Prince George's County Public Schools Magnet Programs
Encyclopedia
Magnet Programs is an educational program within the Prince George's County Public Schools
(PGCPS) system in Maryland
, United States
. The programs provide a wide range of special or unique subjects, activities and/or learning opportunities as an enhancement to the Prince George's County Public Schools.
mandate. Up until as late as the late-80s, Prince George's County had been predominately white
in terms of racial demographics
. In order to desegregate mostly all-White schools in the school system, PGCPS created several magnet programs that eventually were instituted in over fifty schools, spread throughout the county.
By the late-1990s, the population demographics of the county had shifted towards a mostly African American
majority. Magnet programs (as they were currently setup) were costing PGCPS approximately $14 million per year, to operate. The programs were costly and this was exacerbated by the fact that the school systems operating budget was greater than the final budget the school system had traditionally been allotted, an issue that had plagued the school system for years. Since the county's population now primarily consisted of African Americans and due to the expense of operating the Magnet Schools Program, courts began to investigate the justification of PGCPS's magnet program. In 2004, a court ruled to discontinue court-ordered busing which had existed in the county, for over 30 years, based primarily on the fact that desegregation, was no longer an issue in the predominately Black, Prince George's County.
With the ending of the court-ordered busing, also came changes to the school systems Magnet Schools Program. The systems Magnet Schools Program had gained national attention, as it was one of the largest, in the country. It served as a model for school systems across the nation. Dr. Iris T. Metts, the current superintendent
of schools at the time, formulated an ambitious plan to actually expand the magnet programs in PGCPS, as well as reassign magnet programs that weren't performing well at one location, to other schools. Due to long and highly publicized in-house issues between Metts and the current Board of Education, Metts was replaced at the end of her contract with PGCPS, by Dr. Andre Hornsby. When Hornsby arrived, he essentially reversed the decision that Metts had made, in regards to the future of the county's magnet programs, and he decided to instead eliminate most of the schools systems magnet programs — most of which had been identified as under-performing, for several years. Ten magnet programs were identified for elimination, something that proved extremely controversial because some of the proposed eliminated programs were currently located at sites in which the program in question, had been extremely successful, such as the Academic Center magnet program located at Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Center, which had been the highest performing middle school in the system for several years and also identified as a blue ribbon school.
Despite the opposition by parents, in 2006, the magnet programs in PGCPS nevertheless underwent an overhaul, and most of magnets were eliminated, while a few programs that were determined to be "successful", were either expanded and replicated at other locations, or consolidated and relocated to a dedicated magnet school that would severe large geographic areas, of the county.
, and to enroll in courses including medical related science courses and other advanced placement courses. The curriculum provides an opportunity for students to be introduced to a wide variety of medical careers through engaging field trips, speakers in the medical field, internships, accelerated courses, a wide variety of electives related to the biological and social sciences, and independent research.
LOCATIONS:
Program offers a four-year, college-preparatory program of study in molecular biology
, biochemistry
and technical career training that includes scanning electron microscopy. Students have first-hand experience with the advanced technologies used in biotechnology research, academia and industry.
Courses are taught in modern laboratory classrooms equipped with the latest biotechnology instrumentation. The facilities include gel electrophoresis
, refrigerated centrifugation
, scanning spectrophotometry
, high pressure liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and access to scanning electron microscopy. Computers will support classroom instruction as well as student initiated research projects.
Students study biotechnology theory and technique in a cyclic fashion where concepts introduced in beginning courses will be emphasized in depth during upper level classes. Mini-research projects are conducted by science students to demonstrate their understanding of course content and laboratory procedures. Complementing the specific science offerings of the Biotechnology Program is a full selection of courses, including Advanced Placement level in English, social studies and mathematics.
Eligibility Requirements: Students who express interest are eligible to apply. No pre-testing is required. Admission to the program is through a race-neutral random magnet lottery application process, on a space-available basis.
LOCATIONS:
LOCATIONS:
LOCATIONS:
The Creative and Performing Arts magnet program, is designed to develop the interest and talents of students in the arts and feature an enhanced interdisciplinary academic program that encourages creative and artistic expression. Experiences and training are designed to challenge and develop skills of all students, as well as to provide exceptional opportunities for artistically talented students.
The curriculum provides in-depth experiences in each art discipline, plus related arts experiences and an infusion of the arts in the overall curriculum. The arts are provided as an integral part of a strong academic program.
