Grade 8 Students attending a Downcounty
Consortium (DCC) middle school or residing
in the DCC attendance area rank in order of
preference the high school they would like to
attend on a lottery Choice form during the
fall of their Grade 8 year.
There are five great high schools in the DCC:
◦ Montgomery Blair High School
◦ Albert Einstein High School
◦ John F. Kennedy High School
◦ Northwood High School
◦ Wheaton High School
Do your research and explore them all
Keep an open mind and consider your interests
Learn about the academies at all five high schools
Talk with your family about your choices. Attend one of the Options Fairs in September
and speak with the Academy Coordinators from each high school. September 21 at Kennedy HS September 28 at Paint Branch HS
Visit the high school open houses in October. Consider how your interests, strengths, favorite
subjects and future plans relate to careers and academies.
Attend a game, play or school event at one of the high schools
All five DCC high schools offer:
◦ Academies
◦ Advanced classes (AP and Honors)
◦ College preparedness
◦ Music opportunities
◦ Varsity sports
◦ Clubs
◦ More freedom and independence
Academies are specialty programs that you choose based on your
interests.
A sequence of courses designed around a central career theme
A way to connect the courses you take with your interests
Field trips, guest speakers and possible internship opportunities
related to academy theme
Every high school has something for you!
Academies
◦ Each high school has 4 to 5 different academy offerings based
on career themes
◦ Think about your career interests as we explore the academies
at each high school
◦ Use your Cornell notes page to write down 1 academy at each
high school that you wish to learn more about
ACADEMIES:
International Baccalaureate Program Challenging and exciting courses with a focus on writing, thinking,
communicating and experimenting – no application needed Program stresses a global focus and prepares you for college Earn an internationally recognized diploma
Visual & Performing Arts (VAPA) Academy Relates to careers in the creative and performing arts Dance, Theatre, Art, Music
Academy of Finance, Business Management, and Marketing Relates to careers in the financial services industry Accounting, banking, entrepreneurship, financial planning,
marketing
Renaissance Academy Math, reading, writing and public speaking in the arts and sciences Prepares you for college
ACADEMIES:Health Careers Academy◦ Relates to careers in physical therapy, medical careers, wellness◦ Medical careers pathway – learn CPR, receive certification as a CNA, direct
patient care◦ Health careers – focus on science, math and healthcare
Broadcast Journalism & Communications Academy◦ Relates to careers in broadcasting, TV production, radio production, pod
casting and journalism◦ Work at Kennedy’s TV station, take courses in journalism and media
production
International Baccalaureate Program◦ Challenging and exciting courses with a focus on writing, thinking,
communicating and experimenting – no application needed◦ Program stresses a global focus and prepares you for college◦ Earn an internationally recognized diploma
Business Management Academy• Relates to careers as a small business owner, marketing, management,
economics, stock market• Take courses in accounting, business management, software applications
Special Programs: Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Leadership, military history, military law, drill team
ACADEMIES:
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math◦ Relates to careers in engineering, computer science, robotics, medicine, science
math and research◦ Take courses in computer programming, advanced math and science, engineering
Media, Music and the Arts◦ Relates to careers in film, radio, video, television, theater, literature, journalism,
photography ◦ Take courses in media arts, theatre, dance, music, photography, fashion design,
journalism
Entrepreneurship & Business Management◦ Relates to careers as a business owner and in the financial world◦ Take courses in marketing and advertising, finance and accounting, economics,
law, human resources
Human Service Professions◦ Relates to careers in physical therapy, fitness, emergency medical technician,
nursing, athletic training, teaching, social work, psychology◦ Take courses in child development, psychology, human development, anatomy
and physiology
International Studies & Law • Relates to careers in politics, law, international business, government• Take courses in global issues, justice, law and society, comparative governments
and religions
ACADEMIES:
Academy of Musical Theatre and Dance:
◦ Relates to careers in musical theater, dance, vocal music, and instrumental
music
◦ Take courses in vocal music, dance, drama, instrumental music
Montgomery College Middle College Program @ Northwood (MC2@N)
• Students are afforded the necessary opportunities to complete BOTH high
school graduation and an AS degree from Montgomery College
• Take classes on both the Northwood and Montgomery College campus
Academy of Politics, Advocacy, and Law
