General Information

• What is MBLI?
  ◦ MBLI, or The MECCA Business Learning Institute, is a public charter school purposed to serve middle school students with a focus on business, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

• Is MBLI a private school?
  ◦ No, MBLI is not a private school. It is a public charter school open to all eligible students.

• Who authorizes MBLI?
  ◦ MBLI is authorized to operate by the Montgomery County Board of Education.

• Is there a tuition fee for attending MBLI?
  ◦ No, MBLI does not charge tuition. It is a public charter school open to all eligible students.

• Where is MBLI located?
  ◦ MBLI will be located at 20261 Goldenrod Lane, Germantown, Maryland.

• When will MBLI open?
  ◦ We will open in the fall of 2025, starting with grades 6 and 7. We will add a new grade each year until we serve grades 6-12.

• What grades does MBLI serve?
  ◦ MBLI will initially serve grades 6 and 7 and will add a new grade each year until reaching grade 12.

• Who can attend MBLI?
  ◦ MBLI is open to all middle school students residing in Montgomery County, Maryland, including those from diverse backgrounds, students with special needs, and English Language Learners.

• What makes MBLI different from other schools?
  ◦ MBLI offers a unique focus on business, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Our curriculum integrates real-world skills with academic subjects, preparing students for future success in both college and career settings.

• Is transportation provided for students?
  ◦ Yes, MBLI offers yellow bus transportation for students via coordinated stops throughout the community.

• Will students wear uniforms?
  ◦ Yes, MBLI students are required to wear uniforms to foster a sense of unity and professionalism.

• What is the extended day program?
  ◦ Yes, MBLI offers an extended day program, which includes additional academic support and enrichment activities to help students succeed.

Admissions

• How can I enroll my child at MBLI?
  ◦ Enrollment is open to all students living in Montgomery County. You can express intent to enroll or submit an application by filling out the appropriate forms on our website.

• What is the admissions timeline?
  ◦ Applications for the upcoming school year will be open from October to December 2024 with the priority deadline set for mid-December. Please check the Admissions & Enrollment page updates.

• Is there a lottery for admission?
  ◦ If the number of applications exceeds available spots, a lottery will be conducted to determine enrollment.

• Who is eligible to apply?
  ◦ All students residing in Montgomery County, Maryland are eligible to apply, including those with diverse learning needs, English Language Learners, and students with disabilities.

• What documents are needed for the application?
  ◦ Required documents include proof of residence, birth certificate, immunization records, and any special education documentation if applicable. A specific list of required documents will be provided in the enrollment packet materials.

• How will I know if my child is accepted?
  ◦ Notifications will be sent via email and/or mail once the lottery process (if applicable) is complete. Exact dates will be provided on our website during the application period.

• Are there any priority admissions policies?
  ◦ Siblings of currently enrolled students, children of MBLI staff members, and students residing near the facility may receive priority consideration, subject to availability and in compliance with charter school regulations.

Academics and Student Life

• What is MBLI's curriculum focus?
  ◦ MBLI’s curriculum integrates core academic subjects such as math, science, English, and social studies with a business-focused approach, including financial literacy, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

• How will MBLI prepare students for high school and beyond?
  ◦ MBLI provides rigorous academic instruction combined with hands-on business experiences to prepare students for both high school and future career opportunities, including access to internships, dual enrollment programs, and business certifications.

• What are the class sizes at MBLI?
  ◦ MBLI aims to maintain small class sizes of 20-25 students to ensure personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.

• What facilities and technology will be available at MBLI?
  ◦ MBLI’s campus will feature state-of-the-art technology labs, business simulation centers, and modern classrooms designed for interactive and experiential learning.

• What are the school hours and what extracurricular opportunities are available?
  ◦ MBLI will offer an extended school day to provide additional academic support and enrichment activities.
  ◦ Extracurricular opportunities include business clubs, sports, and community service projects designed to foster creativity, leadership, and teamwork.

College and Career Readiness

• What career and college readiness programs will MBLI offer?
  ◦ We will integrate foundational career exploration and certification programs in digital literacy and business basics, starting in middle school. High school students will have access to internships, dual enrollment with local colleges, and industry-recognized certifications. These programs will provide practical skills that prepare students for both higher education and immediate career opportunities.

