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!