The Creative Arts Schools follows the general curriculum guidelines that are used for all Prince George's County public elementary and middle schools. Basic instruction is provided in reading, mathematics, English, science, and social studies, as well as specialized instruction in the arts - art, drama, music, dance, physical education, creative writing, media production, literary arts, and related computer lab experiences.
LOCATIONS:
program" as all academic subjects are taught through French
, in grades K-5. In grades 6-8, the students have two periods per day of French, one period for French Language Arts and one period of world studies in French. In high school, students have two courses in grades 9 and 10 with a focus on literature and the francophone
world, which are part of the Pre-International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. At the elementary level, students are immerse totally in French by their bilingual teachers, as they learn math, science, social studies and language arts.
At the middle school level, students also study Italian
. In addition, Algebra
and Geometry
are possible options in mathematics. The interdisciplinary approach for English, Art and World Studies includes special themes, seminars, field trips, and a strong focus on essay writing. International travel is an enrichment part of the French Immersion Program.
At the high school level, students may take one of the immersion courses and the continuation of the second foreign language started at the middle school level. Other options are IB preparation courses for English, history, science, and access to Chemistry
and Calculus
. Higher level IB or Advanced Placement (AP) courses, are available. There is an Exchange Program with a school in France and other exchanges are being explored for high school students. In addition to the immersion continuity, students may continue the study of their second foreign language which began in middle school — either Russian, Italian, Latin, or German
.
LOCATIONS:
The IB program offers many benefits to its participants, such as: higher university and college acceptance rates for IB graduates; increased scholarship and grant opportunities; a college-level academic program that transitions students to university and college standards; and teacher development using IB strategies.
LOCATIONS:
The Montessori Primary Program for children ages 3 to 6 years old is based on the Montessori educational philosophy. Taught by Montessori accredited teachers, young children are guided in developing an inner discipline, strengthening their coordination, and extending their concentration span. These accomplishments result with their readily learning to read, write and grasp mathematics. The program consists of a half-day morning for preschoolers (ages 3 ). Children older than four must be currently enrolled in a certified Montessori program to be accepted into the program.
The Montessori Lower Elementary Program is designed for students ages 6 to 9 years old with prior Montessori experience. Rapid growth and learning is observed in classrooms filled with appropriate educational materials. The Montessori Upper Elementary Program continues for the next age grouping of students ages 9–12 with prior Montessori experience. Taught by Montessori accredited teachers, these elementary program students study an integrated curriculum that includes: mathematics, geometry, language, cultural studies, astronomy
, biology
, chemistry, geography
, history
, geology
, philosophy
, art, music
and physical education
.
The Montessori Middle School Program completes the Montessori studies for students progressing to the seventh and eighth grades. An interdisciplinary teaching team provides the Montessori Program for multidisciplinary learning to include English Language Arts, mathematics, science and social studies. At the high school level, the student can apply for entry to Biotechnology, Biomedical, Military Academy, Center for the Visual & Performing Arts and/or the Science & Technology Center.
LOCATIONS:
, mathematics
, and technology
. The program is not a true magnet program, as students are admitted into the S/T program based on competitive examination only, as opposed to the standard magnet lottery process. Of twenty-eight possible credits, a student is required to obtain a minimum of thirteen credits in specific mathematics, pre-engineering technology, research and science courses. In grades nine and ten, the program consists of common experiences courses for all student. In grades eleven and twelve, each student must choose course work from at least one of four major study areas. Students are expected to be enrolled in a full schedule of classes during the entire four-year program. External experiences are possible and encouraged, but must be a direct extension or enrichment of the Science and Technology Program, and have the recommendation of the Science and Technology Center Coordinator prior to approval by the principal.
The program is offered at three centers — Eleanor Roosevelt High School
in northern Prince George's County, Oxon Hill High School
in southern Prince George's County, and Charles Herbert Flowers High School
in central Prince George’s County. Students attend the center that serves their legal residence. Transportation is provided for all students. Each school is a four-year comprehensive high school, as well as a Science and Technology Center. Each school is an active member of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology
(NCSSSMST).
Admission into the Science and Technology Center is highly competitive and contingent upon three criterion, with all criterion weighed equally. The criterion are:
All of these are factored into a final score. The number of students admitted into the S/T program vary from each school, but as an example, 225-250 students with the top scores are admitted to Roosevelt's Science and Technology Program. The next 60 students are placed on a waiting list. All interested 8th and 9th grade students who are residents of Prince George's County are eligible to apply for admission to the Science and Technology Center.
