Before students can apply to the VAC they must complete the MCPS Regional/Countywide High School Common Application FIRST 

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

Any student who resides in Montgomery County and is currently enrolled in grades 8-11 is encouraged to apply for acceptance into this magnet program if they are interested in a rigorous advanced level portfolio development program.  The VAC program is open to applicants from all high schools in the county. Starting with the 2024-2025 school year, students accepted into the VAC program will need to transfer to Albert Einstein High School. VAC students accepted in previous years will be able to continue their current cross schedule until they complete the program.  Downcounty Consortium (DCC) resident students who have been assigned to Einstein through the choice process and have been accepted into the Visual Arts Center will be provided transportation from Consortia neighborhood stops.

Students not assigned to Einstein HS are responsible for providing their own transportation.

APPLICATION PROCESS & DEADLINES

Students need to prepare a portfolio that reflects their best artwork.  This should include:

1 Self Portrait, 2-3 still life artworks, 5-7 completed artworks in any media and an artist statement.  Submit these materials using the provided portfolio template by January 6th, 2025.

By submitting an online application, the student is required to attend a virtual drawing session on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 9:00am to 11:00am. If students are unable to attend this session please let the VAC team know ASAP. 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.

PORTFOLIO CONSIDERATIONS

• Students are encouraged to show their unique talents and to bring a portfolio that may include: sketchbooks, drawings, paintings, sculptures, mixed media work, photographs and digital artwork.

• Students must provide evidence of observational value drawing by including representations of one portrait and two-three still life drawings.  Students may choose to include an additional observational drawing that represents a subject of choice.

• Cartoon or Manga style artwork must be original and not copied from other artists.

• When evaluating portfolios, the Selection Committee is looking for:

  1. 1. Creativity & Content – does the artist express a personal statement and/or communicate ideas in an innovative way?

     2. Composition & Design – does the artist demonstrate an understanding of fundamental art elements and design principles?

     3. Craftsmanship & Media Manipulation – does the artist demonstrate skill and technique when utilizing various art media?

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