Taking Community College Courses While In High School: Why and How

Did you know that high school students in Los Angeles can take community college courses for FREE? But why would a high school student want to do that? you might ask. Here are some reasons:

1. You're interested in a class or subject that isn't offered at your high school or doesn't fit your schedule. For some students, this might be a "fun" elective, like psychology. For other students, it might mean an advanced math class, especially if you've already maxed out the math classes at your high school.

2. You like a challenge. The classes offered at your high school simply might not be rigorous enough for you.

3. You want to satisfy general education credits faster because you plan to go to community college and hope to transfer to a University of California or California State University school. (If this is the case, make sure you work with your high school to ensure you're also satisfying high school graduation requirements, because they may differ or conflict.)

4. You want to boost the competitiveness of your college application.

I want to emphasize that you shouldn't take community college courses just because you "feel like it." But if you can handle the advanced level workload (it is college, after all), the class fits in your schedule, and your high school approves, then go for it! Here's how.

 

2021-2022 Choices Notification Letters are now available!

The 2020-2021 Notification Letters are now available! You can check online to view the letter, and you should also receive a hard copy of the letter via snail mail.

If you applied to one or more magnet programs, the letter will state whether your child has been admitted to a magnet program or been wait-listed.

If your child has been accepted, you will need to choose to accept or decline - follow the instructions in the letter. You should receive a confirmation email noting your choice, but if you don't, you can call the school or Student Integration Services to make sure they received your notification.

If your child has been wait-listed, there will be instructions on how to proceed (usually you don't need to do anything). If you need more information, I recommend contacting the school's magnet coordinator. They can't tell you if/when your child will get off the wait list, but they should be able to tell you how many students were offered spots off the wait list last year and your child's spot on on this year's wait list. That will give you some idea as to your child's chances of coming off the wait list. But keep in mind that with the pandemic last year, things might have been aberrant in that some students who might have accepted a spot at a magnet school turned it down to stay closer to home or a known school.

If you haven't heard anything from Student Integration Services, you can call them at (213) 241-4177.

I hope you got the outcome you are hoping for - good luck!

The 2020 edition of the LAUSD Magnets Handbook is now available at Amazon!

 

I've updated the LAUSD Magnets Handbook: A Guide to Getting Your Child into an LAUSD Magnet School, and it's now available at Amazon for just $2.99!

It's priced that low because I want everyone to be able to afford it. But I think it's worth a lot more than that, since it's filled with the information that I spent years gathering, distilled into an easy-to-understand format that you'll never get from LAUSD itself.

Learn how priority points actually work and how to maximize your child's chances of getting into your first-choice school, with real-life examples. I also discuss factors to consider when choosing a school, including non-magnet options.

Read this book before you submit the 2021-2022 Choices application!

Choices Application Window is Now Open (But You May Want to Wait)

 The 2021-2022 Choices application is now available at apply.lausd.net. The deadline to apply is November 13, 2020.

But wait! If you haven't read my book, LAUSD Magnets Handbook: A Guide to Getting Your Child into an LAUSD Magnet School, you may want to do so first. It's a very short book that's packed full of information you need to apply wisely and maximize your child's chances of getting into the magnet school of your choice (whether that's this year, or in the future and you're just after wait list points).

I just updated the book for the 2021-2022 Choices application, and am waiting for Amazon to tell me the version available for purchase is live. So keep an eye out here (or on Facebook) and I'll let you know when to hit the buy button. The book is just $2.99, because I wanted to make it affordable for everyone - even though this is information you won't find anywhere else in such a comprehensive, understandable way.

Good luck!

2021-2022 Choices Application Will Be Available October 1, 2020

If you're wanting to get your child into an LAUSD magnet school for next school year, you need to know that the Choices application will become available on October 1, 2020.

Right now, we're three weeks into the 2020-2021 school year, and LAUSD is doing their best to operate as normally as possible while accommodating distance learning. Magnet schools are fully operational, and new students were welcomed and are attending their new magnet schools just like students who were already at those schools.

The big however in all of this is that it can be harder to get information. We're physically removed from schools, teachers, and staff. And while school offices are open, they're also extra busy answering parent phone calls and emails. Drop-ins are not as welcome due to social distancing. You're probably also more focused on day-to-day survival and not thinking about next school year as much as you might under normal circumstances.

If you're craving more information, sign up for email newsletters from and check in with sources relevant to you. For example, the reason I know that the Choices application will be available on October 1st is the GATE Parent Newsletter that was sent via email by LAUSD. I think I was automatically signed up for this newsletter because of my child's status, but anyone can visit the parent page on the GATE website and read the newsletter.

