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FAQS FOR PHS MAGNET
Updated 10.8.14
For ease in navigation to a particular question you may have, the following frequently asked questions are
arranged in several different categories:
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Program Questions
Transportation Questions
Applications Questions
Screening & Selection
Testing Day Questions
Can my child shadow?
Extended Day & Study Time Questions
Extra-Curricular Activities Questions
General School Questions
PROGRAM QUESTIONS
1. How many students are admitted?
There are three “tested-in” programs at PHS, the Global Ecology House ( GEH), the Humanities House
(HH) and the Science, Math, Computer Science House (SMCSH). Fifty out-of-the-area students are accepted
into each of the three programs for a total of 150 out-of-the-area students. Local John Poole Middle School
(JPMS) students do not count against the 150. JPMS students are admitted based on the decision of the
selection committee which is made up of about 20 local and central office staff. There is a fourth rigorous
program at PHS which is only for those families that reside in the PHS catchment area. This program is the
Independent Studies Program (ISP). Additional information may be viewed at the PHS website.
2. What is the ratio of boys to girls in each of the programs?
In the Global Ecology House the ratio is just about 50-50 boys to girls. In the Humanities House there are
more girls than boys. In the Science, Math, Computer Science House there are more boys than girls.
3. How do we identify on the application form which school we want to apply to?
You are to check off whether you are applying to Montgomery Blair High School, Richard Montgomery High
School and/or Poolesville High School on page one of the application. If you are applying to more than one
high school the criteria for application is listed on page one of the application booklet under the heading
Overview. Each high school needs its own application. If you are applying to more than one program
at Poolesville High School only one application is needed but an essay for each program (i.e. Global
Ecology House; Humanities House; Science, Math, Computer Science House) is required. The essay pages are
located in Section V of the application.
4. How do students interact with the entire student body?
Each instructional house (i.e. Global Ecology House; Humanities House; Science, Math, Computer Science
House) has core courses that are required and sometimes linked. Students will interact with the entire student
body in foreign language courses, physical education courses and many other courses. For example, students
from the Science, Math, Computer Science House will be in an Honors English class with Global Ecology
students as well as Independent Studies Program (ISP) students.
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5. How do the magnet kids interact with non-magnet students?
Poolesville High School is the first Whole School Magnet in Montgomery County Public Schools. As a
result, all students are considered magnet students. The Whole School magnet model engages and challenges
students selected through an application/screening process, as well as local school students interested in the
magnet focus areas. Local students who did not go through the application/screening process benefit from an
Independent Studies Program (ISP) during their 9th and 10th grade years. When choosing courses for their
junior year, students select a house focus from: Biological and Physical Science, Cultural and Political
Studies, Music/Arts/Media Studies, Technology and Math Studies, Project Lead the Way (engineering program)
and Original Studies. These students may also earn an ISP Certificate of Achievement based on the courses
that they select as juniors and seniors. Please see the Poolesville High School magnet website for further
details.
6. If you are a Poolesville resident and don’t get invited into the magnet program can you still take the
magnet courses?
In the junior and senior years, there are many courses that are open to all students at PHS Magnet.
Poolesville residents benefit from an Independent Studies Program (ISP) during their 9th and 10th grade years.
When choosing courses for their junior year, students select a house focus from: Biological and Physical
Science, Cultural and Political Studies, Music/Arts/Media Studies, Technology and Math Studies and Original
Studies. These students may also earn an ISP Certificate of Achievement based on the courses that they select
as juniors and seniors. Please see the Poolesville High School magnet website for further details.
http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/poolesvillehs/magnet/
7. My child loves science and wants to apply to the Science, Math, Computer Science House. They do not
like programming. Will they be successful?
So much of the correct answer to this question depends on the child and their past programming experience
and their willingness to learn something new. If the experience was bad it may have been the teacher or the
expectations for the child. A child who does not like programming at all needs to really consider perhaps
entering the Global Ecology House which is a highly rigorous program as well. The first computer class in the
Science, Math, Computer Science House is not really a programming class. It is entitled Fundamentals of
Computer Science and teaches independent computer science units using computers as tools for science and
engineering fields. The second class is entitled Algorithms and Data Structures and does deal with computer
programming.
8. What happens if the courses are just too hard for my child?
Our first goal would be to support the student to make sure that they are successful.
Students who do not find success at PHS for whatever reason may always return to their home high school at
any point during the four years.
9. What types of expenses are there related to the field trips and projects?
Cost should never be a consideration in determining whether or not to be part of the magnet programs at
PHS. While there are fees associated with activities, funds are available for students who cannot afford to pay.
10. How many students applied to each house last year?
Almost 690 applications were received last year. For the SMCSH there were 424 applications, for the GEH
487 applications and for HH 376 applications. Realize that these numbers do not add up to 690 because
students may apply to more than one house.
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11. Why did you not take questions from the floor on Information Night?
