Earlier Applications for Magnet Schools

The application process for the Los Angeles Unified School District’s magnet programs has been stepped up this year, with application brochures arriving at schools in early December with a Jan. 19 deadline.

In years past, brochures for the prestigious programs, such as the Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies or the Van Nuys Medical or Math and Science magnets, were distributed in January or February and applications were due back in February or March.

The change, LAUSD spokesman Patrick Spencer said, will allow parents and students more planning time before the 1996-97 school year begins.

“The main benefit to families is that they get notified earlier as to the status of their application,” Spencer said.

Final notification of acceptance into the programs is expected in April, as opposed to the traditional notification in late June.

The magnet brochure, called “Choices,” or “Opciones,” will be available in the first or second week of December at district schools, city libraries and some county libraries in areas served by LAUSD schools.

Students living anywhere in the district--including those who currently attend private schools--may apply for any magnet program. Free transportation will be provided to most magnet students, except those who live within a two-mile radius of the school or center they will be attending.

Next year’s magnet program will include 132 specialized schools and centers. About 43,000 students now participate in magnet programs--which may emphasize a particular specialty, such as math or performing arts, or address gifted and high-achieving pupils. Some schools also use a particular teaching approach, such as alternative or fundamental methods.

About 40,000 to 45,000 students are expected to apply for 10,000 to 15,000 openings in the 1996-97 school year.