FCPS expands arts pathways, launches Distinguished Scholar recognition and Adobe credentialing

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 preparing a district-level Distinguished Scholar award and aligning programs to meet expected state reporting and recognition.

Key program updates: Dr. Kimberly Hirschman, supervisor of preK–12 visual and performing arts, said the office now supports about 325 teachers districtwide and is standardizing resources and grading/assessment guidance. Hirschman said the elementary instrumental music team formalized enrollment in the student information system, and a recent free public “try‑an‑instrument” event drew about 250 students and families.

Secondary highlights and the Fine Arts Academy: Jonathan Kurtz, representing the Fine Arts Academy (AFA) at Governor Thomas Johnson High School, said the AFA is one of eight county-level programs in the state and the only one that requires students to transfer schools to participate. Kurtz highlighted recent student achievements: AFA dancers performed at the National High School Dance Festival; AFA musical theater and theater students received superior ratings and won scholarship offers (presenters cited roughly $95,000 in scholarship offers at Maryland Thespies); and AP art portfolio submissions from the academy earned scores of 4s and 5s.

Dual enrollment and IRCs: Staff said high-school digital art and related courses already offer Adobe certification exams for Level 2 students, and the office is developing a 0.5 course that would prepare juniors to take the Adobe Express exam (an approved IRC). Hirschman described ongoing collaboration with Career & Technical Education (CTE) and career coaches to capture credential opportunities earlier in students’ high‑school careers.

Participation and partnerships: Hirschman and team noted partnerships with Frederick Community College (FCC), the Weinberg Center (for performance venues and student showcases), Delaplane (professional learning and contests) and community providers. Secondary music programs received a recognition from NAMM as a “best community for music education” for the third consecutive year; district staff also noted that all 13 middle schools again offer choir as a curricular class this year.

Capacity and outreach: Kurtz said the AFA’s summer camp for elementary students has consistently filled quickly and that the AFA’s enrollment capacity for the program is roughly 100 students; district staff said the program continues outreach visits (a “traveling roadshow”) to each middle and high school to promote academy and CTC opportunities. Staff also said they are exploring an industry‑recognized credential in technical theater and will convene a work group to study feasibility.

Next steps: The office will monitor state arts‑standards revisions (expected by mid‑2026), continue to expand credential and dual‑enrollment options, and implement the local Distinguished Scholar award for arts graduates beginning with the class of 2026.