The sheer number of people in the audience made it impossible to ask and answer questions. Many times
people ask questions that are so specific to their situation that it is a waste of time for others. It is truly out of
respect for my staff, parents and the students in the audience that we do not entertain questions during the
presentations on Information Night. The questions are collected and then answered on the web.
12. Are there people currently in the program who did not have straight A’s?
Yes. Please review question 2 in the Selection Process section for further information about the criteria for
selection in the Screening and Selection Process.
13. If a student selects a specific house in ninth grade are they able to switch later?
No. Students are not allowed to switch houses during their four year stay at PHS.
14. If your child does not start in the program in 9th grade can he or she transfer in a higher grade?
No.
15. What information will be given out on at the application workshop?
The Application Workshop is for families who do not have easy command of the English language.
Interpreters will be present in the following languages: Spanish, French, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
Please look at the grid under Upcoming Events to determine the date and location of the Application Workshop.
16. Do students in the three magnet programs participate in sports?
Many students participate in sports as well as other extra-curriculars such as clubs, band, and drama. Band
is different from a sport or a club in that it is both a class and an extra-curricular activity. As a magnet student,
your priority will be your magnet academic program, which must take priority over any schedule conflicts
during the school day. Since the heart of a magnet program is a block of back-to-back classes and PHS only
has a part-time music teacher, many magnet students find that they are unable to participate in the Concert
Band or Jazz Band during one or more years of their high school career.
17. How many students came from the middle school magnet program, Roberto Clemente?
28% - Roberto Clemente; 25% - John Poole Middle School; 47% - 19 other middle schools
18. What is the difference between PHS and the IB program at Richard Montgomery?
The interdisciplinary method of teaching is the main difference between PHS and RM. PHS
integrates/blends subjects to be able to get real world application to the subjects that are taught. Richard
Montgomery will be able to issue an IB Diploma that is recognized around the world. The prescribed path of
courses offers little flexibility. The PHS students will receive a Maryland diploma with a Certificate of
Achievement from their chosen path of study. PHS students have more opportunities for course selection based
on their interest.
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19. How much time is spent on homework each night?
The average time spent on homework each night is about 3 hours. Students who procrastinate may be
looking at 6 hours on some nights. This question is always hard to answer because students work at different
rates.
20. What advantage are these programs over just an aggressive load of AP classes when it comes to
applying to college?
The difference would be the magnet designation which implies a higher level of scrutiny than just an AP
class. When the high school transcript is sent to a college, a program description for each house is included
which lists specific SAT and AP data for that house. At PHS Magnet we also offer courses which are beyond
AP like: Thermodynamics, Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Optics, Introduction to Genetic Analysis,
Linear Algebra, Vector Calculus, Writing Mobile Apps for Android Devices, Robotics, Quantum Physics,
Vector Calculus, Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry.
21. Are there any other schools in upper Montgomery County being considered for this type of
program?
PHS is the only magnet high school for upper Montgomery County just as Montgomery Blair is the only
magnet high school for lower Montgomery County. Students from all of Montgomery County may apply to
Richard Montgomery’s IB program.
22. Are Science, Math, Computer Science students getting any college credits?
As juniors and seniors the SMCSH students have many choices of courses available to them. Some will offer
AP credit. The SMCSH elective classes mentioned in question 20 are considered beyond AP in scope and
sequence.
23. Are the field trips during the school week or does it involve weekends too?
On rare occasion a field trip may be part of a weekend. For example, in 10th grade the Science, Math,
Computer Science students take a 4 day trip to Wallops Island which runs into the entire day on Saturday.
24. What are the differences between the Poolesville Media Component of Humanities and the Media
class at Roberto Clemente’s Magnet Program?
It is important to first realize that the teachers from PHS are in close contact with the teachers from RCMS.
The media component is a continuation of what the students have studied in middle school. The background
knowledge gained by some students who attended RCMS will also be accessible to students who did not. There
might be some overlap, but it is important to recognize that there is greater depth of analysis compared to what
can be accomplished in middle school. It is important to recognize that the cognitive aptitude that a 6th grader
brings to a discussion of media is very different than that of a 9th grader or a 12th grader. A few of the
objectives from units are:
Students will be able to:
 Analyze the use and meaning of symbols and images in visual media
 Analyze the basic elements of advertising in visual media (e.g. sales approaches and techniques aimed
at children)
 Evaluate the ways in which the deregulation of media ownership shape the media landscape and the
content of media products
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Evaluate how media concentration affects consumer control and consumer choice
Evaluate the role of the media as the “fourth estate” in a democracy
Analyze the relationship between advertising, media concentration and journalistic freedom
Analyze the role of media in addressing social and cultural issues and/or creating or promoting values
such as the UN, military action, election of political candidates, use of media to achieve governmental,
societal and cultural goals
Define and identify strategies to analyze stereotypes in visual media
Evaluate the use of stereotype and biases in visual media
Assess bias in the media in race, class, and gender
Examine the role of media and violence
Analyze the role of media in the creation of a celebrity
Research on the reliability of the media
Analyze media in business and entertainment (e.g. who controls media and who does media control?)
