Local Schools MoCo Advocacy
Join us in advocating for Local Schools during upcoming Montgomery County Public Schools’ boundary studies.
There are many benefits to students attending schools near their house such as increased parental involvement, shorter commutes (better for both children and the environment), proximity to friends to play and study with, and easier access to extra curricular activities.
“But the reality is, is that the boundary study and its ripple effect will literally affect everyone in some way, shape, or form”
– MCPS Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor
Article in Bethesda Today on March 19, 2025
If you support Local Schools, it’s critical to RSVP for Upcoming MCPS Boundary Study Meetings: https://forms.gle/YS7eCp8EmHx5s6XD8
April 2
Virtual
Woodward
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM (Meeting Link– session will be recorded and made available to the public.)
April 7
Virtual
Crown / Damascus
Monday, April 7, 2025 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM (Meeting Link – session will be recorded and made available to the public.)
April 8
In-Person
Woodward
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Walter Johnson High School Auditorium
April 9
In-Person
Crown / Damascus
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Gaithersburg High School Auditorium
Frequently Asked Questions
What do local schools mean?
Local schools means prioritizing proximity in boundary studies to make sure that students go to the closest schools when possible.
How to get involved?
Fill out this form to be added to the list to get more involved, join the Facebook group “MoCo Neighbors for Local Schools”
How can I make a difference?
It’s crucial to share this message by emailing/texting your friends re: attending BOE meetings during the weeks of 3/31/25 and 4/7/25. Please click here for sample emails/texts you can use. Please also attend at least one of those BOE meetings – preferably in person – to show support for using proximity as top factor. Lastly, make sure to comment in the public comment form presented there. Please check back here for sample comments that we’ll add ASAP.
Didn’t MCPS just do redistricting?
In 2019-2020, MCPS performed a countywide boundary study analysis to determine whether residents preferred prioritizing increased diversity (which would require bussing students away to further away schools) or prioritizing local schools based upon proximity as had been done in the past. The study found that most participants – including a majority from nearly every geographical area – preferred prioritizing proximity. Now, MCPS is conducting actual boundary changes which appear to prioritize diversity over proximity in schools.
What schools are included in upcoming MCPS boundary studies?
The current boundary studies that will have upcoming meetings involve nearly every Middle and High School in he county. You can read this article which includes more information about what schools are included in the 2-3 major studies going on right now. Here is the official MCPS boundary study website.
But the email only mentioned 2 schools?
Yes, the MCPS email only mentioned Woodward and Crown High Schools. However, in the Woodward and Crown/Damascus boundary studies, nearby high schools will be included in redistricting (along with all of their associated Middle Schools). This means that the boundaries for all of these Middle and High Schools will be impacted even if you don’t live in a school district of one of these schools or even directly neighboring ones.
Why does this matter if I don’t have kids in MCPS?
Boundary studies have the potential to impact real estate values and even taxes (it costs more to transport kids further distances) and so does inefficient use of schools.
Get Involved
Join us in advocating for Local Schools in MCPS by joining our mailing list, groups, and helping disseminate information about boundary studies and community discussions. Your voice matters in shaping the future of our schools!
★★★★★
As a student and now a parent in Montgomery County, I have seen firsthand the possible negative impacts of inefficient MCPS boundary decisions on our community. The advocacy efforts have brought us together, ensuring our voices are heard and our children’s education is prioritized. I am grateful for the resources and support available to us, making it easier to engage and contribute to the future of our schools. Together, we can make a difference!
Previous Student and Now Parent
Montgomery County Public Schools