I mostly monitor LAUSD via social media, particularly Twitter:

LAUSD

LAUSD Magnets

LAUSD Gate Programs

Austin Beutner (LAUSD Superintendent)

Tony Thurmond (California Superintendent of Public Instruction)

CA Department of Education

Kyle Stokes (LAist education reporter)

Howard Blume (LA Times education reporter)

Sonali Kohli (LA Times education reporter)

UTLA (United Teachers Los Angeles)

Schools often have their own website and/or school or parent newsletter. And each local district in LAUSD usually has its own social media presence that's worth following for updates. It's a good idea to sign up for updates from schools that you're targeting. They may share important information about relevant dates, and it's one way to get a feel for the school before your child attends.

(If you prefer Facebook, LAUSD Twitter accounts often have a corresponding Facebook page. You can also follow this site on Facebook, where I post reminders about upcoming deadlines and useful tips.)

The eChoices website probably won't be updated until October 1, 2020 (although hopefully they will update it after the late application deadline of September 18).

Get Your Child Into a Magnet School NOW

Did you know that you can get your child into a magnet school right now? Yes, even though the school year just started, your child could still attend a magnet school.

There's a catch, of course. Popular magnet schools are at full enrollment, so there won't be a spot for your child.

But you might be surprised. Even popular schools like centers for enriched studies can have openings, particularly in upper grades.

How can your child get in to a magnet school right now?

If you have a dream school for your child, it can't hurt to call the magnet coordinator and ask if they have any openings. Most likely they won't, but there are schools that clear their wait lists over the summer and start the school year with a few open slots.

For a more general search, try using LAUSD's Potential Seat Openings tool. You can sort the list by grade level, which helps narrow down the field quickly.

To file the late application, click the Apply button at the top right of this page.

For the 2021-2022 school year, the Choices application will hopefully be available in October. Although the pandemic has thrown everyone in the district for a loop, magnet schools continue to operate as normal, albeit with distance learning.

2019-2020 Choices Notification Letters are now available!

Yesterday, LAUSD sent out the 2019-2020 Notification Letters. You might receive an email about the letter, but you will still need to log in at apply.lausd.net to view the letter. You should also receive a hard copy of the letter via snail mail.

If you applied to one or more magnet programs, the letter will state whether your child has been admitted to a magnet program or been wait-listed.

If your child has been accepted, you will need to choose to accept or decline - follow the instructions on the website. You should receive a confirmation email noting your choice.

If your child has been wait-listed, there will be instructions on how to proceed (usually you don't need to do anything).

If you haven't heard anything from Student Integration Services by the end of the week, you can call them at (213) 241-4177.

I hope you get the outcome you are hoping for - good luck!

Choice Application Deadline Extended to November 16, 2018

Because of the wildfires affecting parts of Southern California, LAUSD has extended the Choices Application deadline until this Friday, November 16, 2018. Go here to apply.

If you haven't submitted your application yet, here is a helpful post that's a basic step-by-step guide to getting your child into a magnet school.

If you want more detailed information, LAUSD Magnets Handbook, my short e-book that explains exactly what priority points are, which factors you should be taking into consideration, and how to prioritize your choices.
be sure to check out the

Good luck!

Don't submit a Choices Application if you want to stay at your current magnet school

LAUSDMagnetSchools.com is all about how to get into a magnet school, but I wanted to let you know that there is a time when you shouldn't apply to a magnet school, and that's if your child is already at a magnet school that you want him or her to stay at the next year.

For example, if your son is currently in the fourth grade at a magnet school that also has a fifth grade and you want him to attend fifth grade there, you should not submit a Choices application this year. I've been informed that if your child already attends a magnet school and is accepted at a different magnet school for the following school year, your child will automatically lose his or her spot at the current school, even if you choose to decline the acceptance at the new school.

If you want your child to continue at his or her current magnet, there's nothing you need to do - your child will automatically remain enrolled at his or her current school. Moreover, you lose nothing by not applying to a different magnet school since you can't accumulate wait list points while your child is enrolled at a magnet (but you'll get matriculation points when he or she culminates from that school.)

If you are applying to a magnet school this year, remember that the application deadline is this Friday, November 9, 2018!

Reminder: Choices Application is due on Friday, Nov. 9!

Just a quick reminder that the Choices Application is due one week from tomorrow. Your application must be postmarked or received by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 9, 2018.

I wrote a helpful post last year that's a basic step-by-step guide to getting your child into a magnet school that's still applicable.

If you want more detailed discussion be sure to check out the LAUSD Magnets Handbook, my short e-book that explains exactly what priority points are, which factors you should be taking into consideration, and how to prioritize your choices.

Good luck!

