# 9/23/26 MCPS High School Center Programs Preview for Families of Current Grade 8 Students


**Body:** MCPS-MD
**Date:** September 22, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Education


This was a Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) informational meeting held on September 23, 2026, aimed at families of current eighth-grade students to preview high school center programs and application processes for the 2027-2028 school year. The meeting detailed the structure of regional center programs across six geographic regions, including specialized tracks in medical science, STEM, arts, leadership, and humanities. It explained the new rank-choice lottery application system allowing students to rank up to eight programs within their region, with criteria-based and interest-based admissions processes. The discussion included information on program eligibility, application timelines, transportation provisions, and the central review placement for distinguished students. While the meeting focused on academic program offerings and admissions logistics, it did not address procurement, contracting, or budgetary matters related to purchasing or vendor selection.

**Source:** MCPS-MD