• Relates to careers in government, law enforcement, criminal justice, public
safety, law
• Take courses in justice, law and society and administration of justice
Academy of Humanities, Arts, and Media
◦ Relates to careers in film production, culture and languages, architecture, art
history, literary analysis, childcare
◦ Take courses in child development, video production, world languages, art,
music, theatre
Academy of Technology, Environmental and Systems Sciences
take courses in environmental science, computers, engineering
ACADEMIES:
Bioscience Academy
◦ Related to careers in medicine, biomedical research, healthcare
◦ Take courses in human body systems, medical interventions, biology,
biomedical science
Academy of Information Technology
◦ Related to careers in web design, game development, graphic arts, computer
animation, programming
◦ Take courses in software applications, digital media, digital art, web design
Academy of Engineering
◦ Related to careers in all engineering fields
◦ Take courses in engineering design, digital electronics, civil engineering and
architecture
◦ Strong emphasis on critical problem solving skills
Institute for Global and Cultural Studies (IGCS)
◦ 3 pathways - digital music, digital art , global studies
◦ Related to careers in leadership roles, graphic design, music fields
◦ Take courses in music technology, digital art, photography, global issues
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBr2kJoA4M0
• School Enrollment
• Location
◦ Distance from your home
◦ Explore your bus route and consider how it will fit into your
day:http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/transportation/busroutes/
Kennedy
Northwood
Blair
Wheaton
Einstein
Available to all MCPS students - competitive
Applications available on-line and in counseling office towards
end of September
Applications due on November 6 (except VAC and Edison)
Testing - December 5 (except VAC & Edison)
Teacher recommendations needed - see applications for details
1. International Baccalaureate – Richard Montgomery HS
2. Global Ecology – Poolesville HS
3. Science, Math, Computer Science – Blair HS
4. Thomas Edison HS of Technology - grades 10 -12
5. Visual Art Center (VAC) - Einstein HS
◦ Contact Coordinator for a portfolio review
1. Leadership Training Institute (LTI)* @ Kennedy HS
2. Biomedical Program @ Wheaton HS
3. Engineering Program @ Wheaton HS
4. Communication Arts Program (CAP) @ Blair HS
Available to students living in the DCC or attending a DCC middle
school only
Applications due on November 6
Recommendations needed – see application packet for details
Testing - December 5 (* no testing for LTI)
Think about your career interests, skills and favorite subjects.
Think about which academies match the above. Review the academies you wrote down. Explore the academies that interest you most further
by going to the high school’s website and by asking questions at the options fair and/or open houses.
Think about what schools fit you best based on your favorite academies.
Discuss what is important in choosing a high school with your parents (location, academies, etc.).
Share what you’ve learned about academies.
Ask questions about anything you need more information about.
Visit high school websites to research academies.
Start by navigating to the DCC website –
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/downc
ounty/
Attend all high school open houses in October to
experience the school in person.
Open House Schedule:
◦ October 1 - Kennedy HS
◦ October 5 – Blair HS
◦ October 14 – Northwood HS
◦ October 19 – Einstein HS
◦ October 26 – Wheaton HS
Complete your Choice Form with as
much information as you can gather!
Be assured that ALL 5 high schools
will provide you an excellent
education and that your varied
interests can be met at all 5 schools
Every 8th grade student that lives in the DCC must complete and return a signed choice form.
You will receive your choiceform in the mail - check your mailbox!
Choice Forms are due in the counseling office on or before November 6.
Your base school is guaranteed if it is indicated as your first choice on your Choice form.
Choices may not be changed once they are submitted into the Round 1 lottery.
High School Choice-Explore your options
I See Me In ALL Three!
Three Great Schools, Three Great Choices!
What is High School Choice?
Grade 8 Students attending a Northeast
Consortium (NEC) middle school or
residing in the NEC attendance area
rank in order of preference the high
school they would like to attend on a
lottery Choice form during the fall of their
Grade 8 year.
Learn…
There are THREE GREAT NEC high
schools to choose from:
James Hubert Blake
Paint Branch
Springbrook
Do your research and explore them all
Keep an open mind and consider your
interests.
Become Informed…• Visit ALL of the high school open houses:
October 8 – Springbrook HS October 22 – James Hubert Blake HS October 29 – Paint Branch HS
• After each open house, ask yourself:
How does the Signature appeal to me? Do I feel that this school is a good fit for me? Do I think I could make connections with the staff and
students here? Are there courses offered that interest me?