The 2018 LAUSD Magnets Handbook is now available!

I'm pleased to announce that I've updated the LAUSD Magnets Handbook: A Guide to Getting Your Child into an LAUSD Magnet School for 2018. While it's substantially the same as previous editions, the new 2019-2020 Choices application includes some changes that are reflected in the new edition. The 2018 edition of the LAUSD Magnets Handbook still demystifies the magnet school admissions process and answers your questions about what exactly that process is and how to navigate it.

The Handbook a short and easy read, but jam packed with the answers you've been looking for, including:

• The Priority Points system and more importantly, how it works
• How to figure out which magnet school(s) to apply to
• How to strategize to get your child into the school you want him or her to attend
• Other school options within LAUSD
• And more!

Get your copy of the LAUSD Magnets Handbook for just $2.99 at Amazon!

2019-2010 Choices Application is now available!

The 2019-2020 Choices Application is now available online. You can download the brochure here and apply here.

The application deadline is November 9, 2018. Schools should have their tour schedules available now.

I'm updating the LAUSD Magnets Handbook right now. As always, it will contain everything I know about how to get your child into the magnet school of your choice.

Good luck!

2019-2020 Choices Application will be available October 1

The date has been announced! The Choices application for the 2019-2020 school year will be available on October 1, 2018. The deadline to submit your application will be November 9, 2018.

Now is the time to plan your visits to schools. Go to this page to see a list of magnet schools and possible tour dates. It's best to call a school or visit their web site to verify tour dates and sign up if necessary.

Many schools list tours on their school calendar, but if you don't see any listed, call the school's magnet office/coordinator. Good luck!

Have a Great School Year!

The 2018-2019 LAUSD school year starts tomorrow. You can view the official calendar for the whole school year here, although your school may have variations that aren't shown. It also won't reflect minimum days when your kids get out early, so be sure to check your school's own calendar too.

When it comes to applying for magnet schools for the 2019-2020 school year, you can preview what to expect here. There will likely be some changes to the Choices application itself, but the procedure should remain the same.

Have a great school year!

What to Expect: School Year 2018-2019

There's just a few weeks left of summer vacation, so let's talk about what to expect when it comes to getting into magnet schools during the new school year.

The first day of school is August 14, 2018. If your child is on a wait list, you might get a call between now and then if a space becomes available. In fact, you might get a call about a newly available space through Norm Day, which is approximately four weeks into the school year and the day the student population count is considered "official."

If your child is not on a wait list but you decide in those first few weeks that there's a magnet school you do want your child to attend, call that school's magnet coordinator. Ask if there's a wait list - if there isn't, it might be easy to get your child in.

The Choices Application for the 2019-2020 school year should be available in late September or early October. School tours should begin shortly thereafter. In fact, if you know what schools you want to tour, you can check to see if they've posted their tour schedule even before the application is released.

The Choices Application will be due in late October or early November. In approximately December, Confirmation/Correction letters will be sent, acknowledging receipt of your application. The letter will state the number of priority points you have - be sure to verify that the number is correct!

In approximately February, applicants to Gifted/High Ability or Highly Gifted magnet programs will receive a separate notification regarding eligibility or ineligibility for the program.

In approximately March, Notification/Waiting List letters will be sent.

The magnet schools application process can be daunting and confusing, but I've made it easier with my short e-book, LAUSD Magnets Handbook: A Guide to Getting Your Child into an LAUSD Magnet School. Learn how priority points work, how to decide where to apply, and more! The LAUSD Magnets Handbook is just $2.99 at Amazon.

LAUSD Community Meeting About Unified Enrollment

If you're interested in learning about the different enrollment programs offered by LAUSD, there's an upcoming information session that sounds helpful:

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 23 from 5:30-7pm at Northridge Middle School. Contact Local District Northwest for more info.

What to do if your child has been waitlisted

Notification letters went out a couple of weeks ago, meaning that you know by now if your child was admitted to or waitlisted at a magnet program for the 2018-2019 school year. If your child was admitted, you must accept or decline his or her spot in the magnet program by this Friday, April 6.

But what should you do if your child was waitlisted?

If your child is waitlisted, and that is the outcome you wanted because you're just building up points for the future, then you don't need to do anything.

But if you wanted your child to get in and you're now dealing with the disappointment and frustration of being waitlisted, there are some things you can do:

First, contact the magnet school's magnet coordinator and ask him or her to share the following information:

• What is your child's position on the waitlist? In other words, how many children would have to be admitted before your child would get in? 
• Historically, how far down the waitlist do they get before school starts in August?
• Historically, how far down the waitlist do they get after school has started?