LOCATIONS:
LOCATIONS:
Prince George's County Public Schools
The Prince George's County Public Schools system is a large school district administered by the government of Prince George's County, Maryland, United States and is overseen by the Maryland State Department of Education...
(PGCPS) system in Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The programs provide a wide range of special or unique subjects, activities and/or learning opportunities as an enhancement to the Prince George's County Public Schools.
History
Magnet Programs were first implemented in PGCPS in 1985, to fulfill a court ordered desegregationDesegregation
Desegregation is the process of ending the separation of two groups usually referring to races. This is most commonly used in reference to the United States. Desegregation was long a focus of the American Civil Rights Movement, both before and after the United States Supreme Court's decision in...
mandate. Up until as late as the late-80s, Prince George's County had been predominately white
White American
White Americans are people of the United States who are considered or consider themselves White. The United States Census Bureau defines White people as those "having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa...
in terms of racial demographics
Demographics
Demographics are the most recent statistical characteristics of a population. These types of data are used widely in sociology , public policy, and marketing. Commonly examined demographics include gender, race, age, disabilities, mobility, home ownership, employment status, and even location...
. In order to desegregate mostly all-White schools in the school system, PGCPS created several magnet programs that eventually were instituted in over fifty schools, spread throughout the county.
By the late-1990s, the population demographics of the county had shifted towards a mostly African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
majority. Magnet programs (as they were currently setup) were costing PGCPS approximately $14 million per year, to operate. The programs were costly and this was exacerbated by the fact that the school systems operating budget was greater than the final budget the school system had traditionally been allotted, an issue that had plagued the school system for years. Since the county's population now primarily consisted of African Americans and due to the expense of operating the Magnet Schools Program, courts began to investigate the justification of PGCPS's magnet program. In 2004, a court ruled to discontinue court-ordered busing which had existed in the county, for over 30 years, based primarily on the fact that desegregation, was no longer an issue in the predominately Black, Prince George's County.
With the ending of the court-ordered busing, also came changes to the school systems Magnet Schools Program. The systems Magnet Schools Program had gained national attention, as it was one of the largest, in the country. It served as a model for school systems across the nation. Dr. Iris T. Metts, the current superintendent
Superintendent (education)
In education in the United States, a superintendent is an individual who has executive oversight and administration rights, usually within an educational entity or organization....
of schools at the time, formulated an ambitious plan to actually expand the magnet programs in PGCPS, as well as reassign magnet programs that weren't performing well at one location, to other schools. Due to long and highly publicized in-house issues between Metts and the current Board of Education, Metts was replaced at the end of her contract with PGCPS, by Dr. Andre Hornsby. When Hornsby arrived, he essentially reversed the decision that Metts had made, in regards to the future of the county's magnet programs, and he decided to instead eliminate most of the schools systems magnet programs — most of which had been identified as under-performing, for several years. Ten magnet programs were identified for elimination, something that proved extremely controversial because some of the proposed eliminated programs were currently located at sites in which the program in question, had been extremely successful, such as the Academic Center magnet program located at Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Center, which had been the highest performing middle school in the system for several years and also identified as a blue ribbon school.
Despite the opposition by parents, in 2006, the magnet programs in PGCPS nevertheless underwent an overhaul, and most of magnets were eliminated, while a few programs that were determined to be "successful", were either expanded and replicated at other locations, or consolidated and relocated to a dedicated magnet school that would severe large geographic areas, of the county.
Current Magnet Programs
ES = Elementary School • MS = Middle School • HS = High School- Biomedical (HS)
- Biotechnology (HS)
- Career & Technical Education (HS)
- Center for Visual & Performing Arts (HS)
- Creative & Performing Arts (ES•MS)
- French Immersion (ES•MS•HS)
- International Baccalaureate (HS)
- Montessori (ES•MS)
- Science & Technology Center (HS)
- Talented & Gifted Center (ES•MS)
Biomedical
The Biomedical Program at Bladensburg High School is a high school curriculum that focuses on medical and health careers, such as physicians and research doctors. Students who have a strong interest in pursuing a career in health related fields have an opportunity to engage in biomedical research, internships, practicumssPracticum
A practicum is a college course, often in a specialized field of study, that is designed to give students supervised practical application of a previously or concurrently studied theory. Practicums are common for education and social work majors...
