Thousands of parents, students and community members interested in Duval County Public Schools' (DCPS) nationally recognized magnet programs attended the Magnet Mania & More School Choice Expo on Saturday, January 12, at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds.
Representatives from all of the district's magnet programs, as well as other school choice options, including charter schools, career academies and special academic programs, were on hand to answer questions and distribute information. Attendees had the opportunity to speak with magnet office staff and transportation officials, win prizes and enjoy performances by magnet students.
Magnet programs, which were started in Duval County during the 1991-92 school year, offer a theme or focus that is designed to give students an opportunity to explore a special interest or talent. They also give students the opportunity to meet and attend school with students from different areas of the city.
A magnet school may feature one or more magnet programs. Currently, more than 21,000 DCPS students are enrolled in more than 30 different magnet programs at 56 schools. Additionally, 10 new magnet programs will begin in August 2008 as a result of the district's Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant award of $10.9 million.
Magnet applications for the 2008-2009 school year are due Friday, February 29, 2008. Applications have been mailed to students' homes and can also be completed online at
www.magnetprograms.com. Faxed applications will not be accepted.
Anyone interested in obtaining more information about magnet programs is encouraged to attend a Magnet Information Session, held every Thursday from January 10 - February 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cline Auditorium, 1701 Prudential Drive. There is also a Magnet District-Wide Open House at all magnet and choice schools on Wednesday, January 30, during the following times: 9 to 10 a.m., 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 1 to 2 p.m. For more information, visit the magnet office Web site or contact the Duval County magnet office at 904-390-2082.
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