25. Currently how many students are in each house for the ninth grade?
In the Global Ecology House there are currently 90, which translate into three classes. In Humanities
House there are around 60 students or two classes of students. In Science, Math, Computer Science there are
60 students therefore two classes of students.
26. Do kids in Global Ecology get to take electives from the other houses?
There are many classes that are open to all students at PHS in the junior and senior year.
27. If my child gets into the Humanities Program, but wants to be a medical doctor will he be adequately
prepared?
There will be many opportunities for Humanities students to take rigorous science classes. It is also
important to recognize that your child has his entire undergraduate college career to prepare for whatever
endeavor they wish to pursue.
28. How many students are in the programs have a 504 or an IEP?
Currently there are 3-5 students in each house for the ninth grade who have special accommodations.
29. What is the Independent Studies Program (ISP) program?
Students whose home high school is PHS who have not “tested-in” to the Global House, Humanities House
or Science, Math, Computer Science House are in the Independent Studies Program. These students may
choose a focused plan of study in their junior and senior year. They may also earn a certificate of recognition
in Biological and Physical Sciences, Cultural and Political Studies, Music/Arts/
Media Studies or Original Studies or Project Lead The Way. ISP students will be recognized at graduation
with a notation in the graduation program and receive a special tassel recognizing their hard work. ISP
students are also eligible to be Falcon Ambassadors as well. You may visit the following website for more
information.
http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/poolesvillehs/magnet/
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30. Can you apply to two programs? Do you have to decide at the time of testing?
Students may apply to any and all of the three “tested-in” programs at PHS. The selection committee will
invite students, put students in a waiting pool or say no. When parents and students receive the notification
letter it will list the programs that the students are invited to. There is a return form that must be mailed to the
school with a parent signature indicating which of the programs the child has chosen. The family decides
which program is chosen if more than one invitation is extended by the selection committee.
On the day of the test students are asked to rank their order of preference of programs but this information is
not used in making a decision about whether or not a child is invited to a program.
31. What is the difference between the Communication and Arts Program at Montgomery Blair and the
Humanities House at Poolesville?
Selection is one of the main differences in the programs. The selection process for the Humanities House at
PHS is very rigorous using the same selection criteria as for the IB program at Richard Montgomery. The
Humanities House does not have drama as a main component of the course selection. Drama and theatre may
be taken as an elective, but these courses are not required.
32. My son is GTLD – gifted, talented, learning disabled and has an IEP. Should I discourage him from
applying to the Global Ecology House?
We currently have students with IEPs in the Global House, Humanities House and the Science, Math,
Computer Science House who have had great success. In Global because of the number of field trips it is
important to recognize that the students must make up all work from classes that are missed because of a trip. I
would not discourage a child who is GTLD from applying to Global, but I would make it clear that while the
program is a field based program it is a program for highly-able students who love science. The program is not
a work/study program.
33. What are the foreign language needs for students coming from the middle schools?
Most of our students in every house come to PHS with at least one year of foreign language taken in middle
school. If your child has not completed the first year of foreign language it does not exempt them from being
chosen. Taking foreign language in middle school is strongly encouraged.
34. What dissections (if any) will be done by the students?
Dissections in biology are not mandatory in Montgomery County Public Schools. Alternative assignments
are given for students who morally have an objection.
35. When does school start?
First period starts at 7:25 AM.
36. Do parents have to contribute financially to the costs of field trips? If so, what is a rough cost
estimate per year?
If a family cannot afford the cost of fieldtrips confidential help is provided to fund their field trips. The
annual cost of field trips varies by house, grades, and in some cases, which trips a student chooses to
participate. For example, Global families are assessed an annual fee of $45.00 to cover the costs of a minimal
of 8-10 field trips per year. The funds are used to pay for the substitute coverage that is needed when a teacher
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leaves the building. There could be additional optional trips offered and even overnight trips, which would
have additional transportation, lodging, and food costs.
37. If we start the SMCS program at PHS, but relocate our residence to the Wootton cluster, where do
we go to school in the 10th grade.
For the SMCS program, once accepted, if you live in the upper county area you would attend Poolesville,
but if you move out of the area serviced by Poolesville you would attend the SMCS program at Montgomery
Blair. Poolesville is the only school offering a Humanities House, so if you move to the down county area you
may attend your home high school or you may apply for a Change of School Assignment (COSA) but would be
expected to provide your own transportation to PHS. The Global Ecology program is open to students living in
all of Montgomery County. The bussing is limited in the down-county area.
38. What math teams or competitions does PHS have or participate with?
PHS completes in the Montgomery County Math League and the Maryland Math League. PHS participates
in math competitions at GW, University of Maryland, and the AMC competition.
39. What is the difference between what is covered/taught in the Global House and the Science, Math,
Computer Science House?
One big difference is that GH students take 7 classes for all 4 years and SMCSH students take 8 classes each
year. Both houses are rigorous science programs. GH has a focus on the environment. SMCSH has a focus on
research.
