The who, how, when, and what of the Blair Magnet Application

The Blair Magnet Program is funded to accept 100 Montgomery County students for its incoming 9th Grade class. Because the Magnet Program's curriculum is interrelated between grades and sequentially different from other high schools, only students entering 9th Grade are accepted. No mid-high school transfer of students is permitted. Juniors and seniors enrolled in other Montgomery County high schools who meet the prerequisites and can provide their own transportation are eligible for magnet electives that are not offered at their home school.

Who may apply to the Magnet Program?

Students in Grade 8 with a strong interest in science, mathematics, and computer science who are enrolled in at least Algebra I may apply to the Blair Magnet Program for entrance the following school year. Applicants must reside in one of the following MCPS high school clusters at the time of testing (for more information on testing, see below): Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Winston Churchill, the Downcounty Consortium (Montgomery Blair, Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy, Northwood, Wheaton), the Northeast Consortium (Hubie Blake, Paint Branch, Springbrook), Walter Johnson, Richard Montgomery, Rockville, Sherwood, Walt Whitman, or Thomas S. Wootton. Students in other high school clusters can apply to the Poolesville Magnet Program.

How do I learn more about the Magnet Program?

Each fall there are informational meetings about the Magnet for interested students and their parents/guardians. This year families can choose one of four meetings to learn more about the Magnet. There is no need to attend more than one of these meetings.

Oct. 1st at Hoover Middle School Oct. 6th at Banneker Middle School Oct. 23rd at Parkland Middle School Oct. 29th at Blair High School

Applications are sent to guidance offices in every MCPS middle school and most private middle schools in October and are also available at the informational meetings. The application will also be available online (Note: An incorrect version of the application form was previously posted on MCPS's site. Please verify that you have the 2009-2010 application form. If not, download/print again before submitting.).

Applications must be postmarked or hand delivered to Blair by the deadline, November 14th, 2008. Applications should be sent to:

Magnet Program Coordinator
Montgomery Blair High School
51 University Boulevard East
Silver Spring, Maryland 20901

Because of the volume of applications and preparation for test administration, late applications cannot be accepted.

What are the selection criteria?

Selection is based on a student's achievement record in mathematics, science, and English, demonstrated interest in mathematics, science, and computer science, teacher recommendations, and the student's ability to think critically and reason logically. Applicants take a series of mathematical and verbal aptitude, achievement, and critical thinking tests in January. More information about the tests can be found here. Applicants can also download a booklet about preparing for the tests.

There is a $40 fee to cover the administrative costs of these tests.

Further questions? Call the Magnet Program at (301) 649-8240.