, and to enroll in courses including medical related science courses and other advanced placement courses. The curriculum provides an opportunity for students to be introduced to a wide variety of medical careers through engaging field trips, speakers in the medical field, internships, accelerated courses, a wide variety of electives related to the biological and social sciences, and independent research.
LOCATIONS:
- Bladensburg High SchoolBladensburg High SchoolBladensburg High School is a secondary school located in Bladensburg, Maryland.The school, which serves grades 9 through 12, is a part of the Prince George's County Public Schools district....
Biotechnology
The BiotechnologyBiotechnology
Biotechnology is a field of applied biology that involves the use of living organisms and bioprocesses in engineering, technology, medicine and other fields requiring bioproducts. Biotechnology also utilizes these products for manufacturing purpose...
Program offers a four-year, college-preparatory program of study in molecular biology
Molecular biology
Molecular biology is the branch of biology that deals with the molecular basis of biological activity. This field overlaps with other areas of biology and chemistry, particularly genetics and biochemistry...
, biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry, sometimes called biological chemistry, is the study of chemical processes in living organisms, including, but not limited to, living matter. Biochemistry governs all living organisms and living processes...
and technical career training that includes scanning electron microscopy. Students have first-hand experience with the advanced technologies used in biotechnology research, academia and industry.
Courses are taught in modern laboratory classrooms equipped with the latest biotechnology instrumentation. The facilities include gel electrophoresis
Gel electrophoresis
Gel electrophoresis is a method used in clinical chemistry to separate proteins by charge and or size and in biochemistry and molecular biology to separate a mixed population of DNA and RNA fragments by length, to estimate the size of DNA and RNA fragments or to separate proteins by charge...
, refrigerated centrifugation
Centrifugation
Centrifugation is a process that involves the use of the centrifugal force for the sedimentation of mixtures with a centrifuge, used in industry and in laboratory settings. More-dense components of the mixture migrate away from the axis of the centrifuge, while less-dense components of the mixture...
, scanning spectrophotometry
Spectrophotometry
In chemistry, spectrophotometry is the quantitative measurement of the reflection or transmission properties of a material as a function of wavelength...
, high pressure liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and access to scanning electron microscopy. Computers will support classroom instruction as well as student initiated research projects.
Students study biotechnology theory and technique in a cyclic fashion where concepts introduced in beginning courses will be emphasized in depth during upper level classes. Mini-research projects are conducted by science students to demonstrate their understanding of course content and laboratory procedures. Complementing the specific science offerings of the Biotechnology Program is a full selection of courses, including Advanced Placement level in English, social studies and mathematics.
Eligibility Requirements: Students who express interest are eligible to apply. No pre-testing is required. Admission to the program is through a race-neutral random magnet lottery application process, on a space-available basis.
LOCATIONS:
- Fairmont Heights High School
- Largo High SchoolLargo High School (Maryland)Largo High School or LHS is located near Largo in the unincorporated Largo section of Prince George's County, Maryland. It is operated by the Prince George's County Public Schools system....
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program
The Technical Academy is a program that provides students with technical skills and knowledge. Benefits to students include: (1) gaining a foundation for a college major in a technical field, (2) having access to a technical career after high school if college is postponed, and (3) having access to a part-time technical job to help with college expenses.LOCATIONS:
- Bladensburg High SchoolBladensburg High SchoolBladensburg High School is a secondary school located in Bladensburg, Maryland.The school, which serves grades 9 through 12, is a part of the Prince George's County Public Schools district....
- Crossland High SchoolCrossland High SchoolCrossland High School is a public secondary school located in Temple Hills, Maryland. The school serves about 2,000 students in grades 9 to 12 in the Prince George's County Public Schools system. Crossland is named after a prominent early Maryland family...
- Gwynn Park High SchoolGwynn Park High SchoolGwynn Park High School is in Prince George's County, Maryland, a suburban area near the United States capital of Washington D.C..- Sports :The school has won state championships in boys basketball in 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1980, 1983, 1987, 1988; girls basketball in 1974, 2002, 2003,...
- Laurel High SchoolLaurel High School (Laurel, Maryland)Laurel High School is a public high school located in Laurel, Maryland, and is the oldest school in the Prince George's County Public Schools system. Founded in 1899 with an enrollment of 59 students and four teachers, the original school building is now the Phelps Community Center in Laurel...