• What kinds of work-based learning opportunities are available?
  ◦ MBLI will offer internships, dual enrollment, and job shadowing opportunities for high school students. Middle school students will benefit from early exposure through school-based jobs, business simulations, and community service projects that help them build foundational skills in leadership and entrepreneurship.

Student Support Services

• How does MBLI support academic progress?
  ◦ We will provide individualized learning plans (ILPs), personalized academic coaching, and tutoring to support each student's academic journey. Project-Based Learning (PBL) will be a key component of our curriculum, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical, real-world contexts. Regular assessments and progress tracking will ensure that students are on course to meet their academic goals.

• What student support services are available at MBLI?
  ◦ MBLI will offer a comprehensive range of student support services, including academic counseling, career guidance, and mentorship programs. We will also provide tutored study halls and study skills workshops during school hours to assist students with coursework and exam preparation. In addition, there will be access to extracurricular clubs and programs designed to foster personal growth.

• How does MBLI support English Language Learners?
  ◦ MBLI will provide integrated support services tailored to English Language Learners (ELL). This includes language development programs, in-class language support, and dedicated staff trained to work with multilingual students. Professional development for all teachers will ensure that they use best practices to help ELL students thrive academically and socially.

• How does MBLI ensure student safety?
  ◦ Student safety is a top priority. MBLI will have a comprehensive safety plan, including security protocols, on-site security personnel, and regular safety drills. In addition, we will maintain a zero-tolerance anti-bullying policy, with clear procedures for reporting and addressing incidents. Our school will foster a welcoming, respectful environment for all students.

• What is the social and emotional support available to students?
  ◦ MBLI will promote students' social and emotional well-being through a restorative justice approach that encourages conflict resolution and positive behavior. We will provide access to comprehensive health services, including on-site counselors and social workers, to help students manage emotional and mental health challenges. Social-emotional learning (SEL) will be integrated into the curriculum to help students build empathy, communication, and self-regulation skills.

Family and Community Engagement

• How can families get involved at MBLI?
  ◦ Families are an integral part of the MBLI community. Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate in workshops, school events, and volunteer opportunities. MBLI will maintain regular communication through newsletters, a parent portal, parent-student-teacher conferences, and other engagement activities designed to foster strong family-school partnerships.

• What role do community partnerships play at MBLI?
  ◦ Community partnerships are key to MBLI's success. We will establish relationships with local businesses, higher education institutions, and organizations to provide real-world learning experiences for students. These partnerships will enhance the curriculum, offering internships, mentorships, and dual-enrollment opportunities that enrich students' academic and career pathways.

• What is the role of community engagement events?
  ◦ MBLI will organize at least three community engagement events each year, including open houses, career fairs, and informational sessions. These events foster a sense of ownership and partnership between the school, families, and the local community. We believe that active community involvement is essential to creating a strong, supportive learning environment.

School Operations

• What are the office hours before school opens?
  ◦ During the pre-opening phase, our operational headquarters at 702 Russell Avenue, Suite 440, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877, will be open for pre-opening activities and inquiries, addressed by appointment only. You can reach us via email or phone for any questions related to enrollment, admissions, or general information.

• What are MBLI's staff qualifications?
  ◦ MBLI’s educators are highly qualified professionals with expertise in business education and core academic subjects. All staff members will receive extensive professional development on best practices for teaching business principles and providing personalized, student-centered learning. Our goal is to deliver an exceptional education that prepares students for future success.

Support MBLI

• How can I support MBLI?
  ◦ You can support MBLI by making a donation, becoming a sponsor, submitting a letter of support, or volunteering your time. Every contribution, whether financial or otherwise, helps us build a strong foundation for our school and its future students. Your support directly impacts our ability to provide high-quality education.

• Why does MBLI need additional funding?
  ◦ Charter schools often face funding challenges, but MBLI’s general operations are fully covered through anticipated district funds. However, additional funding is required to support future facility renovations, expand educational programs, and enhance enrichment opportunities. These funds will ensure we can continue to offer a well-rounded, high-quality education as we grow and develop our school facilities.

• How will MBLI achieve financial sustainability?
  ◦ As is best practice, MBLI has developed a sustainable financial model based solely on the anticipated funding from the school district. This ensures that the core operations and academic programs are fully supported. In addition, MBLI plans to actively fundraise and pursue grants to enhance supporting services and to fund additional facility renovations as we expand to include high school grades. These efforts will allow us to continue providing an enriching, business-focused education while maintaining financial stability and further enhancing the student experience.