Thursday, July 29, 2010


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Frequently Asked Questions


Q: What are "Magnet" schools?

A: Magnet Schools are special programs that offer theme-based curriculum to attract students with special interests. Magnet elementary, middle, and high schools exist in many districts throughout the United States.
Q: What are the Magnet Programs in ABC Unified School District?

A: ABC Magnet Programs are:
    Burbank Elementary (Grades K-6)
    A Visual, Performing and Folk Arts Magnet

    Carver Academy (Grades K-6)
    A Communication Arts Magnet School

    Elliott Elementary (Grades K-6)
    Global Navigators
    Theme: Global Studies and Technology

    Furgeson Elementary (Grades K-6)
    FACT: Furgeson Academy of Communication and Technology
    Theme: Technology, Broadcasting and Communication

    Leal Elementary (Grades K-6)
    Project AIM: Arts in Motion
    Theme: Visual and Performing Arts

    Niemes Elementary (Grades K-6)
    Magnet School of Environmental Science and Technology

    Stowers Elementary (Grades K-6)
    School of International Studies - Modeled after the International Baccalaurete Program (IB)

    Ross Middle School
    Academy of Creative and Media Arts
    Magnet Middle School: Grades 7 & 8
    Video/Media Production, Creative Writing, Theatre, Musical, and Fine Arts

    Fedde Middle School (Grades 6-7)
    International Studies Academy - Modeled after the International Baccalaurete Program (IB)

    Artesia High School (Grades 9-12)
    Project Bridge

Q: What is the Magnet Schools Assistance Program?
A: The Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) is a competitive Federal Department of Education grant for which districts can apply. The MSAP programs is a three-year grant that enables schools in a district to start new Magnet schools with targeted curriculum and Magnet themes. There are currently 41 districts funded through the Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant, of which ABC USD is one.

Q: What has the MSAP program done for the ten Magnet Schools in ABC Unified School District?
A: The Magnet Schools Assistance Program grants awarded to ABC USD in 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2007 provided 18.5 million dollars for our ten magnet schools. The grants provided the following:
Full-time grant coordinators and curriculum specialists, as well as teacher specialist and instructors;
State-of-the-art labs devoted to the Magnet theme;
New equipment in all classrooms and labs;
Guided curriculum that enriches the student's educational experience.

Q: How do I choose the Magnet Program that's right for my child?
A: Deciding on a school for your child is a very important and personal decision. The best way to begin is to learn more about our Magnet programs, attend one or more of our informational events, and call the school or schools in which you are interested. Each school has a Magnet Site Coordinator who can answer your questions and provide you with more information. Finally, this website provides you with a wealth of information about our eight programs.

Q: Who can apply for our Magnet Schools?
A: All students who will be entering Kindergarten through 12th grade in the next school year can apply to Artesia, Burbank, Carver, Elliott, Fedde, Furgeson, Leal, Niemes, Ross or Stowers.

Q: Will my child need to take an admissions test?
A: No special testing or audition is required for admission to any ABC Magnet School. Admission is by application and lottery (when necessary. Magnet Schools are open to all families residing in and outside the district.

Q: Do I have to pay tuition at a Magnet school?
A: There is no cost to attend ABC Magnet Schools. They are educational options in the ABC Unified School District.

Q: How will I know if my child(ren) is/are accepted?
A: The priority deadline to apply to our Magnet schools is the close of business the last business day in March. Within a few weeks of the application deadline, you will be informed as to whether your child has been 1) automatically accepted or 2) entered into a lottery.

Q: What is the lottery for and how is it conducted?

A: This is a Federal requirement for funded Magnet schools. In the event that we cannot accommodate all of the applicants to a given school, we will conduct a lottery to determine who can be accepted. The lottery will be conducted in April, and you will be notified of the results on or before May 1.

Q: If my child is accepted to a Magnet School, does she/he have to re-apply every year?
A: No. As long as your child makes satisfactory progress and meets all of the permit requirements for attendance and behavior, she/he can continue on in that school until she/he graduates.

Q: Do siblings have preferential treatment?
A: Yes. If your child has a sibling already attending the school she/he will have some preference in the lottery. Additionally, siblings applying to the same school will also have some preference when one is selected in the lottery.

Q: How do I get more information?
A: Call our Central Magnet office at (562) 926-5566 Ext. 21132, and we will be happy to help you! You may also contact any of the magnet schools directly. (See "Contact Us" page)

















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