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:
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?
MCPS will work with FLO Analytics to identify the timeline and initial approach. They will begin sharing expectations for engagement and ongoing communication with students, staff, families, and the community.
What is the expected timeline for the Boundary Study?
MCPS latest available timeline is below (note these dates are subject to change):
Early 2025–Fall 2025—Boundary Study process (community meetings, option development, feedback)
Early 2026—Boundary study report is released
Winter 2026 (February)—Superintendent of schools’ recommendation on the boundary study is released
Winter 2026 (February-March)—Board of Education work sessions, public hearings, and action on the superintendent of schools’ recommendation on the boundary study
August 2027—reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School
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 or 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.