Downcounty Consortium → Consortium Schools → Northwood HS
Downcounty Consortium: Northwood High School
Northwood Academy Programs
Montgomery College Middle College at Northwood
This program uses a bold approach based on the principle that academic rigor, combined with the opportunity to save time and money, is a powerful motivator for students to work hard and meet serious intellectual challenges. Middle college high schools blend high school and college in a rigorous yet supportive program, compressing the time it takes to complete a high school diploma and the first two years of college. The primary goal of the program is to make college a viable reality for all Northwood students. Montgomery College Middle College at Northwood gives our students the opportunity to earn a Maryland High School Diploma and college credits towards a General Studies Associate's degree with a choice of three core concentrations: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); Humanities, Arts, Communication, and Language (HACL); Social Science, Administration, and Health; or an integrated combination of two cores. This Montgomery College A.A.degree is transferable to a 4-year college within the University of Maryland System.
Technology, Environmental, and System Sciences (TESS)
This
academy explores concepts in Engineering/ Computer Science/Technology and
Environmental Sciences. Students who choose to join this academy select a
pathway in either Technology/Engineering/Computer Science or in Environmental
Sciences. All pathways address the diverse nature of each field by offering
students opportunities to expand their vision and develop their abilities while
choosing courses that most interest them. The Technology/Engineering/Computer
Science Pathway gives students a strong background in engineering, computer
programming, robotics, mathematics and physical sciences. This pathway provides
opportunities for participating in hacking competitions, coding competitions,
internships, and field trips. The Environmental Science Pathway gives students
a strong background in both natural and physical sciences, as well as
environmental concerns. This pathway also provides opportunities for field
studies, internships, field trips, and exposure to guest speakers working in
the profession.
Humanities, Arts, and Media (HAM)
This
academy supports students in their growth as effective communicators and
creative artists. Students engage in rigorous academic studies of literature,
history, visual art, social sciences, world languages, culture, media, and
creative writing. The academy experience culminates with a capstone project
that gives each student the opportunity to select a Humanities, Art, or Media
topic that will be explored in greater depth, implemented into the school
community, and presented as a final project to faculty and students. The Communications
Pathway allows students to examine manners in which people connect with each
other and convey their ideas to various audiences. The students in this pathway
produce publications and presentations that creatively engage with the many
voices of the school community. Through the use of speech, media, artwork,
design, and written language, students study methods of effective
communication. The Visual Arts Pathway provides students with an opportunity to
explore art as a viable industry, develop their artistic voice, creativity, and
technical abilities. Students receive a wealth of real world experiences as
well as explore various mediums from photography, sculpture/ceramics, and
studio drawing/painting to digital art, and fashion illustration. Students gain
an understanding of art as history, commercialism, and its contemporary use
within our society.
Politics, Advocacy, and Law (PAL)
This
academy enables students to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the
three branches of government, law enforcement, and civil rights. Students who
choose to join this academy select a pathway in either traditional legal
studies or Homeland Security. The Legal Studies pathway gives students a strong
background in Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and Civil Law. Students learn
how to research, write, and argue cases in all levels of the judicial system.
Students have the opportunity to work with members of the Montgomery County Bar
Association as well as state and local representatives. The Homeland Security
Pathway is designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers or
further studies in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Students
pursuing this path will learn methodologies of intelligence gathering and
communication, interdependency structures between local, federal and
international law enforcement, along with many other practical specialized
content. Students who complete this pathway will be given the opportunity to
explore leadership opportunities and will also be armed with the knowledge and
skills necessary to assume entry-level jobs in this career field.
The Academy of Music, Theater and Dance (AMTAD)
This academy is geared toward students interested in pursuing college and professional careers
in the areas of theater, dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. In either
solo or group performances, students will produce, act, and perform in a
variety of onstage productions. Coursework within the academy is designed to
develop the student through the dance and performing arts pathways with focus
on technical production, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and dramatics.
Students in all academy strands will be integrally involved in all aspects of
production, giving students a solid foundation for advanced preparation within
the field. The Dance Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple
dance styles such as Jazz, Modern, and Ballet. This pathway also provides
opportunities for master classes, field trips and choreographic development.
The Performing Arts Pathway gives students a strong background in multiple
disciplines. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to take a variety of
classes in the performing arts field, such as band, chorus, dance and theatre.
Students also have the opportunity to focus solely on one discipline.
The Academy of Finance, Accounting, Marketing and Education (FAME)
This
academy is geared towards preparing students for advance studies or entry level
jobs in career related fields. Students in this academy will be given the
opportunity to explore different careers and education pathways, while earning
industry/professional certification. Students will also complete Maryland State
Department of Education (MSDE) certified pathway courses, some of which are
eligible for college credit. All pathways in the academy include a capstone
experience such as an internship or a college course. The Business and
Marketing pathway provides opportunities for students to sample the functional
operations of any business, such as accounting, organization, personnel
management, marketing, and social responsibility. The Early Child Development
Pathway provides the student with an introduction to methods and materials to
assist young children in the learning process. This pathway includes hands-on
work with 4-5 year old children while running and organizing a Preschool Lab.
The Site Based Work Experience Pathway blends academic, technical and 21st
century workplace skills to prepare students for entry level jobs and/or
college. All students are exposed to job shadowing, professional conferences,
college fairs and networking opportunities with industry experts.
