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Specialty Programs and The Arts

8700 Allentown Rd
Fort Washington, MD 20744

The mission of the Department of Specialty Programs and The Arts is to prepare students to successfully navigate real-world college and career experiences, help students achieve 21st Century competency, and provide opportunities for mastery of the Four Cs (creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, communication). Furthermore, the department strives to provide multiple pathways for students to be innovative and transformative in their learning. Through Specialty Programs and The Arts, students will receive opportunities to learn, create, and thrive, while discovering who they are and how their creative passion impacts a global society.

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Specialty Programs At A Glance

Specialty Programs offer students in Pre-K through 12th grade expanded curricular options through unique, interest-focused learning opportunities. These programs are designed to provide students with a choice of specialized academic pathways that align with their talents, passions, and future goals.

Timeline for Specialty Programs

  • Non-PGCPS Students and PGCPS 9th graders - High School Application Window for programs requiring PSAT: August through September
  • Pre K-8 Lottery Application Window: November through February
  • High School Application Window: October through December
  • Non-PGCPS Students PSAT Administration: October
  • Annual Pre K-12 Specialty Programs Showcase: Thursday, October 30, 2025 (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm), Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School
  • Eligibility Notification for Creative and Performing Arts and High School Specialty Programs: March
  • Specialty Programs and Charter Schools Eligibility Notification: March/April

To learn more about a specific Specialty Program, visit our Applications page.

📍 Find Your Assigned School or Program
Families can easily locate school and program assignments by using our School Finder Tool.

Have Questions?
Contact the Department of Pupil Accounting & School Boundaries:

📞 Phone: (301) 952‑6300
📧 Email: school.boundaries@pgcps.org

 

The Arts Programs

The Arts in PGCPS

The Arts are an integral part of a well-rounded education in PGCPS. We believe that engaging in artistic expression fosters creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and emotional development. Our arts program aims to cultivate artistic talent and appreciation in all students.

Arts Disciplines Offered
PGCPS offers programs and instruction in a variety of arts disciplines:

  • Dance
  • Instrumental Music
  • Media Arts
  • Theater
  • Visual Arts
  • Vocal and General Music

Arts Integration
Arts Integration in PGCPS is an educational approach that weaves the arts into core academic subjects, allowing students to explore and understand concepts through creative expression. This method fosters deeper learning by engaging multiple intelligences and providing diverse pathways to knowledge. Through arts integration, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity, while also gaining a richer appreciation for both the arts and academic content. It encourages hands-on, experiential learning that makes connections across disciplines, ultimately enhancing student engagement and academic achievement.

 

Contact Information

Desann Manzano-Lee
Director, Specialty Programs and The Arts