MCPS New 2025-2026 School Calendar Introduces Later Start Times and Longer Spring Break—Here’s What Parents Need to Know

Parents, students and educators across Montgomery County are preparing for a school year unlike any other as Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) rolls out sweeping academic and safety updates for 2025-26. New “average-of-averages” grading system Beginning this fall, secondary students’ final course grades will be calculated by averaging the numeric grades earned each marking period, replacing the current quality-point formula. District leaders say the shift offers “greater transparency and consistency,” while many students worry it may amplify pressure around every assignment. MCPS is launching family webinars, teacher training and an online GPA calculator so families can preview grade projections before report cards arrive. First-ever Student Transition Day on Aug. 25 To ease anxiety for pupils entering new buildings, MCPS has carved out a dedicated, non-instructional Transition Day the day before classes officially begin. Incoming kindergartners, sixth-graders, and ninth-graders will tour classrooms, test bus routes and meet staff without upper-grade crowds. The district hopes the pilot will boost attendance and engagement during the critical first weeks of school. Instant background-check verification Safety upgrades are also front-and-center. A new digital badge system allows administrators to confirm that every contractor and volunteer has cleared fingerprinting and sex-offender databases before they step on campus. Parents will see color-coded passes on visitor lanyards and can expect shorter lines at front offices because approvals sync directly with the state’s criminal-history network. What families should do now • Review the updated grading rubric and discuss study-habits adjustments with your child. • Log in to ParentVUE and test the GPA calculator released this week. • Mark Aug. 25 on calendars if your student is transitioning; transportation schedules are posted on the MCPS website. • Upload volunteer applications early; the new system can process most approvals within 24 hours, but fall sports and PTA events historically create a late-August surge. Why these changes matter MCPS remains Maryland’s largest district, and small tweaks ripple to nearly 160,000 students. Tightening grading rules aims to unify expectations across 210 schools, while Transition Day reflects a growing national push to prioritize mental health during academic milestones. Meanwhile, faster background checks answer parents’ calls for layered security without slowing community involvement. With the first bell weeks away, staying informed will help Montgomery County families start strong—and avoid surprises—on day one.