MCPS Eyes Possible Elementary, Middle School Closures With New Boundary Study

ROCKVILLE, MD — After a contentious high school redistricting process earlier this year, Montgomery County Public Schools is now turning its focus to elementary and middle schools that may need to be closed or consolidated.

Officials say the move is needed in order to address declining enrollment numbers and poor utilization of elementary schools, among other operational inefficiencies.

Between 2019 and 2025, the district says the Montgomery County school system saw a 5.6% enrollment decline from pre-kindergarten to high school. However, of that tally, 8.9% accounted for elementary schools.

"As enrollment has declined, utilization across elementary schools increasingly has become imbalanced," reads a district document. "While certain areas of Montgomery County are experiencing localized growth, nearby schools often have significant available capacity."

Now, as a means to address the setback, the school district is tapping into the services of FLO Analytics, the same contractor it used for its high school boundary study.

The Two-Phase Study

A two-phase study will start with an analysis of school attendance records and determine which schools should be shuttered for the 2029-2030 school year.

The second phase will take into consideration the board's recommendations while carrying out a countywide boundary analysis.

Both phases will include periods for community feedback and public hearings before final decisions are made.

A school board decision on the first phase is expected by May 2027, with the second phase following in May 2028.

FLO Analytics was selected to conduct both studies as part of a nearly $2 million contract.