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Middle School Magnet Consortium → About → Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the magnet focus at each Middle School Magnet Consortium (MSMC) school?
  • Argyle Magnet School for Digital Design and Development has an emphasis on advanced computer science and digital media.
  • Loiederman Magnet School for the Creative and Performing Arts has an emphasis on advanced arts.
  • Parkland Magnet School for Aerospace Technology has an emphasis on advanced science and engineering.
 Which MSMC schools offer advanced mathematics classes? All three MSMC schools offer advanced mathematics courses through Honors Algebra 2. Who may participate in the MSMC Choice Process?
  • Grade 5 students who live within the geographic area of the three MSMC schools will participate in the Choice process and will be assigned to one of the MSMC schools for Grade 6.
  • Grade 5 students who live in other areas of Montgomery County are invited to participate in the MSMC Choice process for Grade 6.
 Which students are provided transportation to MSMC schools? Please see the transportation page, which describes feeder and nearby cluster information. Why is bus transportation to MSMC schools limited? The MSMC was funded by a federal grant. The grant did not include money for transportation. MCPS has limited funds for transportation. When and where will Choice forms be available?

Choice forms will be available in October.

  • Grade 5 students who live within* the MSMC will receive the Choice form by mail.
  • Parents of Grade 5 students who live in other areas of Montgomery County will be able to obtain a Choice form from any MCPS elementary school, the home page of this website, or by calling the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services (DCCAPS) at 301-592-2040.
    * MSMC feeder elementary schools: Bel Pre, Brookhaven, Georgian Forest, Harmony Hills, Sargent Shriver, Strathmore, Viers Mill, Weller Road, and Wheaton Woods. 
 When and where will Choice forms be due?

Choice forms are due in November. The due date will be indicated on the form.

  • Grade 5 students who attend MSMC elementary schools* will return their Choice form to their current elementary school.
  • Choice forms for all other Grade 5 applicants must be mailed or delivered by the due date to the DCCAPS Office, Spring Mill Field Office, 11721 Kemp Mill Road, Silver Spring, MD 20902.
    *Bel Pre, Brookhaven, Georgian Forest, Harmony Hills, Sargent Shriver, Strathmore, Viers Mill, Weller Road, and Wheaton Woods. 
 No test is required for admission to MSMC schools. What criteria will be used for selecting students who live outside the Consortium? Montgomery County Public Schools considers a variety of factors when assigning students to MSMC schools. These factors include the number of available seats, rank order of choices, sibling preference, socioeconomic status, and gender. What happens to in-Consortium students who do not complete a Choice form? In-Consortium students who do not complete a Choice form will be assigned to a MSMC school where space is available. Will current Grade 6 and Grade 7 students who live outside the Consortium area have the opportunity to participate in the MSMC Choice process for the next school year? Grade 6 students have opportunities to participate in the Choice process for Grade 7. This is based primarily on space availability, as well as the other factors listed above.