We help students discover their talents, express creativity, and build skills for college, careers, and life. Through our programs, students grow, create, and make a difference in their communities.
Please note that while PGCPS provides bus transportation to and from all Specialty Programs, routes cover larger geographic areas. Families should plan for commute times of approximately 90 minutes each way.
Specialty Programs in PGCPS offer unique educational pathways that allow PreK–12 students to engage in in-depth study of specific subjects, expanding their curricular options through focused, interest-based learning opportunities.
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.
PGCPS offers programs and instruction in a variety of arts disciplines:
The William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center, Arts Integration strategy, Junior Achievement (JA) Finance Park, and the Howard B. Owens Science Center offer students unique opportunities to expand knowledge and engage in hands-on learning beyond the classroom.
Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) offers a diverse range of educational experiences designed to cater to various student interests and learning styles. Among these are the Specialty Programs, which provide an expansion of curricular options for students in Pre K-12 by providing students with a choice of unique learning opportunities focused on a specific interest.
Each specialty program has specific eligibility requirements. Generally, these may include:
November 2, 2026 - February 5, 2027
November 2, 2026 - March 12, 2027
September 23, 2026 - November 20, 2026
PGCPS 8th Graders do not need to complete an application. They are automatically considered.
Application for PGCPS 9th Graders and Non-PGCPS 8th and 9th Graders: August 10, 2026 - October 9, 2026.
Application Window for the 2027-2028 School Year for Non-PGCPS 8th Grade Students and Current 9th Grade PGCPS Students
August 10, 2026 - October 9, 2026
