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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 2024-2025 school year

NEC Timeline

    • September 18, 2024- NEC Virtual High School Information Recordings
      English and Español
    • October 15-29, 2024- In person Open Houses
      • October 15, 2024 - Springbrook Open House 6:30 p.m.slides
      • October 22, 2024 - Paint Branch Open House 6:30 p.m. slides
      • October 29, 2024 - Blake Open House 6:30 p.m.
    • November 1, 2024- NEC Choice Form Deadline  
    • Mid January  2025- Notification of Round 1 results
    • Mid January 2025 - Round 2 Choice Form instructuctions mailed to families 
    • February 7, 2025- NEC Round 2 Choice Form Deadline
    • Mid March  2025- Notification of Round 2 results
    • April 11, 2025-- Deadline appeal school assignment

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.

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 opens in March of each school year and closes in mid-April.  The 2025 deadline for appeals was April 11, 2025.  

Optional Appeal Form 
Appeal FAQ's

Change of Choice

Students in Grade 9, 10 and 11 who would like to request a different NEC high school for the 2025-2026 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 7, 2025.  Notifications will be mailed home in mid-March 2025. 

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.  

 

Last Update: 7/3/25

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   (2023-2025)

Signatures Booklet in Spanish (2023-2025)