[LeavinMI]

We went to an informational meeting today and my son very much wants to attend Cashman Middle School as a part of their magnet school program. The thing is, we're zoned for Cadwallader Middle School which appears to get great reviews from parents. Cashman does not, at all. Not to mention Cashman is not in the best area and would require bussing, etc.

He very much wants to go and I do like the academic programs that seem to be available at a Magnet school, but I just can't help but wonder if we'd be better off with his zoned school now that I'm looking into opinions on these.

Any helpful advice or experience would be much appreciated!!

[Kalbo]

The magnet programs are very good, Hyde Park has the best academic program in my opinion. The hard part is getting selected. My son applied to 4 middle school magnet programs last year and did not get into any of them. The problem is they get thousands of applications for just a few hundred slots county wide.

Most middle schools have their own accelerated classes as well, so your son will still be able to take accelerated classes at non magnetic schools. The busing is a good point which will make his day much longer.

[tweller]

Cashman is a great magnet school that give Hyde Park a run for the money. The reviews are mostly based on the zoned school attendees. I have has wonderful experiences with the staff during some of the most trying times. I have medical challenges and met with the Asst. Principal to explain the issues and she was most helpful. The school also assists with bus transfers which is above and beyond some of the other magnet schools. We as a family enjoyed our two years so far. The lottery is the hard part, there is no way around it.

[jfkIII]

Silly me... I thought this was gonna be about the Mr. Cashman slots!