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High School Regional Programs ⟶ Program Themes ⟶ Design! Animation & Game

Animation & Game Development

The Animation & Game Program prepares students to create engaging two‑dimensional (2D) and three‑dimensional (3D) digital experiences for film, television, advertising, virtual reality, and interactive entertainment. As part of the MCPS Regional Visual Art & Design programs, students develop strong drawing foundations, specialized media skills, and real‑world arts experiences that prepare them for postsecondary education or entry into the creative workforce.

Students progress from foundational 2D motion graphics to professional‑level 3D modeling, rigging, rendering, and real‑time integration. Instruction mirrors production pipelines used by professional animation and game studios, providing students with authentic industry‑aligned skills and experiences.

 

Core Experiences

  • Cohorted coursework in animation and game development
  • MSDE Arts Pathway Diploma Seal
  • Industry Recognized Credentials in products such as Auutodesk or Adobe
  • Career experiences with MCPS Partners

 

Program Goals

  1. Develop Foundational Knowledge and Skills in the Arts: Students develop competitive portfolios demonstrating strong drawing skills and media‑specific technical abilities across animation and game development platforms.
  2. Provide Hands-On, Real-World Experience in the Arts: Students have opportunities to earn industry‑recognized credentials related to media production and/or business marketing or entrepreneurship while designing and implementing a capstone project aligned with their chosen career focus, supported by MCPS partners.
  3. Foster College, Career, and/or Community Pathways in the Arts: The program supports students in exploring and pursuing postsecondary education and careers in animation, game design, and related creative industries. Students gain access to certifications, dual‑enrollment opportunities, and engagement with industry professionals, preparing them to complete the MSDE Animation and Game Development Program of Study and the MSDE Arts Pathway Diploma Seal.

 

Application & Locations

Application: Interest-based application

Schools:

  • Region 2: Blake
  • Region 3: Woodward
  • Region 5: Gaithersburg

Course Progression

Below is a sample sequence of courses for students enrolled in the Animation & Game Development Program. Cells in purple are related to the program pathway. This is subject to change as the programs are developed.

Grades 6–8 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
College/Career Advising
Studio Art 1 Animation & Game Development 1 Animation & Game Development 2

Animation & Game Development 3 or

Work-Based Learning

 
Graphic Art &  Design 1

Digital Art or

Graphic Art & Design 2

 Art Elective or AP Computer Science Principles (if technology education credit is needed) Art Elective
Math Math Math Math
Science Science Science Elective (PE or Health)
Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies Elective (PE or Health)
English English English English
World Language World Language World Language or Elective World Language or Elective (PE, Technolgy or Health)

Program Requirements

In addition to MCPS requirements for graduation, all students must complete the following courses in order to remain enrolled in the Animation and Game Development Program and earn the related certificate:

  • Design Core (3 credits)
    • Studio Art 1
    • Graphic Art & Design 1
    • Graphic Art & Design 2 or Digital Art
  • Animation & Game Development Core (3 credits)
    • Animation & Game Development 1 & 2
    • Animation & Game Development 3 or related work-based experience
  • Electives (2 credits)
    • 2 credits of general art electives or
    • 1 credit of general art elective and 1 credit of AP Computer Science Principles (if technology education credit is needed)