. Keeping devices housed in secure, centralized classroom carts minimizes device handling during transitions, significantly reducing physical damage, breakage, and loss. 

• Flexible Use & Reduced Screen Time: Students use devices when lessons specifically require digital tools, rather than continuously throughout the day. In any lesson, students may access learning through a variety of hands-on activities, collaborative assignments, or paper-pencil tasks in addition to accessing content or creating content electronically. Storing devices in classroom carts allows teachers to more easily transition between digital activities and non-digital, hands-on instruction. This model explicitly supports a reduction in screen time, ensuring devices are utilized only when directly aligned with learning objectives, particularly in non-elective core subjects.

• Assigned Devices & Obligations: Students are assigned to a specific device in each classroom, and are expected to use only that device when working digitally. Assigning devices ensures that students take care of Chromebooks and report any damage or breakage right away. Students are responsible for the cost of repairs for any device that they break.

Admissions Process 

Admission to Argyle Magnet Middle School for Digital Design and Development is based on a lottery process. Grade 5 students who live within the geographic area of the three Middle School Magnet Consortium schools (Argyle, Loiederman, and Parkland) will participate in the Choice process and will be assigned to one of the MSMC schools for Grade 6. Parents of Montgomery County students living outside of the MSMC should complete the choice form from the MSMC website: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school-info/msmagnet/

Contact Us

For more information about the Magnet Program, please contact our Magnet Coordinator, Mrs. Cortney Chao, at 240-740-6370 or cortney_e_chao@mcpsmd.org