Maryland's Largest School District
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Recognizing that education is an individual experience that depends on the unique talents and interests of each person, the mission of the Science, Mathematics and Computer Science (SMCS) Program is to provide an environment in which each person's education is maximized by emphasizing the interrelationships among the disciplines, developing a repertoire of problem-solving techniques, and pursuing both independent and collaborative research projects.
To realize the above mission, the staff nurtures the special talents of its academically able students by fostering individualism, independent thinking, and self-confidence by challenging those students through a unique, diversified curriculum. The environment, structure, and content promote the self-learner concept in which students participate in constructing their own knowledge base and learn problem-solving strategies that foster the multidisciplinary approach. The scope of their education extends beyond traditional classroom boundaries as students are asked to connect with a community that includes not only parents, mentors, other students, and staff but also a physical environment as diverse as our region.
Selection Process: Criteria-based application. Students must be enrolled in Algebra 1 or higher level math class in grade 8 to be eligible.
Schools:
Due to the nature of the Science, Mathematics and Computer Science Programs, students are required to take eight classes each semester for all four years of high school. The eight classes may include internships in grades 11 & 12. The additional class period is added at the end of the school day. Students may still participate in athletics. Below is a sample sequence of courses for students enrolled in the Science, Mathematics and Computer Science Program. Cells in blue 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 | SMCS Internship | Grade 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Students participate in MCPS courses at their middle school or attend a middle school magnet program. By the end of 8th grade, students will need to have completed Integrated Algebra 1. Summer Enrichment & Preparation Career Advising, and claiming of RIASEC themes. Career Exploration |
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| Fundamentals of Computer Science A/B | Algorithms and Data Structures A/B | SMCS Elective |
Internship Completed during the summer between grades 11 and 12; some internships may continue through grade 12 and may earn graduation credit; internships can be with universities, research labs, etc. |
SMCS Elective | |
| Advanced Science 1: Physics (S1) Advanced Science 2: Chemistry (S2) |
Advanced Science 3: Earth Space Systems (S1) Foundations of Engineering Technology A (S2) |
Foundations of Engineering Technology B (S1)
Senior Research Project A (S2) |
Senior Research Project B (S1) SMCS Elective (S2) |
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| Research and Experimentation | Advanced Science 4: Biology | SMCS or General Elective | SMCS or General Elective | ||
|
Magnet Precalculus A/B or Magnet Functions |
Magnet Precalculus C/D or Magnet Analysis 1 |
Magnet Analysis 1 or SMCS Math Elective |
SMC Math Elective | ||
| English | English | English | English | ||
| Honors or AP US History | Honors or AP US Government (NSL) | Honors or AP Modern World History | SMCS or General Elective | ||
| Elective (PE or Fine Arts) | Elective (PE, Fine Arts or Health) | Elective (PE, Fine Arts or Health) | SMCS or General Elective | ||
| World Language | World Language | World Language or Elective | World Language or Elective |
In addition to the MCPS requirements for graduation, all students must take the following courses in order to remain enrolled in the Science, Mathematics and Computer Science Program and earn the related certificate upon graduation.