Which MCPS Schools Could Close Or Consolidate? Here’s What Happens Next

ROCKVILLE, MD — Montgomery County Public Schools is weighing which elementary and middle schools it will either close or consolidate due to declining enrollment.

Officials say the falling numbers mark a first for the school district in more than 40 years.

"We will begin now with a careful review of data and meaningful community engagement around the decision making framework and the metrics and factors that should be considered," reads a statement from the district.

"We recognize that conversations about school closures and consolidations will be difficult for students, families, staff and communities. We are absolutely committed to approaching this work with care, transparency and empathy, while keeping students’ needs at the center of every decision."

What Are The Steps MCPS Is Taking?

Before any final decisions are made, officials will be splitting the decision into two phases: schools earmarked for closures/consolidations and a countywide boundary study.

The first phase will be carried out through the 2026-2027 school year, with the boundary study taking center stage by the following academic year.

"This is the beginning," reads an MCPS release. "There is a lot of work and opportunity for conversations to come."

Factors being considered include enrollment numbers, building utilization, capacity, transportation and program models, among other data.

Officials say the results of both phases will take effect during the 2029-2030 school year.

Getting Feedback From MCPS Community

Residents will have the opportunity to speak out during a series of community engagement forums that will be held virtually and in person.

Meetings get underway in mid-October and run through early December.

See the schedule of dates below:

• Monday, Oct. 19
  Virtual
  12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 19
  In-Person
  Gaithersburg Middle School
  6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 20
  In-Person
  Kingsview Middle School
  6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 21
  In-Person
  Rosa Parks Middle School
  6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 22
  In-Person
  A. Mario Loiederman Middle School
  6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 23
  Virtual
  12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 28
  In-Person
  Julius West Middle School
  6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 29
  In-Person
  Eastern Middle School
  6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 30
  Virtual
  12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 2
  Virtual
  6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 30
  Virtual
  12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 30
  Virtual
  6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 1
  In-Person
  Herbert Hoover Middle School
  6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 2
  In-Person
  Ridgeview Middle School
  6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 3
  In-Person
  Newport Mill Middle School
  6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 4
  Virtual
  12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Monday, Dec. 7
  Virtual
  12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 8
  In-Person
  Benjamin Banneker Middle School
  6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 9
  In-Person
  Rocky Hill Middle School
  6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 10
  In-Person
  Parkland Middle School
  6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.