Magnet Mania Hitting Duval County Schools

By Angela Spears First Coast News

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- The 2004-2005 school year is still in full swing. But parents now is the time to start thinking about next year if your child wants to attend a magnet school in Duval County. The deadline is still more than a month away, but according to Magnet Programs leaders, now is the time to ask questions.

More than 20,000 students in 61 schools are part of the Duval County Public Schools Magnet Program. In the Fall, the school district will have 7 more magnet schools. These will be "Inspirations" schools that were funded by a federal grant. Sharwonda Peek, Coordinator for the Magnet Programs, says they are called "Inspirations" because they are the next generation of magnet schools. The new programs include topics like visual and performing arts, math, Spanish immersion and military science aviation.

Many parents have questions and for some, there may be some confusion. There is no need to worry. The district will once again hold Magnet Mania. Peek says she's expecting more than 9,000 students and their parents. This will be your chance to ask any and every question you have about the Magnet Program. Peek says her office is already getting a lot of calls.

For example, parents wants to know if their child already goes to a magnet school, does he or she have to apply again. Peek says the answer is no. A change in the program for next year is the new state law that allows dependents of military personal to get first preference. The students do have to apply and meet the qualifications for the magnet school.

The application deadline is February 25. Magnet Mania is this Saturday, January 15 at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information call the Magnet Programs Office at(904)390-2082 or the Magnet Programs Hotline at (904)390-2500.

©2010 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.