HS program application this Fall for incoming 8th graders?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The possible change to regions will not happen until fall 2027, and final decisions about the new programs will not even be made until December 2025 or later.

The main question is whether MCPS will make any specific reassurances or guarantees to this fall's applicants or not. For example, they could theoretically say "We commit that students starting a program in fall 2026 (or earlier) will be able to finish out that program.". If you would like that kind of information/reassurance, I would highly suggest you contact the Board of Ed *now*.to demand that, so they have time to put pressure on MCPS to make a statement like that by early fall.

I would suggest that anyone with a rising 8th grader who might be interested in a program (or rising 5th grader, honestly-- there's been less talk about middle school so far but they are supposed to assess and potentially change those programs too) to fill out their questions/feedback form asking what the impact will be: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fCkz2b1rVr60QIatOoSPXCLD7f1YlRRDCn3VbHrBx-o/viewform?edit_requested=true

Contacting Board of Ed members would be good too, and maybe even signing up to testify at the next board meeting on July 24th. And if you can get your kid to do any of these things as well, that would be even more powerful...

I personally find it a little uncomfortable when younger kids testify. Like, clearly their parent put them up to it and they are parroting what the parent says and thinks. I fully think kids have feelings about certain things and should have an avenue to communicate and advocate, but a lot of the testimony from ES age kids can feel like a bit of exploitation.

I think in some cases that's true and in others the ES kids really do have strong feelings themselves that they want to convey. But I hear you on that.

But by 8th grade, kids absolutely are often deeply invested in the decision about their high school plans (not just based on what their parents think), and the current lack of clarity genuinely puts them in an extremely tough spot. And I strongly suspect the Board would be more sympathetic to hearing that from the kids themselves than their parents.

+1. Thinking that an 8th grader doesn’t have the capacity to have strong opinions about future plans is false. Many kids have seen older siblings or friends apply for special programs and had planned to follow their example.

That said, not sure what anyone (young or old) can intelligently say about plans that are entirely unclear from McPS. You can’t stop change, but when there’s no clarity as to how that change will be conducted-how can you determine whether it’s favorable or not? Not sure why MCPS takes so long to make these decisions and yet provides such scant information.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The possible change to regions will not happen until fall 2027, and final decisions about the new programs will not even be made until December 2025 or later.

The main question is whether MCPS will make any specific reassurances or guarantees to this fall's applicants or not. For example, they could theoretically say "We commit that students starting a program in fall 2026 (or earlier) will be able to finish out that program.". If you would like that kind of information/reassurance, I would highly suggest you contact the Board of Ed *now*.to demand that, so they have time to put pressure on MCPS to make a statement like that by early fall.

I would suggest that anyone with a rising 8th grader who might be interested in a program (or rising 5th grader, honestly-- there's been less talk about middle school so far but they are supposed to assess and potentially change those programs too) to fill out their questions/feedback form asking what the impact will be: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fCkz2b1rVr60QIatOoSPXCLD7f1YlRRDCn3VbHrBx-o/viewform?edit_requested=true

Contacting Board of Ed members would be good too, and maybe even signing up to testify at the next board meeting on July 24th. And if you can get your kid to do any of these things as well, that would be even more powerful...

I personally find it a little uncomfortable when younger kids testify. Like, clearly their parent put them up to it and they are parroting what the parent says and thinks. I fully think kids have feelings about certain things and should have an avenue to communicate and advocate, but a lot of the testimony from ES age kids can feel like a bit of exploitation.

I think in some cases that's true and in others the ES kids really do have strong feelings themselves that they want to convey. But I hear you on that.

But by 8th grade, kids absolutely are often deeply invested in the decision about their high school plans (not just based on what their parents think), and the current lack of clarity genuinely puts them in an extremely tough spot. And I strongly suspect the Board would be more sympathetic to hearing that from the kids themselves than their parents.

+1. Thinking that an 8th grader doesn’t have the capacity to have strong opinions about future plans is false. Many kids have seen older siblings or friends apply for special programs and had planned to follow their example.