40. In the SMCSH when does a student have time to go on an internship?
The internship takes place in the summer between the junior and senior year. It is at least a 6 week
internship. Some student continue the internship during their senior year of high school..
41. How is the math sequence of Curriculum 2.0 affecting magnet math at PHS?
The history of over acceleration in math was noticed by the magnet schools first. We found that many
students had been so accelerated at such a young age that they had forgotten math that was taught in their 6th
grade Algebra 1 class. We welcome the new changes in the math curriculum. As Montgomery County rolls out
completely Math Curriculum 2.0 we recognize that more students will be coming to us needing to take Magnet
Geometry.
42. My child is not good in math will they be competitive in SMCS and GH?
Both SMCSH and GH are high level science magnets. Math is the language of science. It is important to
recognize that the magnet programs are not honors programs. The programs are for students whose needs
would not be met at their local high school because their desire is for more rigorous course work. The students
are truly highly-able. It is so important to recognize that Maryland is the #1 state in regard to education. As a
result, the level of rigor that exists in all high schools in quite high when compared across the country. There is
always more than one pathway to success.
43. What programming languages are taught?
Arduino, C++,Java, Python, Processing
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44. Do top universities look more favorably at an average student in a magnet program or a student in
the top 5 percentile attending a non-magnet school?
The top three criteria that colleges use are:
1. CGPA – Cummulative Grade Point Average – This is often the first sort that is done.
2. SAT/ACT Scores
3. Strength of Schedule – a thorough examination of the transcript to determine whether or not the student
has taken high level classes. This is also reflected in the WGPA – Weighted Grade Point Average
Schools are looking for students who are good citizens. This translates into the child’s involvement in
extra-curricular activities.
45. Which electives are distinctly Global Electives?
The electives are not really categorized by the house designation. All students are able to take electives
based on whether or not they have the prerequisite courses. For example, Wildlife Biology or Marine Biology
are electives that many Global students take. Other students are present in the class. Our school is much more
inclusive rather than exclusive when it comes to electives.
46. What level of math and science courses are available to Humanities students?
Depending on the child’s ability and prerequisite courses needed, the answer is all courses.
47. Do students take classes with only students in the same house?
When GH, HH and SMCSH students are in their blocked classes they are with students in the same house.
All other classes are mixed.
48. What kind of internships do Global House students do?
Global House students have the opportunity to do internships in just about any area. Some students have
secured internships at NIH, NIST, and University of MD. Many are high level internships with working under a
Phd scientist. Some students set up internships that are more of a service approach. They have in the past
given time to the Second Hand Nature Center, National Zoo, Peachtree Animal Clinic. It really depends on the
student and their interest. Global House students are welcome into the SMCS research classes in junior and
senior year so that they can prepare high level papers that are entered in the Siemens and Intel science
competitions. The sky is the limit!
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TRANSPORTATION QUESTIONS
1. How do students get to school?
MCPS provides transportation for students in and out of the Poolesville area. Out-of-the-area students meet
at central locations referred to as localized hubs. Please see the website below for the current bus routes and
times. Routes are subject to change for the following school year. Most buses arrive to PHS between 7:00 AM
and 7:10 AM. Please visit the website below to see our current bus routes. When you are looking at the main
page of the Poolesville High School website please look on the left side to find the Quick Links section. Bus
Routes is the top entry.
http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/poolesvillehs/
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APPLICATION QUESTIONS
1. My daughter is applying to the IB program at Richard Montgomery and the Humanities House
program at Poolesville High School. Just one set of teacher recommendations will do?
MCPS teachers will fill out the recommendations on an MCPS database. PHS Magnet will then print out the
recommendations. Likewise, RM will print out their recommendations from that database.
Non-MCPS teachers need to fill out the recommendations and then print them out and send them to each
school. If the child is applying to RM and PHS Magnet, a set of recommendations is needed at PHS Magnet
and RM.
2. How many teacher recommendations are required?
Four teacher recommendations from the 8th grade teacher are required: English, Math, Science, Social
Studies.
3. How many applications do you receive for each house?
Applications vary by year. For the Class of 2018, 690 total applications were received: 487 Global
applications, 376 Humanities applications, and 424 SMCS applications. Of course these numbers do not had
up to 690 because students can apply to more than one program.
4. My son currently attends a private school and doesn’t have an MCPS ID number. What do I put on
the application?
In the space for the MCPS ID number please put Private or “P” for private.
5. Can essays be typed on the application?
I would recommend that students type the essay in WORD and then copy and paste them into the
application. In that way the child benefits from spell check and a grammar check. The application does not
have spell check and a grammar check imbedded.
6. I am still unclear if we fill out one application for all “houses”?
Yes, you fill out one application for all of the “houses”. On Page 1 of the application you check boxes to
inform us of the houses that you want to apply to.
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SCREENING AND SELECTION
1. Is preference given to applicants that would attend PHS anyway, or to applicants from outside the
PHS area?
