MCPS and Fashion Design

[Anonymous]

DD is in 8th grade and really interested in sewing/fashion design. I’ve signed her up for various classes all around the area (Bethesda, HoCo, Hyattsville). I’ve done my research and don’t believe any fashion/sewing classes are offered within MCPS.

Which route should I go to keep her engaged. I see Baltimore City has a fashion high school but it appears to be for only Baltimore City residents. Plus even if I could, it’s too far.

I found one fashion design class at a community college but it ended at 9:30 pm on school nights and was for adults.

Any ideas?

[Anonymous]

Stagecraft! If she gets involved with the drama/theater programs wherever she goes, so can potentially contribute to work with costumes (and sets and scenery, if she is so inclined). People with design and sewing/fabric arts skills are invaluable - and necessary - in that world.

[Anonymous]

Wasn’t there something about this in the most recent board of education update and/or things to know? I think I saw a blurb on a new program just yesterday but already deleted the relevant emails.

[Anonymous]

Blake high school has a fashion program as part of its signature fine arts program, with multiple classes in fashion illustration and fashion production. Not sure if those are available at other MCPS high schools, but you can check with the fine arts department of your high schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wasn’t there something about this in the most recent board of education update and/or things to know? I think I saw a blurb on a new program just yesterday but already deleted the relevant emails.

Here's the recent article: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/news/mcps-news/2025/09/fashion-programs/

It says the program started at Blake and is now in 9 schools this year: Clarksburg, Gaithersburg, James Hubert Blake, John F. Kennedy, Montgomery Blair, Northwood, Thomas S. Wootton, Watkins Mill and Winston Churchill

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wasn’t there something about this in the most recent board of education update and/or things to know? I think I saw a blurb on a new program just yesterday but already deleted the relevant emails.

Here's the recent article: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/news/mcps-news/2025/09/fashion-programs/

It says the program started at Blake and is now in 9 schools this year: Clarksburg, Gaithersburg, James Hubert Blake, John F. Kennedy, Montgomery Blair, Northwood, Thomas S. Wootton, Watkins Mill and Winston Churchill

Yes that was it. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I had no idea about these programs! Thanks!!!!

[Anonymous]

What has she studied thus far outside of fashion academics-wise?

If she wants to work in design, her aesthetic references are really important.