That said, not sure what anyone (young or old) can intelligently say about plans that are entirely unclear from McPS. You can’t stop change, but when there’s no clarity as to how that change will be conducted-how can you determine whether it’s favorable or not? Not sure why MCPS takes so long to make these decisions and yet provides such scant information.

I wasn’t talking about 8th graders. I was referring to elementary kids. Apologies if I wasn’t more clear. I agree some 8th graders care about this and would absolutely have opinions of their own. Although honestly the vast majority expect to simply move on to the high school in their cluster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The possible change to regions will not happen until fall 2027, and final decisions about the new programs will not even be made until December 2025 or later.

The main question is whether MCPS will make any specific reassurances or guarantees to this fall's applicants or not. For example, they could theoretically say "We commit that students starting a program in fall 2026 (or earlier) will be able to finish out that program.". If you would like that kind of information/reassurance, I would highly suggest you contact the Board of Ed *now*.to demand that, so they have time to put pressure on MCPS to make a statement like that by early fall.

Why? Why should parents have to contact BOE? Why can't mcps do this without any parental involvements?

I mean, yes, of course, ideally MCPS would do this proactively. But you've gotta work with the MCPS you have, not the MCPS you wish you had. I don't have a rising 8th grader or 5th grader, but if I did, I would certainly be reaching out to push for clarity on this, rather than staying silent because I "shouldn't have to" and maybe going partway or all the way through the application season without any answers...

This is the answer. People are always complaining that their voice is not heard, or that things are not as they would wish. Here you have a prime opportunity to make your voice heard, and the perfect avenue by which to do it (surveys, office hours, BOE testimony, writing to CO /BOE members on the Program Analysis) and yet you would take it because "Why should parents have to contact BOE?". If Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda was a bank it'd would be rich.

The Story of Everybody, Somebody, Anybody And Nobody

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job.
Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

I do have a rising 8th grader. But honestly, I watched the McPS board meeting online with Taylor and his minions on the upcoming changes and very little was said other than that they weren’t going to make any decisions until next year. The head of academic programs lady didn’t even know that these changes would be subject to McPs board approval (Taylor had to correct her.). So I can write umpteen letters to the MCPS board asking for clarity for my 8th grader who is going to be stuck in this situation of being the last on the current system, and may end up with a poorly resourced program because it’s being discontinued in its current form.

But if MCPS is moving slowly in its work and not providing much information, not sure what begging for more clarity will accomplish (by October 2025 anyway.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The possible change to regions will not happen until fall 2027, and final decisions about the new programs will not even be made until December 2025 or later.

The main question is whether MCPS will make any specific reassurances or guarantees to this fall's applicants or not. For example, they could theoretically say "We commit that students starting a program in fall 2026 (or earlier) will be able to finish out that program.". If you would like that kind of information/reassurance, I would highly suggest you contact the Board of Ed *now*.to demand that, so they have time to put pressure on MCPS to make a statement like that by early fall.

Why? Why should parents have to contact BOE? Why can't mcps do this without any parental involvements?

I mean, yes, of course, ideally MCPS would do this proactively. But you've gotta work with the MCPS you have, not the MCPS you wish you had. I don't have a rising 8th grader or 5th grader, but if I did, I would certainly be reaching out to push for clarity on this, rather than staying silent because I "shouldn't have to" and maybe going partway or all the way through the application season without any answers...

This is the answer. People are always complaining that their voice is not heard, or that things are not as they would wish. Here you have a prime opportunity to make your voice heard, and the perfect avenue by which to do it (surveys, office hours, BOE testimony, writing to CO /BOE members on the Program Analysis) and yet you would take it because "Why should parents have to contact BOE?". If Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda was a bank it'd would be rich.

The Story of Everybody, Somebody, Anybody And Nobody

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job.
Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

I do have a rising 8th grader. But honestly, I watched the McPS board meeting online with Taylor and his minions on the upcoming changes and very little was said other than that they weren’t going to make any decisions until next year. The head of academic programs lady didn’t even know that these changes would be subject to McPs board approval (Taylor had to correct her.). So I can write umpteen letters to the MCPS board asking for clarity for my 8th grader who is going to be stuck in this situation of being the last on the current system, and may end up with a poorly resourced program because it’s being discontinued in its current form.