Preference is not given to one group over another during screening and selection. Students whose home
high school is PHS, do not preclude out-of-the-area students from being invited into the programs, nor do outof-the-area students preclude students whose home high school is PHS from being invited.
Students who have a sibling that attends PHS Magnet are not given preferential selection either.
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2. What selection criteria are used?
The selection committee is made of 20 staff members. Ten of the members come from Central Office and 10
are from PHS. Every folder is read twice. If the student is applying to all three programs the folder is ready six
times. The contents of the folder are used as the criteria for selection. The folder contains: the application
with an essay for each house that is written at home, 7th and 8th grade (first nine weeks) report cards, 4
confidential teacher recommendations – English, math, social studies, science, scores from the Pearson math
and verbal test given on the testing day, and a writing sample that was created on the testing day. In addition
MAPR and MSA scores are used.
3. For students who took SATs through the Johns Hopkins program, will their scores be considered?
Parents may send in SAT scores but they are not required. The scores will be considered but would never be
a determining factor because most 8th graders do not have SAT scores.
4. If a student is in the waiting pool, will they be notified in the middle of February as well?
Yes, all students who tested will be notified of three possible decisions: no, waiting pool and yes.
The waiting pool is open the entire summer. The waiting pool is a very valued position.
5. What if you live in Poolesville and don’t make it into the programs?
If you live in the Poolesville area and do not make it into the programs you will be eligible for the
Independent Studies Program (ISP), which is part of the Whole School Magnet at Poolesville High School.
Many students who have graduated from PHS who were not in Global Ecology have gone on to be doctors,
dentists, research scientists and attorneys.
6. If my child is invited to Poolesville and Richard Montgomery, will she be allowed to select the
program she wants to attend?
Yes, a child may only accept one program. It is up to the family which program they choose to accept.
7. If Poolesville is my second choice is it going to affect my chance of selection?
Screeners do see student preference data when they are examining files, this fact however is never used as a
final deciding factor.
8. If a student takes the PSAT in 8th grade will those scores be used in the screening and selection
process?
Everything in the child’s folder is read by the selection committee. Because PSAT scores are not required
and most students have not taken a PSAT test the results would never be used as a deciding factor. The results
would be viewed as additional information.
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TESTING DAY QUESTIONS
1. Do all three high schools, Montgomery Blair, Poolesville High School and Richard Montgomery all use
the same test?
Yes, the same test is used at all three sights.
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2. What is the total length of the test, if you apply to all three Poolesville Programs and the IB at Richard
Montgomery?
The Verbal and Math portions of the test are together 2 hours. The writing portion of the test is 30 minutes.
3. Is the essay portion of the test computer-based or handwritten?
The essay portion is handwritten. IEP and 504 writing accommodations are honored.
4. My child is taking the entrance exam for the Archdiocese to apply to a catholic high school as well.
The testing date is the same date as the test for PHS Magnet. What do I do?
When you submit your child’s application please include a note stating that you have a testing day conflict.
The magnet coordinator will contact your family directly. Usually students take the test on the following day
(Sunday) at Richard Montgomery.
4. What is the cost of the test and how do I pay?
The cost of the test is $50.00. You may pay for the test with a credit card online. Go to the PHS
Website>PHS Online School Store>Special Programs>Magnet High School Program. If you are paying for
the test with a check, please make the check out to “Poolesville High School”. If you are applying to both PHS
Magnet and Richard Montgomery, please make the check out to “Richard Montgomery” and send the check to
RMHS. Please put a copy of the online payment in each application. If you are writing a check to Richard
Montgomery, please put a copy of the check in the application to PHS.
5.
Where do I take the test?
Last year 1,700 students took the magnet test at one of three high schools: Montgomery Blair High School,
Richard Montgomery High School or Poolesville High School. To guarantee that the students are divided
evenly you will take the test based on what your home high school is.
Test at Montgomery Blair High
School if your home high school
is:
1. Bethesda Chevy Chase
2. Montgomery Blair
3. James Hubert Blake
4. Albert Eisnstein
5. John F. Kennedy
6. Northwood
7. Paint Branch
8. Sherwood
9. Springbrook
10. Wheaton
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Test at Richard Montgomery
High School if your home high
school is:
1. Winston Churchill
2. Gaithersburg
3. Walter Johnson
4. Col. Zadok Magruder
5. Richard Montgomery
6. Rockville
7. Thomas Wootton
8. Walt Whitman
Test at Poolesville High School
if your home high school is:
1. Clarksburg
2. Damascus
3. Northwest
4. Poolesville
5. Quince Orchard
6. Seneca Valley
7. Watkins Mill
What are the topics on the test?
There are three sections to the test: Pearson Verbal, Pearson Verbal, Writing Sample
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Pearson Verbal – The test has questions that fit into three categories: vocabulary, logical reasoning, reading
comprehension.
Pearson Math – There are questions that fit in to two categories: mathematical problems, quantitative
comparisons.
Writing Sample – Students will be given a writing prompt that has them explain, analyze a quote that is
provided for them. The students are asked to use their previous life experience to answer the question.
