Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools launched its online magnet applications for 2012-13 today, and kicks off the school-search season with its magnet fair on Saturday. One of the biggest questions prospective magnet families have is, "What are the odds of getting in?"
That's impossible to predict with certainty, but you can get a pretty good idea by checking lottery results from prior years. Some schools consistently generate long waiting lists, while others have room for all or most who apply.
There are no major changes in lottery programs or neighborhood school boundaries for 2012-13, though a few magnets are continuing to expand grade levels. One twist this year: Families who want to apply for a transfer based on medical issues or "extreme hardship" for the coming year can start the process now, rather than waiting for the magnet lottery to end.
"That was the question we got from parents: 'Why do we have to wait?' We asked ourselves that question," said student placement official Scott McCully, who decided to let both events happen at the same time this year. Children of CMS employees are also eligible for transfers without having to cite medical problems or hardship.
p.s. A couple of people have asked whether CMS plans to revise bell schedules for 2012-13 and/or back off on the longer elementary school day that started this year. I started asking that question on Tuesday but haven't gotten an answer yet.
Friday, January 6, 2012
CMS magnets: What are your odds?
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7 comments:
CMS pays to bus employees' children from the employee's school to the child's school. How much does that cost CMS?
See the research on Magnets done for Mecklenburg Students from years past.
www.SouthCharlotte.org
If you did only one thing for your child, then getting them into a school, outside of your failing one, should be it.
I doubt school bell schedules will change. Why? Because most bus drivers now are getting overtime. They will balk at changing back and they will win becuase of their race.
I called the magnet hotline. The woman referred me to the website, but I told her that was just for 2011-2012. She then stated she had no idea and I should call the schools.
3:40, it's not clear to me what you were looking for that you couldn't find online. Lottery RESULTS are only for prior years because the 2012-13 one hasn't happened yet, but there should be application info for the coming year.
Info on all magnets are updated in the magnet website also it includes all magnet school open house info as well as the Berry Fair tomorrow. Ann please know there are only 3 people assigned the magnet office so it is most beneficial for parents to visit the actual sites and talk to the schools as they will get the greatest return on their time. We are excited to meet with parents tomorrow at the fair.
5:54, I'm just getting more and more confused. I assume you work in the magnet office? I'm not steering people to call you, though I have linked to and printed numbers provided by the public information office. If you have concerns about the info they're providing, I'd suggest having someone in your office straighten it out with the PIO on Monday (or at the magnet fair).
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