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NEC logoNortheast Consortium (NEC)

The Northeast Consortium serves students in the "base areas" of Blake, Paint Branch, and Springbrook high schools. Each campus offers a comprehensive high school curriculum plus a distinctive 'Signature Program.'

More about the NEC

Northeast Consortium Highlights  

Information for the 2025-2026 school year

NEC Timeline

      • September 16, 2025- NEC Virtual High School Information Recordings English and Español
      • October 7-21, 2025- In person Open Houses
        • October 7, 2025 - Springbrook Open House 6:30 p.m. 
        • October 14, 2025 - Blake Open House 6:30 p.m.
        • October 21, 2025 - Paint Branch Open House 6:30 p.m.
      • November 7, 2025- NEC Choice Form Deadline  
      • Mid January  2025- Notification of Round 1 results
      • Mid January 2026 - Round 2 Choice Form instructions mailed to families 
      • February 13, 2026- NEC Round 2 Choice Form Deadline
      • Mid March  2026- Notification of Round 2 results
      • April 10, 2026-- Deadline to appeal school assignment

MCPS Academic Programs Analysis

MCPS conducted a districtwide analysis of academic programs available to students.  The goal of the study was to ensure that all students have access to high-quality programs and that programs available meet the needs of our community, industry demands, and maximize the use of resources.  Learn more about the project and possible changes to the NEC on the Academic Programs Analysis webpage. 

As a result of the study, the BOE voted to adopt a High School Regional Programs Model.

Beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, high schools will be organized into six geographic regions, building on successful aspects of the Choice process and the consortium model.  In this new model, the lottery choice process will discontinue.  Each region will offer a range of academic programs aligned to student interests and future opportunities, allowing more students to participate in specialized programs closer to home. To learn more about the Regional Model visit the High School Regional Programs webpage. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Questions?

Review the NEC process frequently asked questions.

Contact your student's school counselor, call the Department of Consortia and Application Program Services(DCAPS) at 240-740-7800, or via e-mail.

Northeast Consortium Highlights

Round Two Choice Forms are due on February 13, 2026.

Change of Choice Information

Current 9th, 10th and 11th grade students who attend a NEC High School (Blake, Paint Branch or Springbrook) and would like to request a different NEC High School for the 2026-2027 school year, are eligible to participate in the NEC Change of Choice (COC) process. The deadline for submission is February 13, 2026. Make a request  here. To learn more please read the FAQs here.

Enroll in the NEC

Do you live within the NEC boundaries? Need to enroll your child in high school?

  1. Visit the MCPS enrollment page to learn more about the required documents needed for enrollment
  2. Contact DCCAPS by email DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org  or call 240-740-7800 to make an appointment to complete your enrollment.

Information for students attending private school or are home schooled

 Private and home schooled families who live in the NEC attendance area  should contact DCCAPS at 240-740-7800 or DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org to access the Choice Form 

Appeal Information

  • An appeal process is in place for those who may have a unique and verifiable hardship or unforeseen circumstances that could warrant overriding the school assignment process.  The appeal process opens in March of each school year and closes in mid-April.   The 2026 deadline for appeals was April 10, 2026.
  • A submission past the deadline requires a reason to waive the deadline. Reasons for waiving the deadline could include new, verifiable information that was not available at the time of the deadline or a significant occurrence or issue that impacted the submission of the appeal. 
  • To appeal, you must submit a letter explaining the reason for the request to the director of DCCAPS.  Please include your student's name, MCPS ID number, parent/guardian signature, and phone number.  This can be submitted electronically to DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org or sent via US Mail.  

Appeal FAQ's  

Optional Appeal Form  

Please email DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org or call 240-740-7800 if you have questions.  Please allow up to 3 business days for a response

Questions?

For additional information about the Choice process and/or the NEC, contact your child's school counselor, or call the Department of Consortia and Application Program Services(DCCAPS) office at 240-740-7800 or email DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org.  

 

Last Update: 1/5/26

Blake HS

Signature Programs

  • Arts and Communication
  • Humanities and Public Service

More about programs at Blake HS 

Open House Site

Paint Branch HS

Signature Programs

  • Academy of Science
  • Academy of Media

More about programs at Paint Branch HS 

Springbrook HS

Signature Programs

  • Academy of Information Technology
  • Academy of Engineering (PLTW) 
  • International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP)
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) 

More about programs at Springbrook HS

Regional Application-Only Programs

Application Programs Open to NEC Students

Special Programs Open to ALL MCPS Students

Regional and Countywide Programs At-A-Glance (eligibility is based on home/assigned high school)

  •  Programs At-A-Glance (this document is being updated regularly please refer back for updated information)
 

All About the Lottery Choice Process

The Northeast Consortium (NEC) Program Booklet has general and specific information about the three schools in the NEC.

Signatures Program Booklet   (2025-2026)

Signatures Booklet in Spanish (2025-2026)