Advanced Programs in Middle Schools

Click here to learn about the offerings at Boonsboro Middle School

Students are reviewed for WCPS Academic Middle School Magnet Programs during Grade 5.  Performance data and Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) scores are used to identify students who are then invited to apply to Academic Magnet Programs.

Click here to learn about the offerings at E. Russell Hicks Middle School

Students are reviewed for WCPS Academic Middle School Magnet Programs during Grade 5.  Performance data and Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) scores are used to identify students who are then invited to apply to Academic Magnet Programs.

Click here to learn about the offerings at Northern Middle School

Students are reviewed for WCPS Academic Middle School Magnet Programs during Grade 5.  Performance data and Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) scores are used to identify students who are then invited to apply to Academic Magnet Programs.

Click here to learn about the offerings at Springfield Middle School

Students are reviewed for WCPS Academic Middle School Magnet Programs during Grade 5.  Performance data and Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) scores are used to identify students who are then invited to apply to Academic Magnet Programs.

Click here to learn about the offerings at Western Heights Middle School

For those interested in Avenue B at Western Heights Middle School, students must apply during the fall of fifth grade through an application process, in-person audition, and/or portfolio review. Avenue B is designed for students who have demonstrated talent or the potential for exceptional talent in creative and performing arts. Any current grade 5 student may apply for Avenue B.

NOTE: Students that are not identified as GATE within WCPS are able to apply to Avenue B at Western Heights!

Our magnet application process evaluates each student using multiple indicators of potential, resulting in a composite score.  This score is based on: ability assessments, various performance data, a task with interview.  Additionally, the Gifted Behavior Survey is completed collaboratively by the student's current GATE and classroom teachers to provide insight into the observed behaviors-report card grades are not considered. 

The holistic approach aligns with established best practices in gifted identification, which emphasize combining ability measure, performance metrics, and teacher evaluations rather than relying solely on grades or test scores.

The Office of Advanced Programs will notify families of their student's acceptance via U.S. Mail.  This multi-phase placement process takes time, as offers are released in several rounds.

• First round placement letters are typically mailed early-December.
• Non-placement notifications letters will follow all placement rounds in early-February.
• By the conclusion of the process, all families will have received either a placement letter or a non-placement letter. 

Thank you for your patience as we work to complete every round.  If you have not received a notice byt he dates above, please contact the Office of Advanced Programs.

The schools listed on your letter represent the programs to which your student has been accepted at this time.  If a school is not listed, your student has not be admitted to that program during the current round, and there is no guarantee of placement in a future round.

You have two choices:

• Accept one of the placements listed on your letter.
• Decline and wait to see IF a placement at one of the other chose programs becomes available in a later round.

Please note: Once you decline a placement, that seat will be offered to another student-so you will not be able to return to it later.

Yes!  Students may apply to more than one magnet program but please note that a task with an interview must be completed at each school to which application has been made.  We encourage you to work as a family to narrow your student's choices.

Additionally, students applying to Western Heights Middle School Ave B are able to choose up to two areas that they would like to apply to.  Please note that if they are accepted into both programs they will need to choose only one to participate in.

WCPS does not provide transportation to magnet schools outside of a student's home attendance area.

• Magnet students who are accepted to a program do not need to apply for Special Permission.
• A request for Special Permission for siblings of Magnet Students will be considered on a case by case basis by the school principal; however, approval of a request is not guaranteed.
• More information about the Special Permission process can be found on the WCPS website. Deadline: May 15th

Students that are not identified as GATE within Washington County Public Schools are able to apply to Ave B at Western Heights.  

Supporting Creative Academic & Performance Excellence (SCAPE) Avenue B provides expanded opportunities to magnet students in the visual and performing arts, while incorporating best practices through arts integration.

The Creative Avenue, or Avenue B, is designed for students who have demonstrated talent or the potential for exceptional talent in the creative and performing arts. Any current Grade 5 student may apply for Avenue B. Avenue B will be accessed via the audition/portfolio process, which mirrors the current criteria used for admission to the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA). These creatively gifted and talented students will select a visual/performing arts concentration path. Avenue B applicants may apply for entrance to two of the offered areas: Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Dance, Graphic Design, Creative Writing, Theatre, and Visual Arts. Students may enter into one area.

Yes! Students that have been identified as gifted are able to apply to both Avenue A and Avenue B. They will need to complete the task with interview for Ave A as well as auditions and/or portfolio reviews for Avenue B.   These students may be placed and accept in both Avenue A and Avenue B.