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
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 240-740-2540, or via e-mail.
Follow @mcps_optionsThe timelines for the 2023-2024 school year are currently being finalized. Please check back in early September 2023 for updated information.
The information provided below is from last school year and is provided as a reference.
Round 1 Choice forms were due on November 4, 2022. Round 1 school assignment letters will be mailed home in mid-January 2023. 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 10, 2023.
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 the week of January 17, 2023. The Choice form will be available at bit.ly/choiceNEC. Forms are due by February 10, 2023.
Students in Grade 9, 10 and 11 who would like to request a different NEC high school for the 2023-2024 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 10, 2023. Notifications will be mailed home in mid-March 2023.
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 240-740-2540 if you prefer to schedule an in-person enrollment.
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 240-740-2540 or email DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org.
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: July 28, 2023
More about programs at Blake HS
Open House Recording (October 2021)
More about programs at Paint Branch HS
Paint Branch HS Open House Recording - October 2020
More about programs at Springbrook HS
The Northeast Consortium (NEC) Program Booklet has general and specific information about the three schools in the NEC.
Signatures Booklet in Spanish