High School Regional Programs ⟶ Program Themes ⟶ Design

Fashion Design & Graphic Design

MCPS regional Design programs provide students with a strong foundation in drawing, specialized media skills, and authentic, real‑world arts experiences. Through rigorous studio practice and industry‑aligned coursework, students are prepared for postsecondary opportunities in the arts—whether pursuing a college degree or entering the creative workforce directly after high school.

The Design programs emphasize creativity, technical skill development, and professional readiness. Students build competitive portfolios, explore career‑focused design disciplines, and engage in applied learning experiences that mirror professional design practices.

Core Experiences

MSDE Arts Pathway Diploma Seal
Industry Recognized Credential (IRC) in Adobe
Career experiences with MCPS Partners

Program Goals

Develop Foundational Knowledge and Skills in the Arts
Students in the MCPS Regional Visual Art & Design programs will develop competitive portfolios featuring both drawing and media specific skills.
Provide Hands-On, Real-World Experience in the Arts
Have the opportunity to earn industry recognized credentials related to their media and/or business marketing or entrepreneurship, while designing and implementing a capstone project related to their chosen career focus with support from MCPS partners.
Foster College, Career, and/or Community Pathways in the Arts
Support students in exploring and pursuing postsecondary education and careers in the arts by offering certifications, dual enrollment opportunities, and engagement with industry professionals equipping them to complete the MSDE Arts Pathway Diploma Seal requirements.

Application & Locations

Application: Interest-based application

Schools:

Region 1: Einstein (Graphic Design)
Region 2: Blake (Fashion)
Region 3: Woodward (Fashion)
Region 4: Churchill (Fashion)
Region 5: Gaithersburg (Fashion)
Region 6: Northwest (Graphic Design)

Course Progression

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

Pathway 1: Fashion Design

6–8	Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
Career & College Advising
	Fashion Illustration 1	Fashion Production 2	AP Drawing DP or IB Design 1 or Dual Enrollment Students propose capstone project	AP 2D or 3D Visual Art or IB Design 2 Capstone
	Fashion Production 1	Fashion Illustration 2 or World Language or Level 1 Business/Management Course		AP 2D or 3D Visual Art or IB Design 2 Capstone
	English	English	English	English
	Math	Math	Math	Math
	Science	Science	Science	Elective (PE, Technology or Health)
	Social Studies	Social Studies	Social Studies	Elective (PE, Technology or Health)
	World Language	Elective (PE, Technology or Health)	AP Art History A/B or Fashion Production 3 or World Language or Level 2 Business/Management Course	AP Art History or Fashion Production 4 or Level 3 Business/Management Course

Pathway 2: Graphic Design

Grades 6–8	Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
Career & College Advising
	Studio Art 1	Graphic Art & Design 2	AP Drawing DP or IB Design 1 or Dual Enrollment Students propose capstone project	AP 2D or 3D Visual Art or IB Design 2 Capstone Project
	Graphic Art & Design 1	Animation 2 or World Language		AP 2D or 3D Visual Art or IB Design 2 Capstone Project
	English	English	English	English
	Math	Math	Math	Math
	Science	Science	Science	Elective (PE, Technology or Health)
	Social Studies	Social Studies	Social Studies	Elective (PE, Technology or Health)
	World Language	Elective (PE, Technology or Health)	AP Art History A/B or Graphic Art & Design 3 or Animation 3 or World Language	AP Art History or Graphic Art & Design 4 or Animation 4 or World Language

Program Requirements

In addition to MCPS graduation requirements, students must complete the following to remain enrolled in the Design or Fashion Design Program and earn the related certificate:

Fashion Design

Fashion Core (3 credits)
- Fashion Illustration 1
- Fashion Production 1 & 2
- Completion of Capstone Project
Art Core (2-4 credits)
- AP Drawing Double Period or IB Design
- AP 2D or 3D Visual Art Double Period or IB Design 2
- or Dual Enrollment options
Focus (3 credits)
- Fashion
  - Fashion Illustration 2
  - Fashion Production 3 & 4 or Fashion Production 3 & AP Art History
- World Languages
  - Completion of Seal of Biliteracy and 3 related world language credits
- Fine Art Business/Management
  - Level 1 & 2 Business/Management courses
  - Level 3 Business/Management courses or work-based learning

Graphic Design

Design Core (3 credits)
- Studio Art 1
- Graphic Art & Design 1 & 2
- Completion of Capstone Project
Art Core (2-4 credits)
- AP Drawing Double Period or IB Design
- AP 2D or 3D Visual Art Double Period or IB Design 2
- or Dual Enrollment options
Focus (3)
- Design
  - Animation 2
  - 2 credits from Animation 3 & 4, Graphic Art & Design 3 & 4 or AP Art History
- World Languages
  - Completion of Seal of Biliteracy and 3 related world language credits