- Suitland High SchoolSuitland High SchoolSuitland High School is a public magnet high school located at 5200 Silver Hill Road, Forestville, Maryland 20747, long regarded for its Visual and Performing Arts magnet program...
Center for the Visual and Performing Arts
The Center for the Visual and Performing Arts has been in existence at Suitland High School since 1986, and is a rigorous four-year arts program that offers artistically talented high school students educational opportunities designed to prepare them artistically for college, professional study, or career options in the arts. Strong association with the arts in the Washington, DC-area offers distinct advantages. Students study with professional artists, dancers, actors, musicians, singers, directors/producers, and radio/television personalities. Students explore, and eventually major, in any one of the five principle concentrations: music; dance; theatre; visual arts; and television and recording production. Suitland High School offers a 1000-seat auditorium and experimental theatre, a fully equipped dance studio, and a television and recording studio. Admission into the VPA magnet program is through audition only.http://www.pgcps.org/~suitland/vpa.htmLOCATIONS:
- Suitland High SchoolSuitland High SchoolSuitland High School is a public magnet high school located at 5200 Silver Hill Road, Forestville, Maryland 20747, long regarded for its Visual and Performing Arts magnet program...
Creative and Performing Arts
The Creative and Performing Arts Magnet Program is located at three sites. The programs at Benjamin D. Foulois and Thomas G. Pullen, are open to students in kindergarten through eighth grade; the program at Hyattsville Middle School, is open to students in seventh and eighth grade (Hyattsville Middle School has a limited program boundary).The Creative and Performing Arts magnet program, is designed to develop the interest and talents of students in the arts and feature an enhanced interdisciplinary academic program that encourages creative and artistic expression. Experiences and training are designed to challenge and develop skills of all students, as well as to provide exceptional opportunities for artistically talented students.
The curriculum provides in-depth experiences in each art discipline, plus related arts experiences and an infusion of the arts in the overall curriculum. The arts are provided as an integral part of a strong academic program.
The Creative Arts Schools follows the general curriculum guidelines that are used for all Prince George's County public elementary and middle schools. Basic instruction is provided in reading, mathematics, English, science, and social studies, as well as specialized instruction in the arts - art, drama, music, dance, physical education, creative writing, media production, literary arts, and related computer lab experiences.
LOCATIONS:
- The Benjamin D. Foulois Creative and Performing Arts Academy
- Hyattsville Middle School for the Creative and Performing Arts
- The Thomas G. Pullen School for the Creative and Performing Arts
French Immersion
The French Immersion Magnet Program is designed for kindergarten through twelfth grade. It is referred to as a "full immersionImmersion
Immersion may refer to:* Immersion therapy overcoming fears through confrontation* Baptism by immersion* Immersion Games a developer of video games...
program" as all academic subjects are taught through French
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
, in grades K-5. In grades 6-8, the students have two periods per day of French, one period for French Language Arts and one period of world studies in French. In high school, students have two courses in grades 9 and 10 with a focus on literature and the francophone
Francophone
The adjective francophone means French-speaking, typically as primary language, whether referring to individuals, groups, or places. Often, the word is used as a noun to describe a natively French-speaking person....
world, which are part of the Pre-International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. At the elementary level, students are immerse totally in French by their bilingual teachers, as they learn math, science, social studies and language arts.
At the middle school level, students also study Italian
Italian language
Italian is a Romance language spoken mainly in Europe: Italy, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican City, by minorities in Malta, Monaco, Croatia, Slovenia, France, Libya, Eritrea, and Somalia, and by immigrant communities in the Americas and Australia...
. In addition, Algebra
Algebra
Algebra is the branch of mathematics concerning the study of the rules of operations and relations, and the constructions and concepts arising from them, including terms, polynomials, equations and algebraic structures...
and Geometry
Geometry
Geometry arose as the field of knowledge dealing with spatial relationships. Geometry was one of the two fields of pre-modern mathematics, the other being the study of numbers ....
are possible options in mathematics. The interdisciplinary approach for English, Art and World Studies includes special themes, seminars, field trips, and a strong focus on essay writing. International travel is an enrichment part of the French Immersion Program.
At the high school level, students may take one of the immersion courses and the continuation of the second foreign language started at the middle school level. Other options are IB preparation courses for English, history, science, and access to Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry is the science of matter, especially its chemical reactions, but also its composition, structure and properties. Chemistry is concerned with atoms and their interactions with other atoms, and particularly with the properties of chemical bonds....
and Calculus
Calculus
Calculus is a branch of mathematics focused on limits, functions, derivatives, integrals, and infinite series. This subject constitutes a major part of modern mathematics education. It has two major branches, differential calculus and integral calculus, which are related by the fundamental theorem...
