Special Programs → Middle School Programs

Grade 5 Central Review for Enrichment and Middle School Criteria Programs

The grade 5 central review process looks at school system performance data of grade 5 students in December. Students whose data meet the criteria for enriched and accelerated instruction in middle school are centrally recommended for one or two enriched and accelerated courses at their local middle school and placed in the candidate pool for one or both of the corresponding regional middle school criteria-based programs; the Humanities and Communication program and/or the Math, Science, Computer Science program. It is not necessary for current MCPS students to submit an application for consideration.

Information For the 2024-2025 school year

 2024-2025 Timeline 

• September, 27 2024- Letter explaining the process sent to grade 5 families  (English   español)
• October 21, 2024- Middle School Magnet (Criteria Based) Parent Presentation
• Upcounty (Roberto Clemente and Martin Luther King Middle Schools)
  • Presentation in English
  • Presentación en español
• Downcounty (Eastern and Takoma Park Middle Schools)
  • Presentation in English
  • Presentación en español
• December 2024/ January 2025
  • Data collection and review.  No application necessary for current MCPS students.
  • Deadline for private/homeschooled students to submit documents- 12/2/2024 (more information) 
  • Lottery conducted
• Late January 2025 - Parent Notification of Central Review and lottery results
• February 3, 2025 - Deadline to appeal Level I Central Review results
• February 25, 2025 - Level I Appeal Results sent to families
• March 10, 2025 - Deadline to appeal Level II Central Review results
• April 10, 2025 - Level II Appeal Results sent to families

 2024-2025 Resources

• Grade 5 Central Review Process for MS Enrichment Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (Preguntas frecuentes en español)
• Information for private and homeschooled families and those new to MCPS
• Middle School Programs Flyer
• Family letter explaining the Central Review Process  (English   español)

Updated 4/3/2025

New school for Rising grade 6 and 7 students

MECCA Business Learning Institute (MBLI) Public Charter School

Montgomery County Public Schools Board of Education approved this charter school to begin in school year 2025-2026 for rising Grade 6 and 7 students. Over time, this charter school will include Grades 6 -12 students. The curriculum theme includes:

• • Business-focused career academy
  • Integrates business principles, entrepreneurship, and career readiness into the core curriculum
  • Hands-on learning, business-centered projects, and career development opportunities

Interested students may apply by December 16, 2024 for entry in 2025-2026. If more requests are submitted, a lottery will be conducted.
For more information:
Visit their website at: https://www.mbli-md.org/
Review their academy Information Sheet

Updated 11/1/2024