MCPS is considering closing and consolidating elementary and middle schools. The district says declining enrollment, its first decline in more than 40 years, has left some schools with more available space than needed, even as other parts of the county continue to grow.
Under the plan outlined by MCPS, the process would take place in two phases over the next two school years.
During the 2026-2027 school year, MCPS will conduct a countywide review of elementary and middle schools, examining factors including enrollment, building utilization, capacity, transportation and program models. The review is intended to identify schools the superintendent could recommend to the Montgomery County Board of Education for closure or consolidation. MCPS emphasized that a countywide boundary study will not take place during this first phase.
The second phase is scheduled for the 2027-2028 school year. Following decisions on closures and consolidations, MCPS plans to conduct a countywide elementary school boundary study, along with boundary adjustments for affected middle schools.
According to MCPS, the district believes declining enrollment requires a broader examination of how school buildings and resources are being used. While some schools have excess capacity, enrollment continues to grow in other communities.
The district said community input will be part of the process before recommendations are made. Two rounds of engagement sessions are currently scheduled, with both in-person and virtual opportunities. The first will take place from October 19 through November 2, followed by a second round from November 30 through December 10.
MCPS said discussions will focus in part on the decision-making framework and the metrics and factors that should be considered when determining whether a school should close or consolidate.
Any closures, consolidations and boundary changes resulting from the two-year process are expected to be implemented beginning with the 2029-2030 school year. Times and dates of community engagement meetings can be found here.