But if MCPS is moving slowly in its work and not providing much information, not sure what begging for more clarity will accomplish (by October 2025 anyway.)

The point is you won't know if you don't ask or write the letter or fill in the form with your question. Heck fill in the question form multiple times with different questions. As a 8th grade parent, you have every right to ask questions like:

1) When will it be determined what programs and being sunset and when?
2) Given that upcoming 8th graders (SY25-26) will be looking at High School programs in October 2025, will they have enough information about changes for SY(26-27) and beyond to make informed decisions?
3) What are the thoughts on the implementation of programs across regions (e.g. all at once, phased in by specific program,)
4) Has anyone provided information about this changes and had discussion directly with MS Principals, PTAs, and family groups, as they are the ones mostly likely to see the most impact and need to be aware in order to make decisions?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The possible change to regions will not happen until fall 2027, and final decisions about the new programs will not even be made until December 2025 or later.

The main question is whether MCPS will make any specific reassurances or guarantees to this fall's applicants or not. For example, they could theoretically say "We commit that students starting a program in fall 2026 (or earlier) will be able to finish out that program.". If you would like that kind of information/reassurance, I would highly suggest you contact the Board of Ed *now*.to demand that, so they have time to put pressure on MCPS to make a statement like that by early fall.

Why? Why should parents have to contact BOE? Why can't mcps do this without any parental involvements?

I mean, yes, of course, ideally MCPS would do this proactively. But you've gotta work with the MCPS you have, not the MCPS you wish you had. I don't have a rising 8th grader or 5th grader, but if I did, I would certainly be reaching out to push for clarity on this, rather than staying silent because I "shouldn't have to" and maybe going partway or all the way through the application season without any answers...

This is the answer. People are always complaining that their voice is not heard, or that things are not as they would wish. Here you have a prime opportunity to make your voice heard, and the perfect avenue by which to do it (surveys, office hours, BOE testimony, writing to CO /BOE members on the Program Analysis) and yet you would take it because "Why should parents have to contact BOE?". If Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda was a bank it'd would be rich.

The Story of Everybody, Somebody, Anybody And Nobody

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job.
Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

I do have a rising 8th grader. But honestly, I watched the McPS board meeting online with Taylor and his minions on the upcoming changes and very little was said other than that they weren’t going to make any decisions until next year. The head of academic programs lady didn’t even know that these changes would be subject to McPs board approval (Taylor had to correct her.). So I can write umpteen letters to the MCPS board asking for clarity for my 8th grader who is going to be stuck in this situation of being the last on the current system, and may end up with a poorly resourced program because it’s being discontinued in its current form.

But if MCPS is moving slowly in its work and not providing much information, not sure what begging for more clarity will accomplish (by October 2025 anyway.)

The point is you won't know if you don't ask or write the letter or fill in the form with your question. Heck fill in the question form multiple times with different questions. As a 8th grade parent, you have every right to ask questions like:

1) When will it be determined what programs and being sunset and when?
2) Given that upcoming 8th graders (SY25-26) will be looking at High School programs in October 2025, will they have enough information about changes for SY(26-27) and beyond to make informed decisions?
3) What are the thoughts on the implementation of programs across regions (e.g. all at once, phased in by specific program,)
4) Has anyone provided information about this changes and had discussion directly with MS Principals, PTAs, and family groups, as they are the ones mostly likely to see the most impact and need to be aware in order to make decisions?

These are good questions, but the answers were mostly given in the last MCPS Board meeting and none of them are positive for incoming 8th graders.
1) Recommendations will be provided in early 2026 by MCPS for decision by MCPS Board in March 2026
2) No. How would that be possible, since the new program recommendations won't have been made by the time applications are due in October/November 2025, so how could MCPS say anything about how the existing programs will change?
3) How would "thoughts" matter now, given that MCPS won't make any recommendations til next year? What would be the format for communicating "thoughts?"
4) No. How can they provide information about a process that has barely begun?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The possible change to regions will not happen until fall 2027, and final decisions about the new programs will not even be made until December 2025 or later.

