MCPS Considers Major Overhaul of Special Academic Programs Amid Equity Push

July 23, 2025 – by Tomas Monticelli

There is a lot of talk about the MCPS Boundary Studies but did you know that MCPS is also currently conducting a countywide review of its academic programs? This could bring major changes to magnets, language immersion, and the Down County Consortium (DCC). The study, launched earlier this year, is aimed at addressing inequity among the district’s special programs.

Addressing Inequity in Special Programs

According to a design team created by MCPS which is reviewing enrollment data and survey feedback, White and Asian students make up the majority of students in many special programs, while Black, Latino, and low-income students remain underrepresented. The team’s job is to recommend which programs should be offered in all schools, which should be placed more strategically across the county, and which may need to be consolidated or phased out.

MCPS Leadership Emphasizes Equity and Access

At a BOE meeting on June 24, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Patrick Taylor emphasized MCPS’s goals: “We are committed to expanding access to innovative programs and enriching opportunities not just for some students, but for all of our students,” he said. “That means offering programs that challenge, inspire, and prepare our students for the future, no matter what school they attend or what part of the county they live in.”

At the same time, one of the most significant changes being considered is a restructuring, or even elimination, of the DCC. The DCC is a group of five high schools (Blair, Einstein, Kennedy, Northwood, and Wheaton) where students choose to attend one of the schools through either a lottery system or by being accepted into one of the specialized programs instead of being assigned by geography.

Down County Consortium Model Under Scrutiny

The DCC was originally created to give students more flexibility and reduce the pressure of strict boundary lines. But as part of the study, MCPS is reevaluating whether the model still works as intended. While the DCC gives more choice than most areas in the county, that choice isn’t evenly distributed. Schools like Blair are overwhelmed with applicants, while others struggle to attract students.

Parents Raise Concerns About Representation and Speed

Parent and attendee of the meeting Bridget Howe was especially concerned over the lack of representation in the survey data. “For example, boundary and program options have been shared that significantly alter the DCC, while survey feedback from those clusters is very limited,” she said.

Howe also questioned the approach behind the process. “What families want is access to rigorous academics across the system, including opportunities for special programs,” she added. “For some learners, the regional model could be a great way to deliver that, but committee members report feeling rushed… and concern that the challenges of implementation are being glossed over in a rush for approval.”

Board Members Echo Community Concerns

Board members also raised concerns about whether community feedback was representative and whether the survey results could be trusted.

Board Member Rita Montoya also questioned the data’s validity. “I’m really concerned about how I can rely on any of the survey data,” she said. “For whatever reason, those efforts are not reaching certain parts of our community, which are substantial parts of our community.”

What Comes Next

As MCPS continues its review, the outcome could significantly reshape the district’s educational landscape. The Board of Education is expected to continue discussions into the fall, with final decisions likely to impact program access, school choice, and student pathways across Montgomery County.

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