Academic Programs

    Quince Orchard High School offers a variety of Academic Programs.  We currently have the Signature Local Programs, formerly AP Signature Programs, and beginning in the 2027-2028 school year will have Center Programs.  Details about each of these programs can be found below and on the individual pages for each program.

    Application Process for Center Programs

    The application process for Round 1 of the Center Programs is underway.  Students should apply on ParentVue by November 6.  Criterion-Based Center Programs at Quince Orchard HS, such as music and visual arts, also have a digital application and assessment.  Please read the application overview packet for more information on important deadlines and assessments for music and visual arts.  The Quince Orchard’s Center Lead Teacher, Ms. Dillon Grenham, manages this program to provide teachers and students with the resources and support necessary for success. 

    Additional details about the application process for Music, Theatre, and Visual Art:

    • Choral Music:
      • Part 1: Live Assessment: December 3rd: Gaithersburg (Central North)
      • Part 2: Digital Submissions (video of solo singing performance & artist’s statement) -Due December 23rd, 2026 at 5pm
    • Music Production/Composition
      • Part 1: Live Assessment (Chromebook & headphones-music aptitude assessment)
      • Part 2: Digital Submissions (MP3 audio file of digital music composition & artist’s statement) -Due December 23rd, 2026 at 5pm
    • Visual Art:
      • Part 1: Live Drawing Assessment on December 15th at students' Middle Schools
      • Part 2: Digital Submission (Portfolio & Artist’s Statement) - Due December 23rd, 2026 at 5pm

    Additional details about the criteria for Biotechnology Studies includes:

    • Math scores (MAP M or PSAT Math)
    • Grade 7 and Grade 8 Math and Science grades

    Showcase Materials

    We have posted all of the presentations and handouts from the showcase for anyone who is looking for more information about specific programs or wants to revisit the information from the evening, please visit the Showcase Materials webpage.

    Click here to view a recording of the slides from the auditorium presentation with Ms. Dillon Grenham and Ms. Colleen Adams discussing the programs and options.


     

    Local Signature Programs

    The QOHS Local Signature Program is designed to provide all students an opportunity to maximize their multiple intelligences and creativity and to value their uniqueness by allowing them to participate in a wide variety of advanced level and Advanced Placement courses.  The Local Signature Programs are available to ALL students whose homeschool is Quince Orchard High School.

    Coordinator, Colleen Adams manages this program to provide teachers and students the resources and support necessary for success.

    There are Local Signature Programs in each of the following subject areas.  The pathways consist of students completing five (5) courses within that subject area including at least one (1) AP level or college credit course.

    • Art
    • Child Development
    • Computer Science
    • Game Development
    • Justice, Law, and Society
    • Music
    • PLTW (Engineering)
    • Social Studies
    • Theatre
    • Video Production

    There is also Local Signature Program recognition for students who take 1 or more AP courses and meet the grade requirements for each class.

    Center Programs - beginning for 9th graders 2027-2028

    The Quince Orchard Center Programs provide students in the Center North Region an opportunity to pursue a career pathway or special precollege area of interest.  The Center Lead Teacher, Dillon Grenham, is the contact person for this program to provide teachers and students the resources and supports necessary for success.  The Center Programs are available to ALL students within the Central North Region.  All students interested in these programs must apply via ParentVue, that includes students whose homeschool is Quince Orchard High School and want to partcipate in Center Programs.

    Center Programs Themes at Quince Orchard

    Quince Orchard offers two themes for studens in the Central North Region:

    • The Center for Medical Exploration and Discovery (MED)
    • The Center for Aesthetics, Repertoire, Technique and Self-Expression (A.R.T.S.)

    Within each theme, students must apply through ParentVUE.  Students may apply for more than one pathway; upon review of their application they will be notified about acceptance.  Students may only enroll in only one pathway.  Students from any of the schools within the region may apply for any of our five pathways.  The application process opens in October of a student's eighth grade year and applications are due in early November. 

    Central North Region