The main question is whether MCPS will make any specific reassurances or guarantees to this fall's applicants or not. For example, they could theoretically say "We commit that students starting a program in fall 2026 (or earlier) will be able to finish out that program.". If you would like that kind of information/reassurance, I would highly suggest you contact the Board of Ed *now*.to demand that, so they have time to put pressure on MCPS to make a statement like that by early fall.

Why? Why should parents have to contact BOE? Why can't mcps do this without any parental involvements?

I mean, yes, of course, ideally MCPS would do this proactively. But you've gotta work with the MCPS you have, not the MCPS you wish you had. I don't have a rising 8th grader or 5th grader, but if I did, I would certainly be reaching out to push for clarity on this, rather than staying silent because I "shouldn't have to" and maybe going partway or all the way through the application season without any answers...

This is the answer. People are always complaining that their voice is not heard, or that things are not as they would wish. Here you have a prime opportunity to make your voice heard, and the perfect avenue by which to do it (surveys, office hours, BOE testimony, writing to CO /BOE members on the Program Analysis) and yet you would take it because "Why should parents have to contact BOE?". If Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda was a bank it'd would be rich.

The Story of Everybody, Somebody, Anybody And Nobody

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job.
Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

I do have a rising 8th grader. But honestly, I watched the McPS board meeting online with Taylor and his minions on the upcoming changes and very little was said other than that they weren’t going to make any decisions until next year. The head of academic programs lady didn’t even know that these changes would be subject to McPs board approval (Taylor had to correct her.). So I can write umpteen letters to the MCPS board asking for clarity for my 8th grader who is going to be stuck in this situation of being the last on the current system, and may end up with a poorly resourced program because it’s being discontinued in its current form.

But if MCPS is moving slowly in its work and not providing much information, not sure what begging for more clarity will accomplish (by October 2025 anyway.)

The point is you won't know if you don't ask or write the letter or fill in the form with your question. Heck fill in the question form multiple times with different questions. As a 8th grade parent, you have every right to ask questions like:

1) When will it be determined what programs and being sunset and when?
2) Given that upcoming 8th graders (SY25-26) will be looking at High School programs in October 2025, will they have enough information about changes for SY(26-27) and beyond to make informed decisions?
3) What are the thoughts on the implementation of programs across regions (e.g. all at once, phased in by specific program,)
4) Has anyone provided information about this changes and had discussion directly with MS Principals, PTAs, and family groups, as they are the ones mostly likely to see the most impact and need to be aware in order to make decisions?

These are good questions, but the answers were mostly given in the last MCPS Board meeting and none of them are positive for incoming 8th graders.
1) Recommendations will be provided in early 2026 by MCPS for decision by MCPS Board in March 2026
2) No. How would that be possible, since the new program recommendations won't have been made by the time applications are due in October/November 2025, so how could MCPS say anything about how the existing programs will change?
3) How would "thoughts" matter now, given that MCPS won't make any recommendations til next year? What would be the format for communicating "thoughts?"
4) No. How can they provide information about a process that has barely begun?

The point of asking the questions continually is to emphasize that these are concerns of the community so they will think about and plan them sooner. You can’t be saying the new structure goes into effect with applications for Fall 2026 but the not explain what happens to kids currently in programs or those applying on Fall 2025.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The possible change to regions will not happen until fall 2027, and final decisions about the new programs will not even be made until December 2025 or later.

The main question is whether MCPS will make any specific reassurances or guarantees to this fall's applicants or not. For example, they could theoretically say "We commit that students starting a program in fall 2026 (or earlier) will be able to finish out that program.". If you would like that kind of information/reassurance, I would highly suggest you contact the Board of Ed *now*.to demand that, so they have time to put pressure on MCPS to make a statement like that by early fall.

Why? Why should parents have to contact BOE? Why can't mcps do this without any parental involvements?

