Skip to main content

Special Programs → Admissions → Application Forms

Admission Process
(Regional/countywide programs)

Click the tab for the student's current grade level.

Information - Grade 3 Central Review Process

  • No Application necessary for current MCPS students.  All grade 3 MCPS students will be centrally reviewed.
  • Students who meet criteria will receive literacy enrichment either at their home school or in a regional Center for Enriched Studies (CES)
  • February/March - Data collected from 2nd Marking Period
  • MCPS residents currently in grade 3 and who attend private school or are home schooled may submit documents for review- see the CES Page for directions.
  • Early Spring- Lottery conducted 
  • Late Spring  - Notification of results

Please see the CES Page for more detailed information about the CES Program, Central Review and Lottery Process.  

Have additional questions?

  • Visit the CES Page
  • Contact the Department of Consortia and Application Program Services by emailing DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org  

Last Update: December 16, 2025

Information - Grade 5 Central Review Process

  • No Application necessary for current MCPS students.  All grade 5 MCPS students will be centrally reviewed.
  • Students who meet criteria will receive enrichment in humanities and/or mathematics at their home or a regional magnet program.
  • November/December - Data collected from 1st Marking Period
  • MCPS residents currently in grade 5 and who attend private school or are home schooled may submit documents for review - see Middle School Magnet (Criteria Based) Page
  • December/January - Lottery conducted
  • Mid January - Notification of results

More information available on the Middle School Magnet (Criteria Based) Page

Program Specific Information 

 

Have additional questions? 

Last Update: December 16, 2025

High School Special Programs

Grade 8 High School Regional and Countywide Programs Timeline

  • September - High School Preview Presentation 
  • Early October - Application opens on ParentVUE
  • Early November - Application deadline 
  • Early February - Notification of results

Please visit the  Special Programs High School page to learn about the many programs available and specific dates for the current school year. 

Have additional questions?

Contact Department of Consortia and Application Program Services by emailing DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org 

Last Update: December 12, 2025