If you want to apply for your student to attend a magnet school, please follow these instructions very carefully!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Again this year, you have the option to apply to a magnet school online. That means you do NOT have to complete the paper application. You do NOT have to apply online – it is simply an option. You may apply by paper application as before, but you must choose one or the other if you want to be considered for a magnet school. The deadline is the same for both options. Personalized applications are mailed to all current Duval County Public School students in grades K-10 in early January. If you do not receive an application in the mail it may be due to an incorrect address. Parents are responsible for notifying the current school when a change of address occurs. If you fail to receive an application and would like to apply online, call the Magnet Programs Office at 904.390.2082 to request your 10-digit PIN.
When applying online, your name will be recognized (if you are a current Duval County Public School student), and you will be able to see which priorities affect your choices as you make them. However, there is NO benefit to applying online before the deadline; all applications, both paper and electronic, are entered into the lottery at the same time. If you decide to apply online, you will need the 10-digit PIN at the bottom of the paper application.
If you wish to fill out a paper application and did not receive a personalized one in the mail in early January, or if you are new to the public school system and prefer not to apply online, you can download a blank form. Students new to the district including entering Kindergarten will be asked to provide proof of residence.
Before filling out the application please consider the following:
- Is the information about your student correct?
If you are using the preprinted form, review the information about your student. If there is incorrect information, immediately notify the school that the student currently attends to have the information corrected – this is especially important if your address has changed. If you are using the blank form, fill in all the information requested that you can. We'll take care of the SPA Code, Program of Study, Special Programs, F/R Lunch and Attendance Zone. But the rest is your responsibility!
- Do you have to make three choices?
No, you may make one choice, two choices or three choices - it's up to you. In fact, we suggest that you apply only for the programs that you really want and have an interest in having your student attend.
- Do you have Program Continuity?
If you are using the preprinted form and your student is eligible for Program Continuity to the next school level, this information will be provided in the box labeled "Program Continuity."
If you are using a blank form and you think your student is eligible, fill in the box, and we'll be sure to check it out for you. Remember, Program Continuity is not automatic. You have to apply by the deadline to be eligible, and it does not always guarantee admission. We honor your Program Continuity priority for first, second and third school choices, but many programs fill up with first-choice applicants.
- Do you have Sibling Preference?
If you are using the preprinted form and your student is eligible for Sibling Preference to a magnet school that a brother or sister is already attending, this information will be provided at the bottom of the form in the box labeled "Sibling Preference."
If you are using a blank form and you think your student is eligible, fill in the box with the sibling's name and student ID number. This is especially important for students entering kindergarten. Remember, the sibling must be eligible to return next year to the school where you are applying. Unfortunately, we cannot offer Sibling Preference to siblings applying together for the first time or to siblings living in different households. Also, Sibling Preference does not guarantee acceptance. In cases where twins applying together receive different schools in the lottery, we will try to place them in the same school where space is available.
- Do you have to get the principal's signature?
No, it's not required, but it does give your student a priority in the magnet lottery. You can only get the signature if you visit the school during an open house or tour. Plus, we have found over the years that parents who visit the school before they apply are much more satisfied than those who don't.
- Who should sign the paper application?
The parent or legal guardian must sign the application. We only accept original signatures, so you must mail or hand-deliver your application to the address listed on the bottom of the form.
- How do you submit the paper application?
You should mail or hand-deliver your application to the Magnet Program Office. The address is printed on the bottom of the application form. We cannot accept faxed applications. Do NOT turn in your application to the school.
- How do you know that we received your application?
There are two things you can do. (1) You can send us a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your application. We’ll send you a date-stamped copy by return mail. If you don’t receive your copy within a week, it’s important to let us know. (2) You may bring your application to the Magnet Programs Office, and for a small charge (ten cents) we’ll make a copy with a date stamp on it. That way you will have proof that your application was submitted on time. We’re sorry but we cannot respond to phone requests to verify receipts.
- What happens if you miss the deadline?
Only applications that are received or postmarked by the February 29, 2012 deadline will be processed in the magnet lottery. We will gladly take your late application and file it according to the date it was received. If there is space in the school you requested after the lottery or if space becomes available later in the summer, we will let you know. When submitting a late application, you may make only one school choice, and the priorities do not apply.
- If you decide to apply online, you will need the 10-digit PIN at the bottom of the paper application.
- The back of the application must be filled out by current private school, out-of-county school and new Duval County Public School system students. Current Duval County Public School system students do not need to complete the back of the application. If you fill out the back of the application, please provide proof of residence along with your application.
