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DCC logoDowncounty Consortium (DCC)

The Downcounty Consortium includes five high schools and their feeder middle and elementary schools—Blair, Einstein, Kennedy, Northwood, and Wheaton. Each DCC high school offers distinctive academy programs designed to capture students’ interest, incorporate rigorous academic course work, explore possible career pathways, and bring real world relevance to students’ education.  Review the DCC process frequently asked questions.

More about the DCC

MCPS Academic Programs Analysis

MCPS conducted a districtwide analysis of academic programs available to students.  The goal of the study was to ensure that all students have access to high-quality programs and that programs available meet the needs of our community, industry demands, and maximize the use of resources.  Learn more about the project and changes to the DCC on the Academic Programs Analysis webpage.   

As a result of the study, the BOE voted to adopt a High School Regional Programs Model. 

Beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, high schools will be organized into six geographic regions, building on successful aspects of the Choice process and the consortium model.  In this new model, the lottery choice process will discontinue.  . Each region will offer a range of academic programs aligned to student interests and future opportunities, allowing more students to participate in specialized programs closer to home.To learn more about the Regional Model visit the High School Regional Programs webpage. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Downcounty Consortium Highlights

Change of Choice Information

Current 9th, 10th and 11th grade students who attend a DCC High School (Blair, Einstein, Kennedy, Northwood, or Wheaton) and would like to request a different DCC High School for the 2026-2027 school year, are eligible to participate in the DCC Change of Choice (COC) process. The deadline for submission is mid February of each year.  To learn more please read the FAQs.  

Enroll in DCC

Do you live within the DCC boundaries? Need to enroll your child in high school?

  1. Visit the MCPS enrollment page to learn more about the required documents needed for enrollment
  2. Contact DCAPS by email DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org  or call 240-740-7800 to make an appointment to complete your enrollment

Information for students attending private school or are home schooled

  •  Private and home schooled families who live in the DCC attendance area  should contact DCAPS to access the Choice Form 
    • 240-740-7800 or DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org

Appeal Information (for current Grade 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students)

  • An appeal process is in place for those who may have a unique and verifiable hardship or unforeseen circumstances that could warrant overriding the school assignment process.  The appeal process opens in March of each school year and closes in mid-April.   The 2026 deadline for appeals was April 10, 2026.
  • A submission past the deadline requires a reason to waive the deadline. Reasons for waiving the deadline could include new, verifiable information that was not available at the time of the deadline or a significant occurrence or issue that impacted the submission of the appeal. 
  • To appeal, you must submit a letter explaining the reason for the request to the director of DCAPS.  Please include your student's name, MCPS ID number, parent/guardian signature, and phone number.  This can be submitted electronically to DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org or sent via US Mail.  

Appeal FAQ's  

Optional Appeal Form  

Please email DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org or call 240-740-7800 if you have questions.  Please allow up to 3 business days for a response. 

 

Questions?

For additional information about the Choice process and/or the DCC, contact your child's school counselor, or call Department of Consortia and Application Program Services(DCAPS) office at 240-740-7800 or email DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org.  

 

Last Update: 1/8/2025

 

Blair High School

Academy Programs

  • Entrepreneurship & Business Management
  • Human Service Professions
  • International Studies & Law
  • Media, Music, and The Arts
  • Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

More about the accademy programs at Blair HS

Application-Only Programs

Albert Einstein High School

Academy Programs

  • International Baccalaureate Academy & Diploma Program
  • Academy of Finance, Careers & Technology  
  • Renaissance Academy for College Readiness 
  • Visual and Performing Arts
  • Teacher Academy of Maryland 

More about the academy programs at Einstein HS  

Application-Only Programs

John F. Kennedy High School

Academy Programs

  • International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
  • Broadcast Journalism and Communications Academy
  • Health Care Professions Academy
  • Business Administration and Management Academy
  • Teacher Academy of Maryland 
  • Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC)

More about academy programs at Kennedy HS 
 

Signature Application-Only Programs

Regional Application-Only Programs

 

Northwood High School 

Northwood @ Woodward

Academy Programs

  • Technological, Environmental, and System Sciences (TESS)
  • Humanities, Arts, and Media (HAM)
  • Politics, Advocacy, and Law (PAL)
  • Music, Theatre and Dance (AMTAD)
  • Montgomery College Middle College  
  • Finance, Accounting, Marketing and Education (FAME)

More about academy programs at Northwood HS 
Northwood Academy Webpage

Application Program (interest based)

Montgomery College Middle College

 

Wheaton High School

Academy Programs

  • Bioscience Academy (PLTW)
  • Engineering Academy (PLTW)
  • Information Technology (AOIT)
  • Global Studies (GSA) 

More about academy programs at Wheaton HS

Application-Only Programs

Application Programs Open to DCC Students

Special Programs Open to ALL MCPS Students

Regional and Countywide Programs At-A-Glance (eligibility is based on home/assigned high school)

  •  Programs At-A-Glance (this document is being updated regularly please refer back for updated information)
 

All About the Lottery Choice Process

The Downcounty Consortium (DCC) Program Booklet has general and specific information about the five high schools in the DCC.