Montgomery County Public Schools today stand as one of the most influential and high-performing public school systems in the nation. With more than 160,000 students across 210 schools, the district continues to prioritize academic achievement, student wellness, and equity. As the 2025–2026 academic year continues, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) are focusing on safety, innovation, and preparing students for a rapidly changing world.
District Overview and Leadership
Montgomery County Public Schools, headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, serve the largest student population in the state. Led by Superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight, the district remains committed to its mission of ensuring that every student receives a world-class education.
Dr. McKnight, a longtime educator and the first woman to serve as superintendent of MCPS, emphasizes inclusion, transparency, and academic rigor. Since stepping into the role in 2022, she has worked to close achievement gaps, modernize instructional methods, and strengthen relationships with families and staff.
Under her guidance, the district’s goals revolve around four main priorities: improving student outcomes, supporting mental health, expanding access to technology, and maintaining strong community partnerships.
Strategic Vision for 2025–2030
The MCPS Strategic Plan, known as All Means All, outlines long-term priorities for the next several years. Its mission centers on ensuring every student—regardless of background, language, or economic circumstance—has the opportunity to achieve success.
The plan is organized around five pillars:
- Academic Excellence – Increasing student achievement through high-quality instruction and equitable learning environments.
- Student Well-being – Prioritizing emotional health, safety, and belonging.
- Equitable Access – Expanding programs and services for English learners, special education students, and underserved communities.
- Operational Excellence – Improving communication, transportation, and infrastructure.
- Community Engagement – Strengthening collaboration among educators, parents, and local organizations.
This framework continues to guide decision-making across the district and reflects MCPS’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and transparency.
Academic Achievements and Performance Trends
Montgomery County Public Schools today continue to demonstrate strong academic performance. The district’s graduation rate reached 93.7% in 2025, one of the highest in Maryland.
Participation in Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs remains robust, with thousands of students earning college credit before graduation. The number of students taking dual-enrollment courses through partnerships with Montgomery College has also increased, allowing more students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously.
In early education, MCPS has expanded literacy and math intervention programs to ensure that all children reach key developmental benchmarks by third grade. Early literacy data for 2025 show measurable improvements in reading comprehension and vocabulary growth across elementary schools.
At the middle and high school levels, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) opportunities continue to grow. Robotics clubs, computer science electives, and engineering labs are now standard in nearly every secondary school, preparing students for future careers in technology and science.
School Safety and Mental Health Initiatives
Safety and mental health remain among the top priorities for Montgomery County Public Schools today. The district’s Comprehensive Safety Plan, updated in 2025, focuses on preventive measures, staff training, and student support.
Key elements include:
- Installation of secure entry systems and upgraded cameras across all campuses.
- Crisis response training for staff and administrators.
- Expansion of partnerships with Montgomery County Police and local emergency services.
- Increased presence of school resource officers to ensure rapid response and community engagement.
The district also recognizes that emotional safety is just as important as physical security. Each school now has access to licensed mental health professionals, including counselors, psychologists, and social workers.
In addition, MCPS operates Wellness Centers in several high schools, providing confidential counseling, mental health support, and stress management resources. The Well-Being Wednesdays program encourages mindfulness and physical activity, helping students manage anxiety and improve focus.
Teacher Recruitment and Retention Efforts
Attracting and retaining skilled educators is central to maintaining high-quality instruction. Montgomery County Public Schools employ approximately 24,000 staff members, including around 13,000 teachers.
To strengthen the workforce, the district has implemented several measures:
- Competitive salary increases for teachers and support staff.
- A loan forgiveness initiative for educators in high-need subject areas.
- Professional development opportunities in technology integration and inclusive teaching.
- Mentorship programs for early-career teachers.
Through these initiatives, MCPS has reduced vacancy rates and built a more stable, motivated teaching staff—critical for maintaining academic consistency across the district.
Technology and Digital Learning Advancements
Montgomery County Public Schools continue to lead in educational technology. Through the Technology Modernization Program, every student from grades 3–12 receives a district-issued Chromebook, ensuring equitable access to digital resources.
In 2025, MCPS introduced the Digital Learning Framework 2.5, which emphasizes:
- Safe and responsible technology use.
- Cybersecurity education for students and staff.
- Increased access to virtual learning platforms.
- Enhanced digital literacy programs across grade levels.
These initiatives ensure students gain essential skills for the modern workforce while protecting online privacy and digital integrity.
Teachers are also receiving continuous training in technology-based instruction, enabling them to personalize lessons and track academic progress in real time.
Facilities Modernization and Sustainability
Montgomery County Public Schools today are investing heavily in facility upgrades to accommodate growing enrollment and modern learning needs. Several major capital projects are underway:
- Northwood High School Reconstruction: A full rebuild featuring modern classrooms, science labs, and performance spaces, expected to open in 2026.
- Crown High School: A new state-of-the-art school in Gaithersburg designed to ease overcrowding in nearby areas, scheduled to open in fall 2026.
- Renovations and Expansions: Dozens of schools receiving HVAC replacements, ADA accessibility improvements, and upgraded playgrounds.
The district’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its adoption of solar energy, LED lighting retrofits, and the rollout of electric school buses. These initiatives align with Montgomery County’s broader climate action goals, reducing both costs and environmental impact.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Montgomery County Public Schools serve one of the most diverse student populations in the country, representing more than 150 nationalities and over 130 languages.
The district’s Equity and Achievement Framework ensures that all students—regardless of race, income, or language—have access to advanced courses, extracurricular activities, and support services.
Programs for English language learners, special education students, and those from low-income families have received additional funding in 2025, allowing for smaller class sizes and individualized instruction.
MCPS also celebrates cultural diversity through events like International Night, Heritage Month programs, and multicultural fairs that promote inclusion and mutual respect among students.
Budget and Financial Management
For fiscal year 2026, the Montgomery County Public Schools budget stands at approximately $3.4 billion. The majority of the funds go toward instructional services, teacher compensation, and student programs.
Major financial priorities include:
- Expanding access to early childhood education.
- Investing in mental health and safety programs.
- Maintaining competitive salaries for educators.
- Modernizing facilities and transportation systems.
The district continues to operate under a balanced budget while maintaining financial transparency through public meetings and annual reports.
Calendar, Weather Preparedness, and Attendance
The 2025–2026 academic year began on August 26, 2025, and is scheduled to end on June 17, 2026. MCPS uses a flexible learning policy that allows for virtual instruction during inclement weather, ensuring continuity in education regardless of weather disruptions.
Attendance rates remain high, and the district continues campaigns encouraging students to maintain consistent attendance as a key component of success.
Partnerships and Community Engagement
MCPS has long valued collaboration with families, local businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Parent engagement programs like Parent Academy offer free workshops on digital safety, college preparation, and mental health awareness.
Community partnerships with local colleges, health providers, and civic organizations help provide wraparound services, tutoring, and extracurricular enrichment. These collaborations strengthen the connection between schools and the broader Montgomery County community.
Looking Ahead
As Montgomery County Public Schools today continue to shape the next generation of learners, the district remains focused on innovation, equity, and student empowerment. Plans for the coming years include expanding pre-kindergarten programs, introducing new career readiness academies, and continuing investments in teacher development.
Dr. McKnight and the Board of Education reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that every student graduates ready for college, career, and life in an increasingly interconnected world.
What do you think about the direction of Montgomery County Public Schools today? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.