Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is starting a high school Choice program in our area -- the Down County Consortium (DCC). The DCC Choice program will allow students to choose a high school based on their interests and career goals. Students will have the opportunity to work with small groups of teachers and students in one of the unique and challenging academies programs offered by each high school. Some of the academy programs available include International Baccalaureate, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Sports Medicine and Management, Human Services and more. The five high schools that make up the DCC are Montgomery Blair, Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy, Northwood, and Wheaton.

The new high school Choice program will affect 8th graders entering the 9th grade in the fall of 2004. School counselors will work closely with eighth graders so they can select their high school of choice by December 12, 2003. Students who participate will continue to benefit from this program well beyond high school.

Please contact Nancy Peckerar at (301) 649-8014 if you have any questions or visit the website at www.mcps.k12.md.us/schools/downcounty. The website has information available in six languages: English, Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese.