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Middle School Magnet Programs

Magnet Middle School Programs
Our magnet programs provide accelerated and enriched classes for academically gifted students.  Each magnet school has a theme and is designed to provide challenging instruction that meets the ability levels and unique learning needs of highly gifted students.  Middle Magnet students take at least two magnet advanced-level classes in which the instruction is infused with the school’s particular theme. A magnet student may also have Merit classes (see below) on his/her daily schedule. 

Magnet Programs are highly-competitive programs for identified gifted and talented (GATE) students. See the Magnet Programs page for details. 

Middle School Merit Classes
Advanced-level courses, which are considered Pre-Advanced Placement programs, are available at every middle school and are designed to service students who consistently perform above grade level on math and/or reading skills who are ready for an academic challenge.  Every grade 5 student is reviewed for inclusion in appropriate Merit classes by the Office of Advanced Placement.  Enrollment determinations are made by the middle school.  
Our five middle magnet schools are listed below:
  • Click on gold theme link to learn more about each Magnet Program
  • ​Click on the blue buttons to access the school's website
Boonsboro MIddle
Theme; Global Citizenship
Gifted Focus: Verbal
Magnet Courses:  ELA, Social Studies, & Spanish​
​
Northern Middle
Theme: International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme- IB MYP  
Gifted Focus: Verbal & Quantitative
Magnet Courses: 
ELA & Math
E Russell Hicks Middle
Theme: The Humanities​
Gifted Focus: Verbal
Magnet Courses: 
ELA & Social Studies
​
Springfield Middle
Theme: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
Gifted Focus: Quantitative & NonVerbal
Magnet Courses: ​Math & Science
Western Heights Avenue A
Theme:​ Arts Supporting Creative Academic Performance Excellence (Arts :SCAPE Avenue A)  ​
Gifted Focus: Verbal & NonVerbal
​Magnet Courses: 
ELA & Creative Writing​
Western Heights Avenue B
Theme: Arts Supporting Creative Academic Performance Excellence (Arts: SCAPE Avenue B) 
Gifted Focus: Creative & Performing Arts
​Program Website
The WCPS Middle School Program of Studies lists all courses offered in Middle School.  This will be updated for 2021-2022 before scheduling begins in the spring.
For more College and Career Information check out the WCPS Counseling and WCPS Career Technology websites.