Remember that there is a test preparation booklet on the PHS website. Click the Magnet tab. Please call if
you have any questions. 301.972.7976
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EXTENDED DAY & STUDY TIME
1. Why does PHS need an extended day?
In order to provide the full program for students in Science, Math, Computer Science House (SMCSH) an
extra course is needed to meet certificate and state requirements. SMCSH students have an 8 period day for
all four years at PHS. The extended day will allow PHS to offer the additional courses for the certificate and
electives. Currently Montgomery Blair High School operates on an extended day schedule for their Science,
Math, Computer Science program.. (The Global Ecology House and the Humanities House run on a seven
period schedule.)
2. What is the extended day? Study time?
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The standard instructional day remains the same – 7:25 AM – 2:10 PM
Local and out-of-the-area buses depart at 2:15 PM
An extended instruction period is added from 2:20 – 3:05 PM
Students who can provide their own transportation may leave the school at 3:10 PM
Students who participate in extra-curriculars join their groups at 3:05 PM
A Study Time occurs between 3:15 – 4:00 PM
Local and out-of-the-area buses depart at 4:10 PM
3. Who is affected?
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Extended day bus service will be provided for Grade 9-12 students.
Students in the Science, Math, Computer Science House participate in 8 periods day for all four years
in order to fulfill the certificate requirements
Global Ecology House students and Humanities House students are not required to stay for the extended
day
4. What classes are being offered during the extended day instructional period?
For the 2013-2014 school year eight classes were offered during the extended period: Advanced Science 1
& 2, Honors English 9, AP NSL, Honors English 10, AP World History, Research Design/Research Project A,
AP Literature, Biochemistry (.5) linked with Introduction to Cellular Physiology (.5).
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5. What happens during the study time period?
The study time period allows students to have time to do homework and extended computer time. Students
who are involved in extra-curricular activities do not attend study time on days when those activities meet.
Students who can provide their own transportation home do not have to attend study time.
6. How will extended day affect sports and after school activities?
Coaches and club sponsors will adjust schedules to accept students arriving at 3:15 PM on an individual
basis.
7. How does transportation work for extended day?
Every day there are two bus runs. One is at 2:15 PM and one is at 4:15 PM. Please review the answer to
question 2 above for additional information.
8. How often does the 8th class for SMCSH students meet?
PHS has a 9 period day counting lunch as period 5. There are 8 academic class each day. There are
exceptions such as half-days or the day before a holiday. For the exceptions, students have longer 9th periods
and shorter study halls during such weeks to make sure no instruction is lost.
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CAN I SHADOW?
1. Can I shadow?
This question is often asked. Because of the high volume of applications we cannot have students shadow at
our school. We are at capacity in terms of the enrollment of the school. The extra students would interfere with
our instructional day. Please know that on the Magnet Home Page you can find over 10 videos that give you a
very good view of the school in action. Please take the time to view them. Additionally, recognize and
remember that Poolesville High School is the #1 school in the State of Maryland.
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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
1. Are students allowed to participate in sports or extra-curricular activities if they are part of an
extended day program?
Coaches and club sponsors will adjust schedules to accept students arriving at 3:15 PM on an individual
basis.
2. When do tryouts occur for sports?
Poms and cheerleading have tryouts at the end of the 8th grade year. Students who receive an invitation to be
at PHS Magnet as 9th graders will receive the information about poms and cheerleading tryouts by email.
All other sports begin around the second week in August each year. Students must have a health form filled
out by a doctor before they can begin practice. The form may be found on our school website. Click on the
Athletics tab.
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GENERAL SCHOOL QUESTIONS
1. What sports and music are available at PHS?
PHS offers all sports that are available to secondary school in Montgomery County Public Schools. For the
2013-14 school year the following music courses were offered: guitar, concert band.
2. What levels of foreign language are offered?
At PHS we have classes in French and Spanish. For French we teach French 1,2,3,4,5. For Spanish we
teach Spanish 1 – 5 and also AP Spanish and Spanish Literature.
We offer the AP Chinese test each year because we have many students who go to Chinese school on
Saturdays. We currently cannot find a Chinese teacher who has the State of Maryland certification credentials
to teach in public school. Please contact the magnet office if you know of any high level candidates.
3. Are there plays put on at Poolesville?
Yes, in the fall there is a drama play and in the spring a musical. The productions involve over 100 students
for each performance with dual casts to involve even more students.
4. Do any of the Poolesville science classes teach about genetics?
Genetics is taught in biology classes routinely. A special class called Introduction to Genetic Analysis,
which is beyond AP in difficulty, is offered for juniors and seniors in any house.
5. How much time is there between classes?
There are five minutes of passing time between classes at PHS.