I mean, yes, of course, ideally MCPS would do this proactively. But you've gotta work with the MCPS you have, not the MCPS you wish you had. I don't have a rising 8th grader or 5th grader, but if I did, I would certainly be reaching out to push for clarity on this, rather than staying silent because I "shouldn't have to" and maybe going partway or all the way through the application season without any answers...

This is the answer. People are always complaining that their voice is not heard, or that things are not as they would wish. Here you have a prime opportunity to make your voice heard, and the perfect avenue by which to do it (surveys, office hours, BOE testimony, writing to CO /BOE members on the Program Analysis) and yet you would take it because "Why should parents have to contact BOE?". If Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda was a bank it'd would be rich.

The Story of Everybody, Somebody, Anybody And Nobody

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job.
Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

I do have a rising 8th grader. But honestly, I watched the McPS board meeting online with Taylor and his minions on the upcoming changes and very little was said other than that they weren’t going to make any decisions until next year. The head of academic programs lady didn’t even know that these changes would be subject to McPs board approval (Taylor had to correct her.). So I can write umpteen letters to the MCPS board asking for clarity for my 8th grader who is going to be stuck in this situation of being the last on the current system, and may end up with a poorly resourced program because it’s being discontinued in its current form.

But if MCPS is moving slowly in its work and not providing much information, not sure what begging for more clarity will accomplish (by October 2025 anyway.)

The point is you won't know if you don't ask or write the letter or fill in the form with your question. Heck fill in the question form multiple times with different questions. As a 8th grade parent, you have every right to ask questions like:

1) When will it be determined what programs and being sunset and when?
2) Given that upcoming 8th graders (SY25-26) will be looking at High School programs in October 2025, will they have enough information about changes for SY(26-27) and beyond to make informed decisions?
3) What are the thoughts on the implementation of programs across regions (e.g. all at once, phased in by specific program,)
4) Has anyone provided information about this changes and had discussion directly with MS Principals, PTAs, and family groups, as they are the ones mostly likely to see the most impact and need to be aware in order to make decisions?

These are good questions, but the answers were mostly given in the last MCPS Board meeting and none of them are positive for incoming 8th graders.
1) Recommendations will be provided in early 2026 by MCPS for decision by MCPS Board in March 2026
2) No. How would that be possible, since the new program recommendations won't have been made by the time applications are due in October/November 2025, so how could MCPS say anything about how the existing programs will change?
3) How would "thoughts" matter now, given that MCPS won't make any recommendations til next year? What would be the format for communicating "thoughts?"
4) No. How can they provide information about a process that has barely begun?

The point of asking the questions continually is to emphasize that these are concerns of the community so they will think about and plan them sooner. You can’t be saying the new structure goes into effect with applications for Fall 2026 but the not explain what happens to kids currently in programs or those applying on Fall 2025.

Except that’s what will happen. I think kids should just plan to apply widely to what appeals under the old paradigm. Then before acceptances roll in, MCPS will hopefully have their info and program plans straightened out enough so that once you have acceptances/options, you can make your decision. You’re also not bound to any program, so you can accept the spot and then choose to release it and return to your home school if further info becomes available. The applications are very brief for these programs. It’s not particularly time consuming to apply. But yes, I agree, it would be much better if MCPS gave people the info before all of this.

[Anonymous]

There’s another thread on DCUM discussing how MECCA is being managed—it seems they don’t even have the staff for it. I have no illusions about high school programs being handled any better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There’s another thread on DCUM discussing how MECCA is being managed—it seems they don’t even have the staff for it. I have no illusions about high school programs being handled any better.

MECCA is a completely separate situation. It’s a a charter school not managed by AEI department or MCPS. MCPS supports and has ultimate oversight authority from the place of reauthorizing the charter.

If anything this makes MCPS look positive as they were the ones saying No to the charter and getting pushed into it by MSDE and the State. Folks under estimate how much time effort and money is involved on a school. Particularly if you want it to be remotely fair and if you are serving MS/HS population.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The possible change to regions will not happen until fall 2027, and final decisions about the new programs will not even be made until December 2025 or later.

