Anonymous wrote:In Fairfax County about 10 years ago they had gifted and talented programs at neighborhood schools in addition to the magnets. It would consist of just a few hours of week of specialized classes but for my sister it was really helpful. (My parents didn't want her to bus across the county to a magnet school.)

Does this type of program exist in MCPS?

No.

In Fairfax County about 10 years ago they had gifted and talented programs at neighborhood schools in addition to the magnets. It would consist of just a few hours of week of specialized classes but for my sister it was really helpful. (My parents didn't want her to bus across the county to a magnet school.)

Does this type of program exist in MCPS?

All children in 3rd grade have the opportunity to test for placement into an HGC. The HGC will likely not be your current school, but student are assigned to an HGC based on their cluster.

Anonymous wrote:does every school have them? how do you get in and what does it consist of?

Certain schools have highly gifted centers that you test into for 4th and 5th grades.

Mcps almost got rid of the magnet program, but protesting ensued. It does have a program for end of es, ms and hs, but has very few spots relative to the large student body.
It can only take 1-2% of the student body, and Blair hs only takes 100/yr now. That is extremely low compared to other major school districts that seek to serve and challenge 5-10% as high-performing/gifted, depending on test results.

does every school have them? how do you get in and what does it consist of?