6. What schools have PHS students gotten into in the past?
Adelphi University
Agnes Scott College
The University of Alabama
Albright College
Alfred University
Allegany College of Maryland
Allegheny College
American University
Appalachian State University
Arcadia University
Arizona State University
The University of Arizona
The University of the Arts
College of the Atlantic
Auburn University
Austin Peay State University
Averett University
Babson College
Baldwin-Wallace College
Baltimore County Community College
Baltimore International College
University of Baltimore
Bard College
Barnard College
Barry University
Bates College
Baylor University
Belmont Abbey College
Beloit College
Bennington College
Bethany College
Bethune-Cookman College
Binghamton University
Biola University
Bloomsburg University
Boston College
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Boston University
Bowdoin College
Bowie State University
Bowling Green State University
Bradley University
Brandeis University
Bridgewater College
Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University, Idaho
Brown University
Bryn Mawr College
Bucknell University
Butte College
Cabrini College
University of California at Davis
U of California at Los Angeles
U of California at Santa Barbara
U of California at Santa Cruz
California State U, Long Beach
California Polytechnic Institute
Calvin College
Campbell University
Carleton College
Carlow University
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Catawba College
The Catholic University of America
Cazenovia College
Cedar Crest College
Centenary College
Central Christian College of the Bible
University of Central Florida
Central Michigan University
Champlain College
Charleston Southern University
College of Charleston
University of Charleston
Chatham College
Chestnut Hill College
University of Chicago
Christopher Newport University
The Citadel
Claflin University
Clark University
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
Colby College
Colby-Sawyer College
Colgate University
University of Colorado at Boulder
U of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Colorado College
Colorado State University
Columbia College
Columbia University
Connecticut College
University of Connecticut
Cooper Union
Cornell College
Cornell University
Covenant College
The Culinary Institute of America
Dartmouth College
Davidson College
University of Dayton
Delaware State University
University of Delaware
University of Denver
DePauw University
DeVry University
Dickinson College
U of the District of Columbia
Drew University
Drexel University
Duke University
Duquesne University
Earlham College
East Carolina University
Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern University
Eastman School Music, U of Rochester
Eckerd College
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Elizabethtown College
Elmira College
Elon University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical U - FL
Emerson College
Emory University
The Evergreen State College
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Fairmont State University
The University of Findlay
Flagler College
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Institute of Technology
Florida International University
Florida Southern College
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Florida State University
University of Florida
Fordham University
Fordham University
Franklin and Marshall College
Franklin College Switzerland
Franklin Pierce University
Frederick Community College
Frostburg State University
Furman University
George Mason University
The George Washington University
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Southern University
University of Georgia
Gettysburg College
Goucher College
Green Mountain College
Greensboro College
Grinnell College
Grove City College
Guilford College
Hagerstown Business College
Hamilton College - NY
Hampshire College
Hampton University
Hartford College for Women
University of Hartford
Harvard University
Harvey Mudd College
Haverford College
Hawaii Pacific University
High Point University
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Hofstra University
Hollins University
College of the Holy Cross
Hood College
Howard Community College
Howard University
Humboldt State University
Husson College
University of Illinois at Chicago
U of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Immaculata University
Indiana State University
Indiana University at Bloomington
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
The University of Iowa
Ithaca College
Jacksonville University
James Madison University
Johns Hopkins University
Johnson & Wales University
Juniata College
Kalamazoo College
Kean University
Kennesaw State University
Kent State University
University of Kentucky
Kenyon College
Knoxville College
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
La Salle University
Lafayette College
Lasell College
Lebanon Valley College
Lehigh University
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Lewis & Clark College
Liberty University
Limestone College
Lincoln University
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
Long Island U, C.W. Post Campus
Longwood University
Louisiana State University
University of Louisville
Loyola College in Maryland
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University New Orleans
Lycoming College
Lynchburg College
University of Maine
Manhattanville College
Marist College
Mars Hill College
Marshall University
Mary Baldwin College
University of Mary Washington
U of Maryland, Eastern Shore
Maryland Institute College of Art
U of Maryland, Baltimore County
University of Maryland, College Park
Marymount University
Maryville College
Marywood University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
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University of Massachusetts, Boston
McDaniel College
The University of Memphis
Mercyhurst College
Messiah College
Methodist University
Miami University, Oxford
University of Miami
Michigan State University
Michigan Technological University
University of Michigan
University of Michigan, Flint
Midlands Technical College
Millersville University
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Mississippi College
University of Mississippi
University of Missouri Columbia
University of Missouri, Kansas City
Molloy College
Montana State University, Bozeman
The University of Montana, Missoula
Montgomery College, Germantown
Montgomery College, Rockville
Montgomery College, Takoma Park
Morehouse College
Morgan State University
Mount Holyoke College
Mount Saint Mary's University
Mountain State University
Muhlenberg College
