Magnet Schools? (Earl: low income, college, pros and cons)

[remy186]

I'm not familar with Magnet schools. How do they work? What is the curriculum? How do you get in? What are the qualifications needed? Are they part of the public school system or are they private?

[lamishra]

In a nutshell, they are public schools found in lower income parts of the cities that offer special programs to attract students of higher income areas. The term "magnet" means to pull or attract, in this sense, high income student to low income schools by offering specialized programming not found in "traditional" schools. Each magnet school is different, so you need to go Wake County Public School System and read about each magnet and their curriculum for your designated area. Admissions is by lottery in WCPSS and registration starts next week. They are having a bunch of information sessions this week I think.

Magnet Programs

[MrsSteel]

Just an FYI: Wake County is not the only school system in the area with magnet schools.

[remy186]

Anyone can qualify? What are the advantages of magnet schools?

Does anyone have there child in one? Do they like it? How do they differ from a tradional school?

[UNCMetsGal]

Along with lamishra's link, here is a bit more info:

Magnet schools offer more electives (like Spanish every day, vs. only once a week or not at all in their regular public school counterpart, for example). Terms like GT magnet or IB magnet can be confusing so do your research.

One other point of clarification. The magnet "lottery" is not a TRUE lottery. So, just because you throw your name into the hat doesn't mean you have the SAME chance of being accepted if I throw my name in. Factors for acceptance include: the FNR% of your base schools, your FNR status, the FNR status of the magnet to which you're applying...

It's very convoluted, if you ask me, so again, I urge you to do your research.

Oh, and some schools are losing their magnet status, so make sure that you are working with up-to-date information.

Good Luck!

[trusam]

Wake County Public School System has all the information you need. back in october or november, there was a magnet school fair and i was quite impressed with the electives which they are offering. but if your base school is good and has high rating then you should compare pros and cons of sending your kid to the magnet school as well base school. i checked ratings for base and magnet school and realized that my base school's ratings are better also the distance to the magnet school from my place is >20 miles. so i decied to send my son to the base (wakefield middle) school. you can find the school ratings from greatschool.net. you can also take the tours to different magnet schools and decide. i am not sure about the exact application date but you should apply in february for the magnet school. so if you are interested, you have very little time..

[mfrank2109]

Daughter is at Wake Early College of Health and Science. It's a magnet high school that she wanted to attend because it focuses on medical professions. But quite frankly it was only by the grace of God that she got in.