Residency and Nontraditional Student Enrollment 

Residency Specialists handle enrollments for students living in Montgomery County without their parents. 

Resident students: Students live in Montgomery County with their parents.

Nonresident students: Students live in Montgomery County without their parents or live outside of Montgomery County and wish to attend an MCPS school.

Residency status is determined solely by the residence of the biological, custodial, or adoptive parent.  Citizenship does not determine residency status.

In extreme crisis, students may qualify for a tuition waiver.  Tuition waivers may be granted for extreme crises such as the death of a parent, incarceration, serious medical conditions, or active military duty.  The residency specialist will work with families to determine whether they qualify and will require supporting documentation in such cases.

Nonresident, Tuition Paying Students

Students are enrolled as non-resident, tuition-paying students if they do not live in Montgomery County with their biological, custodial, or adoptive parents.

Estimated Tuition for 2025–2026 

• Elementary: $21,668

• Secondary: $20,214

• Special education services may increase tuition based on the student’s IEP.

Payment Options

• Pay in full or in two installments (one per semester).

• Tuition rates are finalized by the Board of Education each July/August.

School Preference

• Families must select three potential schools (placement is not guaranteed).

• Placement depends on school capacity and enrollment numbers.

• Families are responsible for transportation.

• This process must be repeated each time a student matriculates (elementary → middle → high).

Restrictions: Non-resident students are not eligible for application-based programs, such as language immersion or magnet programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nonresident Students