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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


Questions?

Review the NEC process frequently asked questions.

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


Northeast Consortium Highlights  

Information for the 2023-2024 school year

NEC Timeline

  • September 26- October 18, 2023 - NEC Parent Presentation and Open Houses 
  • November 8, 2023- NEC Choice Form Deadline (deadline extended) 
  • Mid January  2024- Notification of Round 1 results
  • February 9, 2024- NEC Round 2 Choice Form Deadline
  • Mid January 2024 - Round 2 Choice Form instructuctions mailed to families 
  • Mid March  2024- Notification of Round 2 results

Round 1 Choice forms were due on November 8, 2023.  Round 1 school assignment letters were mailed home on January 10, 2024.  For students who did not receive their first Choice, you may resubmit original choices into round 2 of the lottery process.  Please see the school assignment letter for directions.  Round 2 resubmit forms are due by February 9, 2024

Newly Enrolled 8th grade students or students who attend a NEC middle school and live outside the boundary area can participate in Round 2 of the Choice lottery process. Instructions will be mailed home mid January .  The Choice form will be available at bit.ly/choiceNEC.  Forms are due by February 9, 2024.  

Resources    

  • Round 1 of the Choice Process is for students who reside in the NEC.  The Choice form will be available at bit.ly/choiceNEC
  •  Private and home schooled families should contact DCCAPS to access the Choice Form 
    • 240-740-7800 or DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org

NEC Parent and Open House Presentations

Change of Choice

Students in Grade 9, 10 and 11 who would like to request a different NEC high school for the 2024-2025 school year may submit a Change of Choice request form using the link below. 
bit.ly/MCPSchangeNEC

Change of Choice requests are due by February 9, 2024.  Notifications will be mailed home in mid-March 2024. 

Change of Choice FAQ's  

Enroll in NEC

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

Please email DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org or call our office at 240-740-7800 if you prefer to schedule an in-person enrollment.    

Questions?

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

Appeal Information 

An appeal process is in place for those who may have a unique and verifiable hardship or unforeseen circumstances that could warrant override the school assignment process.  To appeal, you must submit a letter explaining the reason for the request to the director of DCCAPS. Please include your students name, MCPS ID number, parent/guardian signature, and phone number.  The appeals process is now closed.  The appeals process opens in March of each school year.  


Optional Appeal Form 
Appeal FAQ's

Last Update: 2/13/2024

Blake HS

Signature Programs

  • Arts and Communication
  • Humanities and Public Service

More about programs at Blake HS 
 Open House Recording  (October 2021)

Open House Site

Paint Branch HS

Signature Programs

  • Academy of Science
  • Academy of Media

More about programs at Paint Branch HS 
Paint Branch HS Open House Recording - October 2020

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   (2023-2025)

Signatures Booklet in Spanish (2023-2025)