. Higher level IB or Advanced Placement (AP) courses, are available. There is an Exchange Program with a school in France and other exchanges are being explored for high school students. In addition to the immersion continuity, students may continue the study of their second foreign language which began in middle school — either Russian, Italian, Latin, or German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
.
LOCATIONS:
- Robert Goddard French Immersion School
- John Hanson French Immersion School
- Central High School
International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Magnet Program is an academically challenging and balanced course of study, that prepares students for success in college and life beyond. The mission of the program is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better, more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.The IB program offers many benefits to its participants, such as: higher university and college acceptance rates for IB graduates; increased scholarship and grant opportunities; a college-level academic program that transitions students to university and college standards; and teacher development using IB strategies.
LOCATIONS:
- Central High School
- Crossland High SchoolCrossland High SchoolCrossland High School is a public secondary school located in Temple Hills, Maryland. The school serves about 2,000 students in grades 9 to 12 in the Prince George's County Public Schools system. Crossland is named after a prominent early Maryland family...
- Laurel High SchoolLaurel High School (Laurel, Maryland)Laurel High School is a public high school located in Laurel, Maryland, and is the oldest school in the Prince George's County Public Schools system. Founded in 1899 with an enrollment of 59 students and four teachers, the original school building is now the Phelps Community Center in Laurel...
- Parkdale High SchoolParkdale High SchoolParkdale High School or PHS is a public magnet high school located at 6001 Good Luck Road, Riverdale, Maryland 20737. The principal is Mrs. Cheryl Logan. The September 2009 enrollment is approximately 2,172-students in grades nine through twelve. Parkdale's schools hours are from 7:45am until...
- Suitland High SchoolSuitland High SchoolSuitland High School is a public magnet high school located at 5200 Silver Hill Road, Forestville, Maryland 20747, long regarded for its Visual and Performing Arts magnet program...
Montessori
Prince George's County Public Schools has implemented two facilities dedicated to the Montessori instructional program — the Robert Goddard Montessori School and the John Hanson Montessori School. As dedicated facilities, these schools do not have a neighborhood attendance area. Entry into the program is through the random lottery application process only.The Montessori Primary Program for children ages 3 to 6 years old is based on the Montessori educational philosophy. Taught by Montessori accredited teachers, young children are guided in developing an inner discipline, strengthening their coordination, and extending their concentration span. These accomplishments result with their readily learning to read, write and grasp mathematics. The program consists of a half-day morning for preschoolers (ages 3 ). Children older than four must be currently enrolled in a certified Montessori program to be accepted into the program.
The Montessori Lower Elementary Program is designed for students ages 6 to 9 years old with prior Montessori experience. Rapid growth and learning is observed in classrooms filled with appropriate educational materials. The Montessori Upper Elementary Program continues for the next age grouping of students ages 9–12 with prior Montessori experience. Taught by Montessori accredited teachers, these elementary program students study an integrated curriculum that includes: mathematics, geometry, language, cultural studies, astronomy
Astronomy
Astronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects and phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth...
, biology
Biology
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines...
, chemistry, geography
Geography
Geography is the science that studies the lands, features, inhabitants, and phenomena of Earth. A literal translation would be "to describe or write about the Earth". The first person to use the word "geography" was Eratosthenes...
, history
History
History is the discovery, collection, organization, and presentation of information about past events. History can also mean the period of time after writing was invented. Scholars who write about history are called historians...
, geology
Geology
Geology is the science comprising the study of solid Earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which it evolves. Geology gives insight into the history of the Earth, as it provides the primary evidence for plate tectonics, the evolutionary history of life, and past climates...
, philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
, art, music
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
and physical education
Physical education
Physical education or gymnastics is a course taken during primary and secondary education that encourages psychomotor learning in a play or movement exploration setting....
.
The Montessori Middle School Program completes the Montessori studies for students progressing to the seventh and eighth grades. An interdisciplinary teaching team provides the Montessori Program for multidisciplinary learning to include English Language Arts, mathematics, science and social studies. At the high school level, the student can apply for entry to Biotechnology, Biomedical, Military Academy, Center for the Visual & Performing Arts and/or the Science & Technology Center.
