UPPER MARLBORO, MD – More than 132,000 students will fill classrooms when Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) opens the 2017-2018 academic year on Wednesday, Sept. 6 -- the first post-Labor Day start in more than two decades. Enrollment in PGCPS is expected to reach 132,363 students this school year -- the fifth consecutive year of climbing enrollment. “We begin the new school year with great expectations to continue the work of expanding educational opportunities for student success beyond high school,” said Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer. “Our investments in innovative academic programs are creating momentum in critical areas. More students are enrolling in their neighborhood schools, more students are graduating high school and more graduates are succeeding in college and the workplace. We will build upon these successes this year.” 2017-2018 Highlights: Innovation and Collaboration Academic Excellence 31 specialty programs serving students Pre-K-12 12 world languages taught in PGCPS 8 language immersion programs 65 arts integration programs 71 Maryland Green Schools 8 Maryland ‘Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education Schools’ 600+ students dual enrolled in Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) New middle college program in teacher preparation at PGCC Capital Improvements $83 million newly constructed Fairmont Heights High School to open Glenarden Woods Elementary renovated Career and Technology Education 10 Cisco Information Technology Academies Two new Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) schools at Frederick Douglass High School, allowing students earn both a high school diploma and an associate degrees in health sciences and hospitality with partners PGCC, IBM, MedStar and Marriott. New 3D Scholars programs in partnership with PGCC and the University of Maryland University College. Through the 3D Scholars program, students can earn a bachelor's degree for under $10,000 Expansion of the Academy of Health Sciences at Friendly High School with a new academy to earn an associate degree in teaching.  Post-High School Success More PGCPS students are graduating better prepared for college and careers as evidenced by a nearly 20-percent decrease in the number of students taking remedial courses at Prince George’s Community College PGCC. *Data from Prince George's Community College: number of students taking remedial courses has decreased nearly 20 percent over the past four years.