Specialty Programs Application and Lottery Process
Pathway to Possibilities
Prince George's County Public Schools
Pahtways into Specialty Programs via Applications and Lottery Process Overview
High School Specialty Programs and Middle School Creative and Performing Arts Application Process
| September/October - December | High School Specialty Programs Application Window |
| September/October - November | CPA and VPA Application Window |
| October | PSAT-Saturday Administration for Non-PGCPS 8th Graders and PGCPS and Non-PGCPS 9th Graders |
| December | Visual and Performing Arts Audition |
| December | Parent/Guardian Submission of Complete Academic Record for Non-PGCPS Students |
| December | Parent/Guardian Submission of Portfolio Due from Students in Homeschool Programs |
| January | Creative and Performing Arts Auditions (Grades 6-8) |
| March | Eligibility Notifications via ParentVUE for PGCPS Students; Mailed/Emailed for Non-PGCPS Students |
| March - May | Program Selection and Acceptance: Rolling Acceptance for Students on a Waitlist based on Seat Availability |
Specialty Programs Lottery Application Process
| November - February | PreK-8 Application Window (Montessori, Immersion, Creative and Performing Arts) |
| November - March | TAG Centers Application Window |
| Spring | Eligibility Notificiations via Email (PGCPS and Non PGCPS Students) |
| Spring | Program Selection and Acceptance |
CPA - Creative and Performing Arts
VPA - Visual and Performing Arts (Grades 9-12)
TAG - Talented and Gifted
Note: Students placed on a waitlist may be offered a seat pending seat availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the application and lottery windows for the 2026–2027 cycle?
Application and lottery deadlines vary by program type:
|
Program Level |
Program |
Application/Lottery Window |
|
Creative and Performing Arts: 6-8 Visual and Performing Arts: 9-12 |
Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) & Creative and Performing Arts |
September 23, 2026 – November 20, 2026 |
High School Specialty Programs: 9-12
Note: Online Campus Program: 7-12 |
|
September 23, 2026 – December 11, 2026 |
|
Charter & K–8 Specialty Lottery |
Public Charter Schools & K–8 Specialty Programs (Immersion and Montessori) |
November 2, 2026 – February 5, 2027 |
|
TAG Lottery |
Talented and Gifted (TAG) Lottery |
November 2, 2026 – March 12, 2027 |
Q2: Do current 8th-grade PGCPS students need to submit an application for Science and Technology (S&T) or Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology (AEAT)?
No. Current 8th-grade PGCPS students do not need to submit an application for the Science and Technology (S&T) or Aerospace Engineering and Aviation Technology (AEAT) programs. They are automatically considered and receive a score based on the following criteria:
- 7th Grade Academic Record
- 1st Quarter of 8th Grade Academic Record
- PSAT score for the current school year
Q3: If my child is currently enrolled in an 8th-grade PGCPS language immersion program, can they continue in high school?
Yes. PGCPS offers program continuity for current 8th-grade immersion students, allowing them to transition directly into the high school Immersion Program at Largo High School.
Q4: Where can families access the application portal?
Families can review program details and submit their applications directly through the official PGCPS High School Specialty Programs Portal.
Q5: What information is required before a family can apply?
A valid PGCPS Student Identification Number is required to complete any Specialty Program application. All currently enrolled PGCPS students have a valid student identification number. To secure a PGCPS student identification number, parents/guardians should follow the instructions accessible here: https://www.pgcps.org/offices/information-technology/technology-training-and-instructional-technology/parentvue-support-for-parents-and-guardians
Q6: How are school assignments determined for programs with multiple locations?
For Specialty Programs offered across several sites, student placement is based on the primary home address on file in Synergy. Families can confirm boundary zones and school assignments using the PGCPS School Finder Tool.
Q7: Is bus transportation provided for Specialty Programs?
Yes, PGCPS provides bus transportation to and from designated Specialty Programs based on program boundary guidelines. However, because these specialized routes cover broader geographic zones than standard neighborhood school routes, parents should anticipate travel times of approximately 90 minutes each way.
Q8: Can a Specialty Program location change in the future?
Yes. PGCPS reserves the right to transition or relocate a Specialty Program site based on evolving district needs, capacity, and student enrollment.