University of Nebraska at Lincoln
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
New England College
University of New England
University of New Hampshire
University of New Haven
The College of New Jersey
University of New Mexico
New York University
Newberry College
Newbury College
Norfolk State University
U of North Carolina at Asheville
U of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
U of North Carolina at Charlotte
U of North Carolina at Greensboro
U of North Carolina at Pembroke
U of North Carolina at Wilmington
North Carolina Central University
North Carolina State University
North Carolina Wesleyan College
Northeastern Ohio College of Medicine
Northeastern University
Northern Arizona University
Northland College
Northwestern University
Norwich University
College of Notre Dame of Maryland
University of Notre Dame
Nyack College
Oberlin College
Ohio Northern University
The Ohio State University
Ohio University
Ohio Wesleyan University
Old Dominion University
University of Oregon
Otis College of Art and Design
Pace University, Pleasantville-Briarcliff
University of the Pacific
Parsons School of Design
Paul Mitchell, The School
Pennsylvania College of Art & Design
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts
PSU Erie: The Behrend College
PSU: University Park
University of Pennsylvania
Pepperdine University
Pfeiffer University
Philadelphia University
Pittsburg State University
University of Pittsburgh
Pomona College
Pratt Institute
Princeton University
Providence College
Purdue University
Quinnipiac University
Radford University
Randolph College
Randolph-Macon College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
University of Rhode Island
Rhodes College
University of Richmond
Rider University
Roanoke College
Robert Morris University
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Rochester Institute of Technology
University of Rochester
Rollins College
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Rowan University
Rutgers University
Saint Anselm College
Saint Augustine's College-NC
Saint Francis University
Saint Joseph's University
Saint Leo University
Saint Michael's College
Salem College
Salisbury University
San Diego State University
University of San Diego
San Francisco Art Institute
Sarah Lawrence College
Savannah College of Art and Design
University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
The University of Scranton
Seminole Community College
Seton Hall University
Seton Hill University
Shenandoah University
Shepherd University
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Siena College
Skidmore College
Slippery Rock U of Pennsylvania
Smith College
University of South Carolina
University of South Florida
University of Southern California
Southern Methodist University
University of Southern Mississippi
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern Virginia University
Spelman College
St. Bonaventure University
St. John's College
St. John's University - Queens Campus
St. Lawrence University
St. Mary's College of Maryland
Stanford University
Stevenson University
Stonehill College
Stony Brook University
Suffolk University
SUNY at Albany
SUNY at New Paltz
SUNY Coll-Envir Sci and Forestry
SUNY College at Potsdam
SUNY Maritime College
Susquehanna University
Syracuse University
The University of Tampa
Temple University
Tennessee State University
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Texas Tech University
The University of Texas, Austin
The University of Texas, San Antonio
Towson University
Trinity College
Tufts University
Tulane University
Union College
US Coast Guard Academy
US Merchant Marine Academy
US Military Academy – West Point
Universal Technical Institute
Ursinus College
Utah State University
University of Utah
Vanderbilt University
Vassar College
University of Vermont
Villanova University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Intermont College
Virginia Military Institute
Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Virginia Wesleyan College
University of Virginia
Wagner College
Wake Forest University
Warren Wilson College
Washington and Jefferson College
Washington and Lee University
Washington Bible College
Washington College
Washington University in St. Louis
University of Washington
Webb Institute
Wellesley College
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Wesley College
West Chester University of Pa
West Liberty State College
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West Virginia University
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Western Carolina University
Western Michigan University
Western New England College
Western Washington University
Westminster College
Whittier College
College of William and Mary
Williams College
Winthrop University
University of Wisconsin, Madison
The College of Wooster
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
University of Wyoming
Xavier University
Yale University
York College of Pennsylvania
Youngstown State University
7. What kind of clubs do you have?
The following clubs are available for the 2013-14 school year: Art Club, Asian American Club, Badminton,
Book Club, Business/Investment Club, Chemistry Club, Chess Club, Computer Team Club, Dance Club,
Debate, Equestrian club, Falcon Ambassadors, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Forensics, Gay and Straight
Alliance, Grill Masters, Harry Potter Club, Hero Club, History Club, Hockey Club, Independent Film Club,
Interact Club, It’s Academic, Key Club, Leo’s, Linguistics, Literary Magazine, Matheletes, Midnight Players,
Mission OSOP (Overseas Soldier Outreach Program), Mock Trial, Model UN, National Science Bowl, Otaku
(Anime), Pink Ribbon, Physics, Random Acts, FIRST Robotics, Rock Band Club, Rubik’s Cube, Science
Olympiad, Shakespeare Club, Theoretical Physics Club, World Cultures, Wounded Warriors, Young Life.
8. What kind of Art Programs do you have?
Currently the following art classes are offered at PHS: AP Studio Art, Studio Art 1 & 2, Ceramics &
Sculpture 1 & 2, Drawing and Design, Photography
9. What is the racial breakdown of Poolesville High School?
For the 2013-14 school year Poolesville High School is 25.6% Asian, 5.2% African-American, 7.3%
Hispanic, 5.6 % Multiple Races and 56.1% White.
10. Does Poolesville have an orchestra?
PHS Magnet does not have an orchestra. We do offer chorus, guitar and band. We have offered orchestra
each year but last year only 8 students signed up. Students are not signing up for music. Student choice drives
the schedule. We do have an abundance of science and math courses because students are choosing to take
those classes.
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