The Montgomery County Board of Education has formally approved the Superintendent’s recommendations for the 2027-2028 Program of Study, introducing new districtwide standards aimed at expanding access to rigorous coursework across MCPS high schools.
Among the most significant changes is a criteria-based auto-enrollment process for Honors and Advanced-Level courses. Student interest will remain the primary consideration when selecting courses, but students who meet certain academic criteria may now be automatically enrolled in more rigorous classes without requiring a teacher recommendation.
According to the Board, qualifying criteria can include earning a B or higher in the previous general-level course, passing applicable state assessments, or demonstrating potential for success in Advanced Placement coursework.
The approved Program of Study also establishes clearer distinctions between course levels and their associated GPA weighting. On-Level courses will receive no additional GPA weight, Honors courses will receive 0.5 additional weight, and Advanced-Level courses, including AP, International Baccalaureate, and Dual Enrollment courses, will receive 1.0 additional weight.
MCPS will also expand the AP Capstone Diploma program, which consists of AP Seminar and AP Research. The program will be made available at all high schools that do not currently offer the full International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, expanding access to the program across the district.
The 2027-2028 Program of Study also includes a significant update to the district’s course offerings. Approximately 550 courses were activated, primarily to support six regional center programs focused on areas including the arts, STEM, and Career Connected Learning. At the same time, approximately 475 outdated or duplicate course listings were inactivated.
The changes are part of an effort to create more consistent academic opportunities across MCPS high schools and reduce barriers that may have previously prevented qualified students from enrolling in higher-level coursework. Read the approved School Year 2027-2028 Program of Study.
