School boundaries are one of the biggest drivers of home values and buyer demand in Montgomery County. With Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) currently conducting a large-scale boundary study, many buyers and homeowners in Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and surrounding neighborhoods are asking the same question:

Will my neighborhood be affected?

While no final decisions have been made, proposed boundary scenarios show that homes near cluster edges—particularly in the Whitman and Bethesda-Chevy Chase (B-CC) clusters—could experience changes to middle or high school assignments. Below is a neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdown of where impacts are most likely and what buyers should watch closely.

Why This Boundary Study Matters for Real Estate

MCPS is reviewing boundaries to address:

• Overcrowding and under-utilization

• New and reopened schools (including Woodward)

• Long-term enrollment balance

Although elementary school boundaries are not changing, middle and high school feeder patterns may shift. That’s especially important for families buying homes with younger children who are planning several years ahead. Real estate reality: Even the possibility of a boundary change can influence buyer demand and pricing in highly competitive school clusters.

Neighborhoods Most Likely to Be Impacted

Chevy Chase & B-CC Cluster Border Areas

Neighborhoods to watch:

• Chevy Chase Village

• North Chevy Chase

• Areas near Connecticut Avenue

Streets frequently referenced in draft discussions:

• Cedar Parkway

• Cedar Street

• Brookville Road

• Portions of neighborhoods east and west of Connecticut Ave

Why this matters:
Some early boundary options explored shifting parts of Chevy Chase away from B-CC at the middle or high school level. While later revisions reduced major changes here, homes closest to the cluster edges remain the most sensitive to future adjustments.

Buyer tip: Don’t assume all Chevy Chase addresses are equally insulated; street-level checks matter.

Southern Bethesda & Brookmont (Whitman / B-CC Border)

Neighborhoods to watch:

• Brookmont

• Westbard area

• Southern Bethesda near Friendship Heights

Key streets & landmarks:

• River Road

• Brookmont Terrace

• Areas near the Westbard redevelopment

Why this matters:
Some proposed maps showed Whitman’s boundary extending south, which could affect homes currently assigned to B-CC. These neighborhoods are especially attractive to buyers seeking proximity to DC and top schools—making boundary clarity critical.

Northern Bethesda & Walter Johnson / Whitman Border

Neighborhoods to watch:

• Bradley Hills

• Areas near Glenbrook Road

• Northern Bethesda near Tuckerman Lane

Key corridors:

• Bradley Boulevard

• Glenbrook Road

• Tuckerman Lane

Why this matters:
Some draft options explored shifting portions of the Walter Johnson cluster into Whitman, which could alter high school paths without changing elementary schools. Even small feeder adjustments here can have long-term implications for families planning ahead.

Kensington & Silver Spring Feeder Areas (Ripple Effects)

Neighborhoods to watch:

• Kensington

• Areas near Silver Creek Middle School

Streets frequently mentioned:

• Plyers Mill Road

• Summit Avenue

Why this matters:
While not traditionally viewed as Whitman or B-CC core areas, middle school feeder changes in Kensington can ripple upward and affect future high school assignments. Buyers sometimes overlook this—but MCPS does not.

Streets & Areas Buyers Should Double-Check

Important: Homes closest to boundary lines are always the most likely to change under MCPS studies.

How Buyers Can Protect Themselves

• Use the MCPS School Assignment Tool for exact addresses, which can be found here: https://gis.mcpsmd.org/SchoolAssignmentTool2/AddressInput.xhtml
• Review draft boundary maps, not just current ones
• Work with a local agent, like the Dana Rice Group who tracks MCPS changes closely
• Understand that future school assignments may differ from today’s

Bottom Line

For buyers and homeowners in Whitman and B-CC clusters, the MCPS boundary study doesn’t mean panic—but it does mean paying attention. Neighborhoods near Chevy Chase, Brookmont, Northern Bethesda, and Kensington deserve extra scrutiny, especially for families with younger children.

Being informed isn’t just smart, it’s a competitive advantage in one of Montgomery County’s most sought-after markets.