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FCPS expands arts pathways, launches Distinguished Scholar recognition and Adobe credentialing
Summary
Frederick County Public Schools’ visual and performing arts staff described a preK–12 alignment, a new Distinguished Scholar award launching in 2026, expanded dual-enrollment and Adobe certification options for secondary students, and growth in elementary instrumental recruitment and middle-school choir participation.
Frederick County Public Schools visual and performing arts staff told district committee members the district has realigned arts programming to a preK–12 structure, will award a new Distinguished Scholar recognition for arts students starting in 2026, and is expanding classroom, dual‑enrollment and industry‑recognized credential options.
Staff said the move to preK–12 alignment aims to better connect elementary, middle and high school arts experiences to college and career pathways. The district also described new and expanding credential opportunities — including offering Adobe certifications in high-school digital art, photography, computer graphics and animation classes — that county leaders say will count toward the state’s CTE credential metric.
Why it matters: FCPS staff said the Maryland State Department of Education has approved a comprehensive arts pathway that could lead to an arts diploma recognition at the state level; FCPS is…
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