Schools who have less applicants than seats available may be accepting applications on a first-come, first-serve basis during that time via the online Magnet Application System accessible through the M-DCPS Parent Portal. All applicants must meet entrance requirements for each program.
The Office of Innovation – School Choice & Parental Options has completed the random selection process for all Magnet program selection(s). Login through the M-DCPS Parent Portal to view and accept Magnet School offers.
No. The selection process is a computerized random selection process and occurs after the application deadline period. Except for visual and performing arts programs that require an audition.
Once my child is in a Magnet school, do I have to apply each year?Students who are currently enrolled in a Magnet school do not have to re-apply unless they want to change schools or programs.
The Magnet school of my choice is within my current school attendance boundary; do I have to apply?Yes. All Magnet programs require all students to apply for placement. Magnet programs/schools do not adhere to boundary restrictions.
How does the Magnet application process work?In all schools, except the Visual Performing Arts (VPA) Magnet schools, the selection process is done by a random selection of the eligible applicants. VPA Magnet schools require auditions and students are selected as a result of their auditions.
Selection into a Visual & Performing Arts Audition-Based program requires that students audition for the program in addition to completing the application process.
How will I know if my acceptance is properly recorded?If you accept through the online application system, you will be sent an email verifying your acceptance. The school you accepted will get records of your acceptance and your seat will be available to your child(ren). You must then proceed to register at the school. If you received a postal letter stating your acceptance, you may contact the school of acceptance for instructions on how to accept your seat. Please be prepared to verify the child and parent/legal guardian information. You must then proceed to register at the school.
Is there still going to be an Off Cycle Magnet Application Period?Yes. We are still scheduled and planning on opening up the Off Cycle Magnet Application period after all regular cycle applicants have been placed. More information will be forth coming and announcements will be made on social media. Be sure to follow us at @miamimagnets
What is the deadline for accepting a Magnet Program?Parents/legal guardians have 2 weeks to accept their child(ren)’s seat . First round notifications announce on March 15. If you received your notification by email or postal mail on March 15, you will have until March 31st to accept your seat. If you move off a wait list and become accepted to a program after March 31st, you will have 5 business days to accept your seat.
What is the fastest way to apply into a Magnet program?Online. Not only is your application instantly processed, but you can print a copy of your selections for your records.
How can I be sure that my online application was received? Will I get a confirmation number?You are offered the option to print your selections when you submit an application online. Printed applications submitted through the postal mail do not get a confirmation or receipt. An online account will be created for all paper applications.
Application status can be viewed within the online Magnet Application system.
Will all my choice schools know I’m applying to other schools?No. Each school only sees the portion of the application that applies to their school.
What if I want to appeal a change of strand? Or select a different school?All selections are final. No change of strands or change of selected schools will be accepted, so it is important to make your selections carefully before submitting your application online or in printed form.
Are students selected on a first-come, first-served basis?No. The selection process is a computerized random selection process and occurs after the application deadline period. Except for visual and performing arts programs that require an audition.
What is a definition of a sibling?A sibling is a biological, adopted, foster, half or stepbrother/sister who shares the same parent/legal guardian and lives at the same address as a student that is currently attending the Magnet school for which you are applying, and will continue to attend the same Magnet school for the following school year.
I have twins, both applying to the same school. One was for the VPA Dance program and the other for the business program. I opt to link my twins but one got accepted to the Dance program and the other is on the waitlist. Why did they not both get accepted?
First multiple birth children (twins, triplets, quadruplets, etc.) Must meet eligibility. Second, you need to make sure in the application that you opt in to link the twins and enter the correct information. In your case linking children within multiple birth units does not apply to Visual & Performing Arts audition-based programs. This rule only applies to random selection programs.
How are students selected for a Magnet program?Students interested in attending a Magnet program must complete and submit a Magnet application. When the number of eligible applications exceeds the number of seats available in a school Magnet program, a computerized random selection (lottery) process is used for student admission. Eligible students who submit an application by the deadline will qualify for participation in the lottery.
How many Magnet programs can my child apply to?Each child is encouraged to apply to up to five (5) Magnet programs at five different schools. Each child may only apply to one Magnet program per school.
If we applied at more than one Magnet school, can my child be selected to attend more than one school?
Yes. You may be selected to multiple schools during the random selection process. It will then be your choice which school you choose for your child to attend.
What is the deadline for applying and completing the individual school requirements?January 15. Any application received after that date will not be accepted. In addition, if you fail to complete individual school requirements by the January 15 deadline, your application will be voided.
Are there other requirements to apply?Yes, individual schools have different requirements, such as recommendations, specific subjects students must have completed prior to applying, auditions, interviews, or minimum grades. It is your responsibility to contact the school as soon as you apply to request each school’s requirements.
PLEASE NOTE: The schools will NOT contact you; you must contact them, as they do not have the resources to contact each applicant.
Where do I send the individual school requirements?All individual school requirements MUST be sent directly to the school. You can also upload transcript within the online Magnet application system.
Are there any exceptions to the random selection process?Per Board Policy 2370, the following priorities are applied in the random selection process: 1) students of active duty military families who have provided proof to individual schools they are applying to 2) younger siblings of students currently attending the school they applied to and if they will be in attendance for a minimum of one concurrent year. Please note that in order for these priorities to be applied in the selection process, students must apply and meet all entrance requirements by the application deadline of January 15.
When will I be notified that my child was accepted into the Magnet program I applied to?Parents are notified of the results of the random selection process on or about March 15. If you have any questions about the results, you must contact the individual schools directly.
How will I be notified that my child was chosen in the random selection?Each school notifies parents of the results of the random selection process or audition results (Visual Performing Arts Magnet Schools) with a letter sent via U.S. Mail. Letters are mailed to the official residence listed on your child’s records for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. If you have any questions, you must contact the schools directly for information.
PLEASE NOTE: The district Magnet School office cannot answer any questions regarding individual school programs or random selection results. The district Magnet School office only serves as the application processing center.
Will my child get transportation if selected?It depends on where you live and the transportation available for the specific school. You must contact the individual school directly to find out if transportation is available for you.
If transportation is not provided can I transfer my child to a closer Magnet school?No. It is VERY important that you contact the individual schools to see whether transportation is available from your neighborhood to the selected school PRIOR to applying to the school.
Who do I contact if I have a problem applying?If your problem is system–related (online application issues), or specifically related to the actual application, you will need to contact 305-995-1922. If your question is related to a specific school program or school, you need to contact the individual school.
If there is a change of address during the application process do I have to apply again?No, however, any correspondence sent to you will only go to the official residence listed on your child’s records for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Any address changes you note on the application cannot be placed into effect from the district office. They can only be made at your child’s present school.