The main question is whether MCPS will make any specific reassurances or guarantees to this fall's applicants or not. For example, they could theoretically say "We commit that students starting a program in fall 2026 (or earlier) will be able to finish out that program.". If you would like that kind of information/reassurance, I would highly suggest you contact the Board of Ed *now*.to demand that, so they have time to put pressure on MCPS to make a statement like that by early fall.

Why? Why should parents have to contact BOE? Why can't mcps do this without any parental involvements?

I mean, yes, of course, ideally MCPS would do this proactively. But you've gotta work with the MCPS you have, not the MCPS you wish you had. I don't have a rising 8th grader or 5th grader, but if I did, I would certainly be reaching out to push for clarity on this, rather than staying silent because I "shouldn't have to" and maybe going partway or all the way through the application season without any answers...

This is the answer. People are always complaining that their voice is not heard, or that things are not as they would wish. Here you have a prime opportunity to make your voice heard, and the perfect avenue by which to do it (surveys, office hours, BOE testimony, writing to CO /BOE members on the Program Analysis) and yet you would take it because "Why should parents have to contact BOE?". If Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda was a bank it'd would be rich.

The Story of Everybody, Somebody, Anybody And Nobody

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job.
Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

I do have a rising 8th grader. But honestly, I watched the McPS board meeting online with Taylor and his minions on the upcoming changes and very little was said other than that they weren’t going to make any decisions until next year. The head of academic programs lady didn’t even know that these changes would be subject to McPs board approval (Taylor had to correct her.). So I can write umpteen letters to the MCPS board asking for clarity for my 8th grader who is going to be stuck in this situation of being the last on the current system, and may end up with a poorly resourced program because it’s being discontinued in its current form.

But if MCPS is moving slowly in its work and not providing much information, not sure what begging for more clarity will accomplish (by October 2025 anyway.)

The point is you won't know if you don't ask or write the letter or fill in the form with your question. Heck fill in the question form multiple times with different questions. As a 8th grade parent, you have every right to ask questions like:

1) When will it be determined what programs and being sunset and when?
2) Given that upcoming 8th graders (SY25-26) will be looking at High School programs in October 2025, will they have enough information about changes for SY(26-27) and beyond to make informed decisions?
3) What are the thoughts on the implementation of programs across regions (e.g. all at once, phased in by specific program,)
4) Has anyone provided information about this changes and had discussion directly with MS Principals, PTAs, and family groups, as they are the ones mostly likely to see the most impact and need to be aware in order to make decisions?

These are good questions, but the answers were mostly given in the last MCPS Board meeting and none of them are positive for incoming 8th graders.
1) Recommendations will be provided in early 2026 by MCPS for decision by MCPS Board in March 2026
2) No. How would that be possible, since the new program recommendations won't have been made by the time applications are due in October/November 2025, so how could MCPS say anything about how the existing programs will change?
3) How would "thoughts" matter now, given that MCPS won't make any recommendations til next year? What would be the format for communicating "thoughts?"
4) No. How can they provide information about a process that has barely begun?

The point of asking the questions continually is to emphasize that these are concerns of the community so they will think about and plan them sooner. You can’t be saying the new structure goes into effect with applications for Fall 2026 but the not explain what happens to kids currently in programs or those applying on Fall 2025.

Except that’s what will happen. I think kids should just plan to apply widely to what appeals under the old paradigm. Then before acceptances roll in, MCPS will hopefully have their info and program plans straightened out enough so that once you have acceptances/options, you can make your decision. You’re also not bound to any program, so you can accept the spot and then choose to release it and return to your home school if further info becomes available. The applications are very brief for these programs. It’s not particularly time consuming to apply. But yes, I agree, it would be much better if MCPS gave people the info before all of this.

I hear you PP. I filled out the survey link and put in the questions plus a few additional ones about whether my rising 8th grader would have the option to move to one of the new program configurations if the one they are selected for is poorly resourced.


But honestly it’s a crap situation for the rising 8th graders like my kid-someone has to be the last in a dying program. There’s no way around it as it’s clear MCPs didn’t get its act together enough to have the options in place so the rising 8th graders know what will be changed in the following years.