Next, consider what you've learned. If your child is at the top of the waitlist, his or her chances of being admitted are probably quite high and you may just want to wait for a call. As you make this decision, remember that magnet schools must maintain a specific ratio of minority students to white students, and therefore, the order in which students are admitted off the waitlist depends on the race of the students declining spots.

Another factor to keep in mind is that if your child is in the area of the waitlist that often is admitted around the start of school, you might get a call a few weeks after the school year has started, or around the time of the start of the second semester (December or January). If that happens, you will have to make the possibly difficult choice of whether to send your child to a new school in the middle of the school year.

If you decide that you need an alternative plan in case you don't get a call saying that your child has been admitted off the waitlist, you should check out the options for Continuous Enrollment. Even though you can't apply for next year right now, these schools are likely to have openings at the end of summer vacation/beginning of the school year and you may be able to get your child in right as the school year starts. 

You can also attempt to get your child into a non-magnet program via Open Enrollment starting in June.

Finally, check in regularly with the magnet coordinator at the school where your child was waitlisted. He or she can keep you updated on your child's position on the waitlist, and if your child is admitted off the waitlist, you won't miss the notification.

Check your portal! The 2018-2019 Notification Letters are Available!

The big day has arrived! LAUSD has sent out the 2018-2019 Notification Letters. You might receive an email about the letter, but you will still need to log in at apply.lausd.net to view the letter.

The letter will state whether your child has been admitted to a magnet program or been wait-listed.

If your child has been accepted, once you have read the letter, you will need to go back to the landing page, click "next", and then choose to accept or decline. You should receive a confirmation email of your choice.

If your child has been wait-listed, there will be instructions on how to proceed (usually you don't need to do anything).

In the past, letters have also been sent by snail mail. So if you don't have access to the application portal, you should receive a letter within a few days. If you haven't heard by Thursday, I would call Student Integration Services at (213) 241-4177 on Friday, since the office may be closed next week during Spring Break.

I hope you get the outcome you are hoping for - good luck!

Prepping for College: Debt-Free U (recommended read)

Although this site is about getting your child into an LAUSD magnet school, at some point you are going to start thinking about how you are going to send your child to college- and more specifically, how you and/or your child are going to pay for college.

The numbers are frightening. When my oldest son was little - about ten years ago - I did some math, and concluded that by the time he goes to college, it could easily cost $100,000 per year at many schools.

That’s why I was so excited to read Debt-Free U: How I Paid for an Outstanding College Education Without Loans, Scholarships, or Mooching off My Parents by Zac Bissonnette. I am now convinced that there is a way to pay for college without taking out loans. It won’t be easy, but it is possible. And that's why I'm highly recommending this book.

The author makes some excellent points, including:

• there are different paths for getting to the same place (i.e., a college degree)
• the absolutely crippling impact of graduating with student loan debt (or, for parents, of sacrificing your future lifestyle and retirement savings)
• the value (or lack thereof) of “big name” colleges
• how hard you work is far more important than where you go to school 

I don’t know how much I would have believed these arguments before I went to college, but my personal life experience validates his points:

• I went to a very expensive, well-regarded private university (in fact, it's mentioned in the book as an example of how expensive schools are). The value of the school’s name had little to no impact on my career. Maybe it would have been different if I’d stayed in the region where the school is located so that alumni networking would have been more valuable, but that's definitely not how it worked out.
• I had wonderful experiences in college but nothing that would justify graduating with a ton of debt.
• I had above-average grades from a well-respected school, which was nice on my resume but fantastic grades from a lesser school would have been just as or even more impressive. And for purposes of getting into law school, what really mattered was my LSAT score, not where I got my undergraduate degree.

So based on my personal experience, I think what Zac Bissonette has to say has a lot of validity and is absolutely worth taking into consideration. 

Do I agree with everything he says? No, of course not. And although I think going to community college first is a fantastic option financially, I do really want my children to have the four-year college experience. That experience was truly valuable for me - it just didn’t need to happen at the most expensive school I got into (and if I could go back in time, I would spare my parents that expense for sure). 

Debt-Free U  helped convince me that it will be possible to send my children to college without either of us going into debt. And I hope it does the same for you.

This post contains affiliate links that help support this site at no additional cost to you. Thank you for clicking through them! You can read LMS's full disclosure here.

LAUSD 2018-2019 Calendar

The LAUSD board has approved the 2018-2019 calendar. It's very similar to the last few years:

• School once again starts in August (the 14th to be exact)
• Thanksgiving break is the entire week
• Winter break is three weeks long 
• School ends the first week of June
• The major difference is that spring break is very late and starts on April 15

You can view and download the calendar by clicking here.

Hang in there! Acceptance/waitlist letters should go out next month!