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VAC Application Timeline
VAC Application Timeline
The application cycle for SY 2027-2028 Will Open in Oct 2026!
Dates for fall of 2026 to apply to the VAC for SY 2027-2028.
October 2026 : Regional Programs Application Opens
(All Students interested in applying to the VAC must complete the regional program application first)
Contact the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services at DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org or 240-740-7800.
September 14 and 23, 2026- Webinar Reviewing High School Options
https://mcpstv-org.zoom.us/j/86446324364
September 29; October 6; November 4,5 and 6 English, Spanish | Zoom is open from 6:30-7:30 pm Join Zoom Meeting: https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/j/82991521061?pwd=XXcc1uzz5YbacQtiyYEmKaaA8eW9mA.1
Meeting ID: 829 9152 1061 | Passcode: 595869
October 19, 2026 : Einstein HS SHOWCASE | 6:30PM
This is a chance for you to see all that Einstein offers in addition to an information session about the VAC.
November 6, 2026: Regional Programs Application Closes
Applicants who indicated interest in the VAC @ Einstein on the Regional Program Application will receive further communication from the county regarding:
Particpating in the live drawing session part of the application which will happen during the student day in mid December.
Submitting their portfolio in early January
Decision letters will be sent via email in February 2027
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
Any student who resides in the Southern Region of Montgomery County Public Schools and is currently enrolled in grade 8 is encouraged to apply for acceptance into this criteria based program if they are interested in a rigorous advanced level portfolio development program. The VAC @ Einstein program is open to applicants from all high schools in the Southern regions only (Einstein, Blair, Northwood, Whitman, and Bethesda Chevy Chase). Students accepted into the VAC program will transfer to Albert Einstein High School. Students accepted into to the Visual Art Center @ Einstein will be provided transportation to AEHS!
Any student who resides in the Southern Region of Montgomery County Public Schools and is currently enrolled in grade 8 is encouraged to apply for acceptance into this criteria based program if they are interested in a rigorous advanced level portfolio development program. The VAC @ Einstein program is open to applicants from all high schools in the Southern regions only (Einstein, Blair, Northwood, Whitman, and Bethesda Chevy Chase). Students accepted into the VAC program will transfer to Albert Einstein High School. Students accepted into to the Visual Art Center @ Einstein will be provided transportation to AEHS!
APPLICATION PROCESS & DEADLINES
APPLICATION PROCESS & DEADLINES
STEP 1: Submit Regional Programs Application
(Open early Oct, Closes Nov 6)
STEP 2: LIVE DRAWING SESSION Mid December
All students applying to the Visual Art Center @ Einstein will participate in a live drawing session during the student day.
More details will be provided about this drawing session in October 2026.
STEP 3: SUBMIT PORTFOLIO in early January 2027, exact date TBD
Students need to prepare a portfolio that reflects their best artwork. Students must use the provided portfolio template and submit their portfolio via the Google Forms link in their email. (They will only receive the Google Form link if the student has submitted the countywide application)
Portfolio Must Include:
1 Portrait Drawing (No Digital Work here)
2 Still Life Artworks (No Digital Work here)
5 Completed Artworks in any media
1 Artist Statement (Choose one of your works to write the statement about.)
****Please see the PORTFOLIO SAMPLES PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS*****
SELECTION & NOTIFICATION
SELECTION & NOTIFICATION
Admission to Visual Art Center is criteria based. There are about 35 seats available each year, a waitlist is generated from the applications and offers to waitlisted applicants are determined by the acceptance/rejection of seats. For candidates applying for seats in 10 grade or above, the number of open seats is determined based on vacancies for the following school year in that particular cohort. Acceptance and waitlist order are generated by scores of multiple criteria including portfolio content, artist statement, and drawing session artwork.
Decision letters will be sent by the end of February
Decision letters will be sent by the end of February
VAC Instructors
VAC Instructors
Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator- Department of Academic Programs
Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator- Department of Academic Programs
Ms. Anjali Wells | anjali_maden@mcpsmd.org
MCPS Content Specialist- Visual Art & Dance
MCPS Content Specialist- Visual Art & Dance
Ms. Tricia Gooley | tricia_gooley@mcpsmd.org
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