Boundary Study

MCPS says no school closure decisions have been made and no list of schools has already been determined. The process starts with data, a decision-making framework, and community input.

This is a new countywide process, separate from the March 2026 decision below. The September announcement does not identify a specific change for Bells Mill. Families can help shape the criteria before a recommendation is made.

Following a superintendent recommendation, families will have opportunities to participate through public hearings and written testimony before a final Board of Education decision.

In 2026–2027, MCPS will review elementary and middle schools for possible closures and consolidations. No countywide boundary study is happening in this first phase.

In 2027–2028, MCPS plans a countywide elementary boundary study and boundary adjustments for affected middle schools. Changes from this two-year process are planned to begin in the 2029–2030 school year.

Community engagement is scheduled for October 19–November 2 and November 30–December 10. See the featured meetings at the top of this page or open the full MCPS schedule.

At the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2026, the Board voted to approve the superintendent's recommendation for the Woodward study, Crown study, and regional programs model together. Julie Yang voted against the recommendation, but a majority voted to approve all three resolutions.

In short, all Bells Mill students will attend Cabin John Middle School together and continue on to Churchill.

Wootton High School will be relocated to the new Crown Farm site.

Thank you all for your advocacy over these past few months.