Magnet & Advanced Programs

Students can choose 5 AP^® courses with at least 2 courses in the same content area and representation across at least 2 different content areas.  Students must score at least 3 or higher on the exams and achieve a C or higher in the courses.  This option ensures students can personalize their AP^® experience to align with their individual academic and career goals.  This option is available at all WCPS high schools.  

Requires 5 AP^® courses spanning specific content areas: languages, global perspectives, sciences or math.  Students must achieve a score of 3 or higher on each of the 5 exams and send their scores to a university outside the United States.  This option is particularly suited for students aiming for international higher education opportunities.   Students should consult with their counselor to determine if this option is available.

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a four-year, in-school academic support and college readiness program for motivated students in the academic middle who want to attend college and are willing to work hard. Offered at North Hagerstown, Smithsburg, and South Hagerstown High Schools, AVID helps students succeed in rigorous courses, including Honors and Advanced Placement, through twice-weekly tutoring with trained tutors.

The AVID Elective (grades 9–12) builds skills and habits for success in challenging coursework. Students:

• Gain self-confidence, develop study skills, and learn about financial aid and scholarships

• Research colleges that fit their academic, social, and financial needs

• Excel in honors and AP courses

• Build strong friendships and support systems

• Receive individualized college and career guidance

Parent involvement is essential. Parents sign a contract to support AVID requirements, encourage academic success, and attend AVID parent meetings.

Enrollment is application-based, and space is limited. Interested students and parents should contact their school’s AVID coordinator.

MORE INFO? CONTACT:
Mr. Kevin Mooney,
North Hagerstown High AVID Coordinator

To learn more, visit: AVID Website

The TRiO: Upward Bound Program is a year-round college-preparatory program made possible through a five-year U.S. Department of Education grant. HCC’s Upward Bound Program is intended to assist income eligible and/or first-generation college-bound high school students in successfully completing secondary education by preparing them academically and socially for enrollment and completion of higher education.

This is accomplished by providing participants with rigorous and nurturing academic courses, tutoring services, college-preparatory workshops, financial aid advising, career exploration, leadership opportunities, and cultural enrichment field trips.

HCC’s Upward Bound program serves students annually from North Hagerstown High School, South Hagerstown High School, Williamsport High School, and Hancock Middle Senior High School.

For more information please visit the Upward Bound/HCC website here. 

Upward Bound Application for School Year 2025-2026: Apply Now

James Mankins - Upward Bound Manager

•  Email: jemankins@hagerstowncc.edu                                                                   Phone:240-500-2584

• Alex Goveo - Upward Bound Academic Advisor                      Email: agoveo@hagerstowncc.edu                                                                        Phone: 240-500-2713

The DP was established to provide students with a balanced education, facilitate geographic and cultural mobility and to promote international understanding.  The DP organizes teaching and learning through six subject groups, underpinned by the DP core.  DP students apply to more than 3,300 higher education institutions each year, in close to 90 countries.  The most popular of these institutions are ranked among the top universities in the world.

MORE INFO? CONTACT:
Mr. Chris Downs  |  301-766-8238
Diploma Programme Coordinator

The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme, based at North Hagerstown High School, is the most recent addition to the IB. Its key aim is to provide a choice of different pathways for students in grades 11 and 12. Modern life places complex demands on graduates entering further/higher education or employment. An integral part of the Career-related Programme is enabling students to become self confident, skilled, and career-ready learners while preparing for the rigors of university entrance. To prepare students to succeed in a rapidly changing world, schools must not only equip them with the necessary skills and learning dispositions, but also the ability to manage and influence change.

The Career-related Programme helps students to:

• Develop a range of broad work-related competencies and deepen their understanding in specific areas of knowledge through IB courses
• Develop flexible strategies for knowledge acquisition and enhancement in varied contexts
• Prepare for effective participation in the changing, global world of work
• Foster attitudes and habits of mind that allow them to become lifelong learners willing to consider new perspectives
• Become involved in learning that develops their capacity and will to make a positive difference.

Required Courses:

• At least 2 IB courses at standard or higher level with one as a 2-year course
• Corresponding course exams must be taken with minimum score of 3 to qualify for the IBCP Diploma
• Completion of the Career-related study pathway with qualifying score on industry-related exam required to earn the IBCP Diploma
• Completion of the IB Core: Personal and Professional Skills course, Reflective Project, Community Engagement, Language and Cultural Studies.

MORE INFO? CONTACT:
Mr. Chris Downs  |  301-766-8238
Career-Related Programme Coordinator

The IB MYP is a five year programme, which starts in the sixth grade (Year 1) at Northern Middle School and culminates in the tenth grade (Year 5) at North Hagerstown High School. In the MYP, all students are IB students and all teachers are IB teachers. Students and teachers explore concepts and global contexts through an inquiry based, student centered classroom environment. The IB Learner Profile, Approaches to Learning, and international mindedness are an integral part of the school community. The MYP prepares students for the DP and CP by reflecting the depth, breadth and balance that is characteristic of all IB programmes.

MORE INFO? CONTACT: 
Mrs. Crystal Olszeski, 
Middle Years Programme Coordinator