Montgomery County Public Schools today remain one of the most respected and closely watched school districts in the United States. Serving more than 160,000 students across 210 schools, the district continues to prioritize academic excellence, student safety, and community partnership as the 2025–2026 school year moves forward.
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Leadership and District Overview
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, operates as the largest school district in the state and one of the largest in the nation. Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight, the district focuses on equity, opportunity, and innovation in education.
Dr. McKnight, who became superintendent in 2022, continues to emphasize her commitment to raising achievement levels for all students while addressing gaps in academic performance. Her leadership has centered on building trust, improving communication, and fostering a school environment where every child feels seen, valued, and supported.
Strategic Priorities for the 2025–2026 School Year
MCPS is currently implementing its All Means All Strategic Plan, which defines key priorities for success:
- Academic Excellence: Ensuring all students meet or exceed state and national standards.
- Student Well-being: Expanding mental health programs and social-emotional support.
- Equitable Access: Providing resources and opportunities for historically underserved populations.
- Operational Effectiveness: Strengthening communication, safety, and technology infrastructure.
- Family and Community Engagement: Deepening collaboration between schools and local families.
This framework serves as the foundation for all district policies, helping educators, students, and families work toward a shared vision of excellence.
Academic Progress and Student Performance
Montgomery County Public Schools today are seeing steady improvement in key academic metrics. The district’s graduation rate stands at 93.7%, maintaining one of the highest rates in Maryland. Students continue to perform well on Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, with thousands earning college credit while still in high school.
The district has also expanded its Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, offering students practical experience in fields such as health sciences, cybersecurity, and engineering. These programs align with Maryland’s economic priorities and prepare graduates for both college and high-demand careers.
Early literacy initiatives have also shown measurable success. Reading proficiency rates among elementary students have increased compared to the previous year, reflecting targeted support for foundational skills in K–3 classrooms.
Safety and Student Well-being
Safety remains a central focus for Montgomery County Public Schools today. In 2025, the district enhanced its Comprehensive Safety Plan, which includes both physical security upgrades and emotional wellness initiatives.
Recent improvements include:
- New access control systems in all middle and high schools.
- Expanded mental health staffing, with every school assigned a psychologist or social worker.
- Ongoing collaboration with Montgomery County Police to ensure quick response protocols.
- Student-led awareness campaigns promoting kindness, anti-bullying, and online safety.
The district’s approach to safety blends prevention, preparedness, and mental health awareness—ensuring that security measures never come at the cost of a welcoming environment.
Focus on Mental Health
The mental health of students has become a major priority across MCPS. The district operates Wellness Centers in many high schools, providing on-site counseling, stress management programs, and peer mentoring.
In 2025, MCPS launched the Well-Being Wednesdays initiative, encouraging mindfulness, physical activity, and positive social connections throughout the week. This effort aims to combat rising anxiety and stress levels while promoting healthy routines for both students and staff.
Teacher Retention and Workforce Development
Recruiting and retaining qualified educators remains essential for the district’s success. Montgomery County Public Schools today employ more than 24,000 staff members, including roughly 13,000 teachers.
To attract and retain high-quality educators, MCPS has implemented:
- Salary increases for teachers and support staff.
- A loan forgiveness program for new teachers in critical-need subjects.
- Professional development in digital instruction, cultural competency, and trauma-informed teaching.
These initiatives have helped reduce teacher vacancy rates and improve overall job satisfaction among staff.
Technology Integration and Digital Learning
MCPS continues to lead in technology-driven learning. The Technology Modernization Program provides students in grades 3–12 with personal Chromebooks or laptops. Wi-Fi infrastructure upgrades across all campuses have improved access to digital tools and virtual resources.
In 2025, the district unveiled the Digital Learning Framework 2.5, which emphasizes safe internet use, cybersecurity awareness, and equitable access to digital education. Educators receive continuous training to ensure they can effectively integrate technology into instruction while maintaining academic rigor.
Facilities, Modernization, and Growth
With the county’s growing population, school construction and renovation remain top priorities. Montgomery County Public Schools today are undergoing several major capital projects, funded by state and county investments.
Key updates include:
- Northwood High School Rebuild: A full modernization project expected to finish by 2026.
- Crown High School: A new school under construction in Gaithersburg, designed to relieve overcrowding and open in fall 2026.
- Facility Upgrades: Dozens of schools receiving HVAC improvements, updated playgrounds, and ADA accessibility enhancements.
The district also prioritizes sustainability, with several schools transitioning to solar energy and electric buses as part of Montgomery County’s long-term climate action plan.
Equity and Inclusion
MCPS continues to lead statewide in diversity and inclusion efforts. Students in the district represent more than 150 countries and speak over 130 languages. To ensure equitable access to education, MCPS has increased funding for English language learners and students with disabilities.
Programs such as the Equity and Achievement Framework ensure that every student receives the resources they need to succeed, regardless of background or income level.
The district also offers cultural heritage celebrations, bilingual family engagement nights, and multilingual communication channels to strengthen relationships between schools and the community.
Budget and Financial Overview
For fiscal year 2026, Montgomery County Public Schools operates on a budget of approximately $3.4 billion. Most funding supports instruction, staff compensation, and student programs.
Budget priorities include:
- Expanding special education services.
- Enhancing safety and technology infrastructure.
- Upgrading school facilities and energy systems.
- Increasing pay for teachers and support staff.
The Board of Education and County Council continue to work closely to ensure the district maintains financial transparency and stability while meeting community expectations.
2025–2026 Academic Calendar and Operations
The current academic year began on August 26, 2025, and is scheduled to end on June 17, 2026. The district maintains a flexible learning policy that allows for virtual instruction in the event of severe weather or emergencies.
This hybrid option has proven effective in preventing instructional disruptions and keeping students engaged year-round.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025–2026 school year continues, Montgomery County Public Schools remain focused on continuous improvement, community trust, and academic achievement. Upcoming priorities include expanding early childhood programs, broadening workforce development pathways, and further strengthening safety initiatives.
The district’s leadership team emphasizes that every decision—whether related to curriculum, staffing, or technology—is rooted in a single goal: helping all students thrive in an inclusive, forward-thinking educational environment.
How do you feel about the latest updates in Montgomery County Public Schools today? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.