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 (MC 2 @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/
Wheaton Kennedy Northwood Einstein Blair
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 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. 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 8 th grade student that lives in the DCC must complete and return a signed choice form. You will receive your choice form 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 SCHOOL FOR FINE ARTS & HUMANITIES 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
Paint Branch High School SIGNATURE : SCIENCE AND MEDIA 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
Signatures: MYP Middle Years Program Springbrook High School 9 th & 10 th grade focus on intercultural sensitivity, global awareness and critical thinking Foreign Language options Arabic, French, Spanish, German, & Italian Personal project in 10 th 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
James Hubert Blake: Norwood Road Silver Spring Blake HS Location Paint Branch Paint Branch : Old Columbia Pike Burtonsville Springbrook HS 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
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. Talk
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 8 th 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 1 st choice? 2 nd choice?