LOCATIONS:
- Robert Goddard Montessori School
- John Hanson Montessori School
Science and Technology Center
The Science and Technology Center (S/T) is a highly challenging four-year curriculum which provides college-level academic experiences in scienceScience
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...
, mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
, and technology
Technology
Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures. The word technology comes ;...
. The program is not a true magnet program, as students are admitted into the S/T program based on competitive examination only, as opposed to the standard magnet lottery process. Of twenty-eight possible credits, a student is required to obtain a minimum of thirteen credits in specific mathematics, pre-engineering technology, research and science courses. In grades nine and ten, the program consists of common experiences courses for all student. In grades eleven and twelve, each student must choose course work from at least one of four major study areas. Students are expected to be enrolled in a full schedule of classes during the entire four-year program. External experiences are possible and encouraged, but must be a direct extension or enrichment of the Science and Technology Program, and have the recommendation of the Science and Technology Center Coordinator prior to approval by the principal.
The program is offered at three centers — Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Eleanor Roosevelt High School (Greenbelt, Maryland)
Eleanor Roosevelt High School , is a Maryland public magnet high school specializing in science, mathematics, technology, and engineering. The school was established in 1978 at its current location in Greenbelt, Maryland and is part of the Prince George's County Public Schools system...
in northern Prince George's County, Oxon Hill High School
Oxon Hill High School
Oxon Hill High School is a public senior high school located in Oxon Hill, an unincorporated area in Prince George's County, Maryland, and a suburb of Washington, D.C...
in southern Prince George's County, and Charles Herbert Flowers High School
Charles Herbert Flowers High School
Charles Herbert Flowers High School is located in Springdale of Prince George's County, Maryland. United States. The principal is Ms. Helena Nobles-Jones.Flowers High School's motto is "Mecca of Excellence."-History:...
in central Prince George’s County. Students attend the center that serves their legal residence. Transportation is provided for all students. Each school is a four-year comprehensive high school, as well as a Science and Technology Center. Each school is an active member of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology
National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology
National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology is an alliance of specialized high schools in the United States whose focus is advanced preparatory studies in mathematics, science and technology....
(NCSSSMST).
Admission into the Science and Technology Center is highly competitive and contingent upon three criterion, with all criterion weighed equally. The criterion are:
- Grades from four quarters of 7th grade and the first quarter of 8th grade (or four quarters of 8th grade and first quarter of 9th grade) in math, science, English, and social studies
- A standardized reading comprehension test
- A standardized numerical test
All of these are factored into a final score. The number of students admitted into the S/T program vary from each school, but as an example, 225-250 students with the top scores are admitted to Roosevelt's Science and Technology Program. The next 60 students are placed on a waiting list. All interested 8th and 9th grade students who are residents of Prince George's County are eligible to apply for admission to the Science and Technology Center.
LOCATIONS:
- Charles Herbert Flowers High SchoolCharles Herbert Flowers High SchoolCharles Herbert Flowers High School is located in Springdale of Prince George's County, Maryland. United States. The principal is Ms. Helena Nobles-Jones.Flowers High School's motto is "Mecca of Excellence."-History:...
- Oxon Hill High SchoolOxon Hill High SchoolOxon Hill High School is a public senior high school located in Oxon Hill, an unincorporated area in Prince George's County, Maryland, and a suburb of Washington, D.C...
- Eleanor Roosevelt High SchoolEleanor Roosevelt High School (Greenbelt, Maryland)Eleanor Roosevelt High School , is a Maryland public magnet high school specializing in science, mathematics, technology, and engineering. The school was established in 1978 at its current location in Greenbelt, Maryland and is part of the Prince George's County Public Schools system...
Talented and Gifted Center (TAG)
Talented and Gifted Center (TAG) Magnet Schools, provide a full-day intensive educational program appropriate for identified talented and gifted students, in grades 2-8. Each school offers a full-day of enriched and accelerated educational experiences in the four major content areas. Special offerings include: elementary foreign language programs, computer laboratories, laboratory based science program, and fine arts programs.LOCATIONS:
- Capitol Heights Elementary School
- Glenarden Woods Elementary School
- Heather Hills Elementary School
- Henry G. Ferguson Elementary School
- Kenmoor Elementary School
- Longfields Elementary School
- Oakcrest Elementary School
- Valley View Elementary School
- The Accokeek Academy
- Walker Mill Middle School
- Kenmoor Middle School