Anonymous
Post 05/19/2026 14:44     Subject: When is the immersion lottery posted?
Anonymous wrote:Aside for those starting immersion programs -- There have been a few of us parents asking MCPS for guidance on the immersion programs as they relate to the new regional program boundaries. They assured a friend of mine that they would provide guidance before lottery results were out. However, that is not the case. They have said they are discussing changes to the immersion programs and pathways but nothing is finalized yet. So, be aware that even if you enroll now, things may change and you may not be able to continue down the road. Maybe they will grandfather people in???


I certainly don’t know but I’m guessing that if rising K and up are affected, it will be middle school pathways. I’m sorry they didn’t have guidance before lottery results were out, but those of us in the lower grades already are probably similarly affected.

I didn’t apply for the lottery this year but I wonder if the uncertainty could result in more declines /WL movement.
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2026 14:32     Subject: When is the immersion lottery posted?
Aside for those starting immersion programs -- There have been a few of us parents asking MCPS for guidance on the immersion programs as they relate to the new regional program boundaries. They assured a friend of mine that they would provide guidance before lottery results were out. However, that is not the case. They have said they are discussing changes to the immersion programs and pathways but nothing is finalized yet. So, be aware that even if you enroll now, things may change and you may not be able to continue down the road. Maybe they will grandfather people in???
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2026 14:13     Subject: When is the immersion lottery posted?
Anonymous wrote:Anyone have kids in 2 different immersion programs? We did not get our younger child into their siblings school, but they did get a spot in another program (different language). I wish they could prioritize keeping siblings together because the differences in bus routes is a lot for our family to manage. It kind of screws over our youngest.


My kids are 3rd and 7th and are going through two completely separate immersion pathways, but in the same language. Nearly all siblings of my 7th grader eventually got into the same school as the older child--they just apply for the lottery each year. Removing sibling preference is silly as 99% of my 7th grader's younger siblings eventually get into the same school (just not mine!!)
Anonymous
Post 05/19/2026 10:42     Subject: When is the immersion lottery posted?
Has anyone asked how many applications they got this year? I know it can vary quite a bit. I don't know for sure but I wouldn't be surprised if that is correlated to waitlist movement. (More applications, maybe some of them less serious, more movement?)
Anonymous
Post 05/18/2026 12:28     Subject: When is the immersion lottery posted?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Curious about the first grade numbers, specifically Page. I know most schools don’t draw much into the waitlist, but I think there is more movement generally for Page due to location? (We have a really low waitlist number but I now it’s no guarantee for first grade.)


I don’t have info about Page but it varies so much both because of the number of available spaces / initial offers and also whether anyone drops in the fall, both of which can have big impacts. I wonder if they’d tell you how far they got last year, though.


Yes you can ask how far they got last year - good luck, it’s a great program with one of the best principals in MCPS!
Anonymous
Post 05/18/2026 11:08     Subject: When is the immersion lottery posted?
I had a child at Sligo Creek (French) and another at Rock Creek Forest (Spanish). Ideally they would have been in the same language, but it was overall unproblematic for us. We counted ourselves lucky that the younger had the same opportunity as the older one. We didn’t have a transportation issue, though.
Anonymous
Post 05/18/2026 11:05     Subject: When is the immersion lottery posted?
Anonymous wrote:Anyone have kids in 2 different immersion programs? We did not get our younger child into their siblings school, but they did get a spot in another program (different language). I wish they could prioritize keeping siblings together because the differences in bus routes is a lot for our family to manage. It kind of screws over our youngest.


Not us (yet?), but we know a few families who do this. I understand why they got rid of the sibling link but I agree — I think there are better ways to run the lottery. Like a ranking system where you get the top choice still available if your number is drawn, for example. Good luck with your decision.
Anonymous
Post 05/18/2026 10:43     Subject: When is the immersion lottery posted?
Anyone have kids in 2 different immersion programs? We did not get our younger child into their siblings school, but they did get a spot in another program (different language). I wish they could prioritize keeping siblings together because the differences in bus routes is a lot for our family to manage. It kind of screws over our youngest.
Anonymous
Post 05/17/2026 22:23     Subject: When is the immersion lottery posted?
Anonymous wrote:Curious about the first grade numbers, specifically Page. I know most schools don’t draw much into the waitlist, but I think there is more movement generally for Page due to location? (We have a really low waitlist number but I now it’s no guarantee for first grade.)


I don’t have info about Page but it varies so much both because of the number of available spaces / initial offers and also whether anyone drops in the fall, both of which can have big impacts. I wonder if they’d tell you how far they got last year, though.
Anonymous
Post 05/17/2026 22:10     Subject: When is the immersion lottery posted?
Curious about the first grade numbers, specifically Page. I know most schools don’t draw much into the waitlist, but I think there is more movement generally for Page due to location? (We have a really low waitlist number but I now it’s no guarantee for first grade.)
Anonymous
Post 05/17/2026 22:08     Subject: When is the immersion lottery posted?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:We are 61 BRES, 41 PES, 31 maryvale. We really wanted Chinese. I guess that’s out of the question? How do we feel about maryvale.. is there a chance and is it worth it.


Unless you live in Potomac, you’re not getting into PES.


We are completely outside the Potomac district and got in before the start of the school year for kindergarten with 19 as our waitlist number. We ended up declining due to distance and no immersion bus. (This was last year.)
Anonymous
Post 05/17/2026 21:40     Subject: When is the immersion lottery posted?
Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know how far into the waitlist they go for WT Page (Spanish)? I have heard they reach very high numbers in previous years, but hoping to verify that info. We have a waitlist number in the late 50s and don't mind enrolling after classes have started.

We did receive an invitation two years ago in August, we were #54. They have two classes there, so you have a chance.
Anonymous
Post 05/17/2026 14:20     Subject: When is the immersion lottery posted?
Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know how far into the waitlist they go for WT Page (Spanish)? I have heard they reach very high numbers in previous years, but hoping to verify that info. We have a waitlist number in the late 50s and don't mind enrolling after classes have started.

I think your chances are good.
Anonymous
Post 05/17/2026 13:34     Subject: When is the immersion lottery posted?
Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know how far into the waitlist they go for WT Page (Spanish)? I have heard they reach very high numbers in previous years, but hoping to verify that info. We have a waitlist number in the late 50s and don't mind enrolling after classes have started.


I know they’ve gotten that high before, but I don’t know how consistently.
Anonymous
Post 05/17/2026 11:49     Subject: When is the immersion lottery posted?
Does anyone know how far into the waitlist they go for WT Page (Spanish)? I have heard they reach very high numbers in previous years, but hoping to verify that info. We have a waitlist number in the late 50s and don't mind enrolling after classes have started.