• Attend a game, play or school event at the high schools
• Explore the 3 high schools’ web pages which can be linked to from the NEC website -http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/nec/
How are they different?
Each HS has a different Signature
What is a Signature?
Program designed around specific career
themes
Variety of course offerings in the thematic
area
Appeals to students’ interests
Guest speakers, field trips, business
partnerships related to the theme
Opportunities for capstone projects
(independent study projects) and possible
internships
James Hubert Blake
Signature Programs:
Fine Arts & Media • 3 different course pathways in the performing arts (dance, theatre,
music), visual arts (art, photography, fashion) and media (video production, digital art, journalism)
Humanities and Public Service• Humanities course pathway includes English, cultural and world studies,
and foreign languages
• Public service pathways include child studies, teacher education and social science
Business and Consumer Science• Accounting, economics, business management, finance and marketing
as well as information technology
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Academy
• Environmental science, geophysics, engineering,
construction technology, math, medical science
SIGNATURE SCHOOL FOR
FINE ARTS & HUMANITIES
Paint Branch High School
Signature Programs:
Media Arts
• Broadcast journalism, digital art, radio, drama, theatre
Science, Medical Careers and Pharmacy
• Medical sciences and professions, pharmaceutical profession
Academy of Finance
• Learn about banking, money management, stock market
Academy of Engineering Technology
• All fields of engineering
Restaurant Management
• Food service, culinary arts, in-school managed restaurant
NJROTC
• Leadership, national security, military careers
Child Development and Teaching Academy
• Explore working with children
SIGNATURE : SCIENCE AND MEDIA
Springbrook High School
Signatures:
• MYP – Middle Years Program
• 9th & 10th grade focus on intercultural sensitivity, global awareness and critical thinking
• Foreign Language options – Arabic, French, Spanish, German, & Italian
• Personal project in 10th grade
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
College prep, rigor, global perspective – earn an internationally recognized diploma
• Academy of Information Technology
Web design, computer science or computer network strand
Programming for Xbox and Zune
Women in Technology Group
• Justice, Law and Society
Law enforcement, forensics, justice system, Homeland Security
• Hospitality Management Program
• Food service, culinary arts, restaurant industry approved curriculum
• Child Development Pathway
SIGNATURE: IB WORLD AND
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Location
Blake HS Paint Branch
Springbrook HS
James Hubert Blake:
Norwood Road
Silver Spring
Paint Branch :
Old Columbia Pike
Burtonsville
Springbrook:
Valley Brook Drive
Silver Spring
Application Programs
1. International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
• Richard Montgomery HS in Rockville
• Info Night – Oct. 27
2. Global Ecology House
• Poolesville HS
• Info Night - Oct. 5
3. Science, Math, and Computer Science Magnet –
• Blair HS in Silver Spring
• Info Night – Oct. 22
4. Visual Art Center (VAC)
• Einstein HS in Kensington
• Meet with Coordinators and share your art portfolio
5. Thomas Edison HS of Technology – grades 10 - 12
Application Programs
• Highly competitive , limited number of seats
• Application packets available on-line (by end of Sept.) and in
counseling office
• Applications due on November 6
• Teacher recommendations needed
• Testing – December 5
• Notified in early February
Reconsider
Review the Signature Programs on your notes pages.
Explore how each Signature interests you.
Think about how each school fits you best based on your interests.
Consider whether you want to apply to a special program
Talk
Discuss what is important in choosing a high school (future goals, skills, location, Signature, etc.).
Share what you’ve learned about each Signature.
Ask questions about anything you need more information about.
Do more research on your Options…
Visit high school websites to do additional
research on the Signatures:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/
nec/
Visit mcps website to learn more about
application programs:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curricul
um/specialprograms/admissions/applications.a
spx
Complete
Complete your Choice Form by ranking
your choices (3 different choices) in order
of preference
Be assured that ALL 3 high schools will
provide you an excellent education and
that your varied interests can be met at all
3 schools
Your Choice Form Every 8th grade student that
lives in the NEC must complete and return a signed choice form.
You will receive your choice form in the mail towards the end of Oct. -- check your mailbox.
Turn in your choice form to your counselor on or before November 6.
Your base school is guaranteed if it is indicated as your first choice on your Choice form.
Choices may not be changed once they are submitted into the Round 1 lottery.
• Which two academies interest you the most?
• If you had to fill out your choice form today, what high
school would your place as 1st choice? 2nd choice?
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