Embedded Files
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 : Countywide Programs Application Opens
(All Students interested in applying to the VAC must complete the countywide application first)
Contact the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services at DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org or 240-740-7800.
October 21, 2026 : Einstein HS DCC Open House time TBD
This is a chance for you to see all that Einstein offers in addition to an information session about the VAC.
Date TBD: VAC Information Session 1, Virtual - 6:30 PM
November 6, 2026: Countywide Programs Application Closes
Applicants who indicated interest in the VAC on the Countywide Program Application will receive an email with a link. All application materials (portfolio & live drawing session work) will be submitted via the Google Form link sent to your email. The emails you provided on the Countywide Programs Application will receive the information.
Date TBD: VAC Application Information Session 2, virtual 6:30 PM - 7:15 PM
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/tjq-rpzc-iie
Or dial: (US) +1 337-935-2082 PIN: 586 958 308#
January 5, 2027: Portfolio Submission Due
January 9, 2027: Virtual Drawing Session
Decision letters will be sent via email in February 2027
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
Any student who resides in Region 1of Montgomery County Public Schools and is currently enrolled in grade 8 is encouraged to apply for acceptance into this magnet 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 Region 1 only. Students accepted into the VAC program will transfer to Albert Einstein High School. Residents in Region 1 will be provided transportation to the Visual Art Center @ Einstein.
APPLICATION PROCESS & DEADLINES
APPLICATION PROCESS & DEADLINES
STEP 1: Submit County Wide Application
(Open Oct 6, Closes Nov 7)
Countywide Programs Application
STEP 2: SUBMIT PORTFOLIO by January 6th 2026
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)
2-3 Still Life Artworks
5-7 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*****
STEP 3: LIVE DRAWING SESSION January 10th 2026
The final required step of the application is attending a virtual live drawing session on Saturday January 11 2025 from 9:00am to 11:00am. If students are unable to attend this session due to a significant family or religious reason please let the VAC team know ASAP as we will have ONE makeup session. A virtual meeting invite for the drawing session will be sent to applicants who submitted a portfolio.
If the student requires accommodations, a copy of the Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or English Language Learner (ELL) Plan that specifies the accommodations MUST be submitted to the VAC faculty by January 6 2025. The faculty will contact the parent/guardian to discuss accommodations.
SELECTION & NOTIFICATION
SELECTION & NOTIFICATION
Admission to Visual Art Center is very competitive. 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
MCPS Fine Arts Content Specialist
MCPS Fine Arts Content Specialist
Ms. Anjali Wells | anjali_maden@mcpsmd.org
Page updated
Report abuse