1. Middle School Magnet Consortium (MSMC)
An interesting and exciting way to learn!

2. What makes middle school different from elementary school?
Students:
Use 2 different lockers
Wear PE uniforms
Change classrooms and teachers for every class
Enjoy more food choices for lunch
Have 6-8 teachers
Attend classes in a building with 2 floors
Enjoy increased freedom
Participate in more after-school activities and clubs

3. If you like to : Use computers Perform in front of audiences
Explore outer space
Create digital art or
digital music
Express yourself
through movement
Solve problems using
math and science

4. Where can you explore these interests?
Your local middle school! You will get to choose some of your classes and there will be many fun clubs and activities, like sports and the school play. OR
Explore your interests at the three schools in the Middle School Magnet Consortium, also known as the MSMC!

5. Parkland Magnet School for Aerospace Technology
• Advanced Mathematics and Science •
• Engineering •
Every student is in a unique accelerated
middle school science program.
Students select advanced aerospace or
engineering elective courses.
Course curricula are aligned with state and
national standards. Scientific inquiry and
problem solving are part of instruction.
Students may participate in competitions in
robotics, science, engineering, and
mathematics.

6. A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School for the Creative and Performing Arts
• Advanced Arts •
• Advanced Mathematics •
Every student takes a core arts course.
Students select advanced Dance, Music,
Theatre, or Visual Arts courses.
Course curricula are aligned with state and
national standards.
Arts performances and displays are on-going.
Students may participate in juried exhibitions
and competitions.

7. for Digital Design and Development
Argyle Magnet School
for Digital Design and Development
• Advanced Computer Science •
• Advanced Mathematics • Digital Design and Gaming
Every student takes core technology courses.
Students select advanced Programming, Web Design, Digital Art, and/or Multimedia courses.
Course curricula are aligned with state and national standards.  Hands-on technology experiences are a part of instruction in all academic areas.
Students may participate in technology-driven contests and competitions.

8. What do the three MSMC schools have in common?
Students in each MSMC school:
Take 8 classes
Take core classes: English, Math, PE and Health, Science, and Social Studies
Take elective magnet classes
Use technology
May participate in after-school activities and clubs
Take field trips and hear guest speakers

9. How can you attend one of these three schools?
Get a Choice form in October from MSMC website (Grade 5 students who live in the Consortium will receive one by mail)
Complete and Submit the Choice form by Early November.

10. How does the Choice process work?
A computer randomly
assigns students to
one of the three
MSMC schools
based on the student’s
Choice form and
space availability.

11. What factors are considered in lottery process?
School Capacity
Choice Ranking
Socioeconomic status
Sibling Link
Gender

12. What factors are NOT considered in lottery process?
Test Results
Report Card Grades
Teacher Recommendations
Race
Expertise and experience in area of magnet focus
Current participation in activities in area of magnet focus

13. FAQs

14. Are students who live in the MSMC area guaranteed a seat at one of the three schools?
Yes, students who live within the attendance areas of Argyle, Loiederman, and Parkland WILL attend an MSMC school.
MSMC In-Consortium Elementary Schools*:
Brookhaven Strathmore
Georgian Forest Viers Mill
Harmony Hills Weller Road
Sargent Shriver Wheaton Woods
*one of these must be your home school

15. Are students guaranteed their first choice school?
No, but every effort will be made to assign students to their first choice.

16. How many seats are available to students who live OUTSIDE the consortia area?
Depending on enrollment trends, around 80 seats are available at each of the MSMC schools for Out-of-Consortium students entering
6th grade.

17. Is bus transportation provided?
For students who live outside walking distance of their assigned school, as designated by MCPS, and in the attendance areas of:
Argyle, Loiederman, and Parkland
Yes - from neighborhood bus stops if they live beyond the MCPS designated walking distance
All other areas of Montgomery County
No - parents provide transportation

18. High school credit available
What are the similarities and differences between MSMC schools and application programs at Clemente, Eastern and Takoma Park?
MSMC
Application Programs
Whole school magnet
Every child in the school participates
in the magnet focus
Student assignment by lottery –
Choice form (based on student
interest)
Magnet program within a larger school
Only those selected participate
Student assignment by a highly
competitive selection process –
application (report card grades, teacher
recommendations, testing . . .)
Similarities
Rigorous course work
Themed programs
High school credit available
Limited seats
Note: Students who live within the MSMC attendance area are guaranteed a seat
at one of the MSMC schools.

19. What about English, Social Studies, Math, Science, PE?
MSMC schools offer the same academic and educational services as other MCPS middle schools, plus additional courses and after school activities

20. For more information about specific MSMC program, contact:
Magnet Coordinator – A. Mario Loiederman
Magnet Coordinator – Parkland
Magnet Coordinator – Argyle
Questions about the Choice Process?
Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services
Visit:

21. Coming soon:
In September, find out about October MSMC Open Houses and information meetings.
Visit:
Information will also be sent in the mail.