What is a Boundary Study and why is it taking place?
A Boundary Study is a review of school boundaries and school assignments to determine which addresses attend which schools. These studies occur periodically based on available facilities and student enrollment.
MCPS is conducting a Boundary Study due to the reopening Charles W. Woodward High School on Old Georgetown Road for the 2027–2028 academic year. With a capacity of 2,159 students, the reopening aims to alleviate overcrowding in local high schools, including Blair, Walter Johnson, Einstein, and Wheaton. You can read about the Boundary Study Scope recommendation to determine the service area for the reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School here.
Does the Boundary Study impact Wood Acres Elementary School?
No. The Boundary Study does not affect any elementary schools.
Which schools are impacted by the Boundary Study?
The following middle schools are affected: Pyle, Argyle, Parkland, Sligo, Eastern, Takoma Park, Loiederman, Shannon, Tilden, Newport Mill, Silver Creek, Westland, North Bethesda, and Silver Spring International.
The following high schools are affected: Whitman, Walter Johnson, Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Wheaton, Blair, Kennedy, Einstein, and Northwood.
Below is a video from MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor explaining the scope of the Boundary Study:
Below is a video from the MCPS Board of Education Meeting on 3/19/25 on the MCPS Boundary Studies and Program Analysis Update:
Will Wood Acres Elementary School continue to send students to Pyle and then Whitman?
This is currently unknown. The Boundary Study results for Charles W. Woodward High School will determine whether the Wood Acres/Pyle/Whitman cluster remains unchanged.
Who is conducting the boundary study?
MCPS has engaged FLO Analytics to facilitate this process, with Bloom Planning as a sub-contractor providing community engagement.
What happens next?
Community Engagement Plan will be finalized and shared in April 2025
Initial Informational Community Meeting Sessions will begin in April 2025
Initial Options Community Meeting Sessions will begin in May 2025 with opportunities for stakeholders to provide input and feedback
What is the expected timeline for the Boundary Study?
MCPS latest available timeline is below (note these dates are subject to change):
Phase 1: Jan-Feb 2025: Finalize contract with FLO Analytics; initial onboarding with FLO Analytics; initial Project Teams formation
Phase 2: Mar-Apr 2025: Finalize engagement plans and engage in initial community meetings; initial data collection and analysis
Phase 3: May-Jul 2025: Present initial options for feedback and input
Phase 4: Aug-Sep 2025: Present additional and/or revised options based on feedback and input
Phase 5: Oct-Feb 2026: Finalize options and develop the superintendent’s recommendations
How can you provide input and impact the process?
The best way to influence the process is to stay informed and attend the public hearings. Updates will be provided on this webpage as information becomes available.
Additionally, a committee of interested parents will be formed to monitor the Boundary Study’s progress and keep the Wood Acres Elementary School community informed. If you are interested in joining the committee please sign up on this form. If you have any questions, please email: wildcatanswers@gmail.com
What are the priorities for the boundary study?
MCPS is considering four primary factors when determining and modifying school boundaries:
Demographic characteristics of the student population
Geography
Stability of school assignments over time
Facility utilization
These factors ensure that boundary decisions promote diversity, consider proximity, maintain consistent school assignments, and optimize the use of school facilities.
MCPS Resources
For more detailed information, including the scope of the study, timelines, and opportunities for community involvement, please visit the MCPS Boundary Study webpage.