Major School Boundary Changes Proposed in Montgomery County — Here's What You Need to Know and How to Get Involved

Major School Boundary Changes Proposed in Montgomery County — Here's What You Need to Know and How to Get Involved

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is undergoing a major review of its middle and high school boundaries — and big changes could be coming that affect where thousands of students attend school starting in 2027. The school district is asking for community input right now, and your voice could help shape the future of education in your neighborhood.

Why Now?

MCPS is preparing for the opening or expansion of three major facilities in the 2027–28 school year:

• Crown High School in Gaithersburg (a brand-new school),

• Reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School in North Bethesda,

• Expansion of Damascus High School.

These projects are designed to ease overcrowding and modernize learning environments — but they also mean MCPS must redraw school boundaries to balance enrollment and ensure equitable access across the county.

What’s Being Proposed?

Four draft boundary options have been released for each region: Woodward HS (affecting Walter Johnson HS, Walt Whitman HS, and Bethesda-Chevy Chase HS, among others) and Crown/Damascus (affecting Gaithersburg HS, Churchill HS, Wooton HS, among others) These proposed maps would reassign some students to different middle or high schools based on a combination of factors like:

• Proximity to school

• Diversity and demographics

• Building capacity

• Neighborhood integrity and continuity

These are initial concepts, not final plans — and the Board of Education wants public feedback before refining the proposals this fall.

What This Means for Families

Some proposals would assign students to different schools than their neighbors, with potential changes in commute times and school communities. That’s why community input is so critical right now — to help MCPS make informed decisions that reflect real needs and concerns from families on the ground.

How to Share Your Opinion

MCPS has launched two surveys — one for each study area — where parents, students, staff, and community members can share their priorities and reactions to the boundary options. Surveys are open now through mid-July 2025.

You can also participate in:

• Virtual office hours (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays)

• In-person and online community meetings

• Public hearings later this fall

Visit the official MCPS Boundary Study page to:

• View the draft maps

• Find your school’s impact

• Take the surveys

• See the full timeline and event schedule

What’s Next?

• July 2025: First round of public feedback closes

• September 2025: Updated proposals released based on community input

• Winter 2025–26: Superintendent makes recommendation and Board votes

• 2027–28 school year: New boundaries begin phased implementation with incoming grades

Bottom Line

MCPS is at a crossroads — and the decisions being made now will shape student experiences for years to come. Whether you're a parent, student, educator, or neighbor, your feedback is essential. Take a few minutes to review the options and complete the survey before mid-July.