Today’s high school graduates need new skills and experiences in order to be college and workforce ready and to compete effectively in the global workplace.  In order to facilitate these objectives, the M-DCPS School Board approved the implementation of Secondary School Reform.  The following six core principles of Secondary School Reform provide high schools with a framework for increasing student achievement, increasing student attendance, and increasing graduation rates: (1) personalize the learning environment; (2) increase academic engagement of all students; (3) empower educators; (4) develop accountable leaders; (5) engage community and youth; and (6) integrate a system of high standards, curriculum, instruction, and assessment.  A ninth grade academy helps students transition into high school and better prepares them to choose their theme-based career academies.  Students are encouraged to participate in the following by the end of their senior year: take more Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, and Career Pathway courses that can earn them college credit; successfully pass Industry Certification tests; and participate in an internship program.

All high schools participate in Secondary School Reform, regardless of whether they offer a six or eight period schedule. The following high schools are implementing an eight period schedule, thereby giving students expanded opportunities to take additional academic and academy classes in their schedules.