Magnet Programs

Our district has several options for students who are entering middle school.  The link below will take you to a page that provides more information about each middle school magnet program.  

https://www.richland2.org/schools/Pages/MiddleSchoolMagnetProgramsCenters.aspx

I encourage parents to attend the magnet school fair that the district hosts later this semester.  It will likely be some time in early December from 6:30-8:00 at Westwood High School.  At the fair, representatives from schools, centers, and magnet programs will be on hand to answer questions about the many educational opportunities available in the district. Many magnet programs also will have open houses next semester to provide opportunities for families to learn even more about the benefits of the specific programs.

The application process to each magnet happens all at the same time.  The online application window will be open during January.  The programs that require interviews and/or writing samples usually schedule these with families during February and March.  

Another option for middle school is utilizing the Expanded Choice Program.  The link below explains this process.

https://www.richland2.org/departments/planning/pages/expandedchoicemagnets.aspx

Basically, right now families may begin exploring the district website to discover the various opportunities Richland 2 has for middle school students.  Then, the applications for Expanded Choice and Magnet Programs are all due in January.  Decisions about placement are usually announced in March.  Families are responsible for applying online in January and preparing for and attending interviews if needed.  The teacher recommendations and records of grades and test scores that the programs look at are all shared and completed in-house.  You do not need to do anything with those.

As I find out more information and specific dates, I will share them with you all.