What now for magnet rejects?

The odds were tough: Of the 50,530 applications for magnet schools submitted for the 2008-09 school year, only 13,544 students were accepted to the program they chose, according to L.A. Unified.

The rest of the eligible students were placed on a waiting list. (For those keeping track, remaining on the waiting list earns four points for next year's application.)

So, now what for those who were disappointed? There are options:

1) There's still a chance to attend the magnet school by staying on the waiting list. Parents of students on the waiting list may call the school's magnet coordinator to determine their child’s status on the list. 

2)  Parents may submit a walk-in application to a magnet that has additional wait list spots at a particular grade level. Parents should contact the Office of Student Integration Services or visit http://eChoices.lausd.net if they wish to obtain a list of magnets that may have available spaces for walk-in applicants. 

3) Parents may apply for an open enrollment permit at certain schools.

4) This month, students who meet the Gifted/High Ability requirements may apply to the Schools for Advanced Studies programs.

5) Go visit your neighborhood school.

-- Mary MacVean

Comments

[Angel]

I have to wonder how many families purposely chose magnets they couldn't possibly get in to just to get the waiting points. Further, I'd like to know the stats of the families who get in to a magnet and choose not to attend. Of course, LAUSD will never release those stats.