Attracting Attention. Magnet schools and programs in.

Transcription

1 Attracting Attention Magnet schools and programs in

2 What is a Magnet School or Program? Designed with open access in mind, magnet schools and programs offer specialized courses focused on theme-based instruction and technology. Speciallytrained magnet teachers often come from professional careers in the private sector, matching their teaching subject areas. Magnet schools and programs attract students from all over Marion County, not just surrounding school attendance zones. Admission is application-based, and some schools and programs require minimum testing levels and auditions. Admission may also depend on majority-to-minority enrollment figures and space availability. For more information on any of these opportunities, contact the respective school at the numbers provided. MAGNET SCHOOLS Dr. N. H. Jones Elementary Technology reaches every student at Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary because it s fully integrated into all academic areas. Each classroom features at least six computers with Internet access. Students gain hands-on experience with word processing, spreadsheets, data bases, Internet research, and Web design. They also utilize a media production lab for hands-on experience with television equipment and editing software. The school s Academy of Math, Science and Technology utilizes the McMillan Math series, Math Super Stars, and Accelerated Math program. Students attend the science labs regularly for hands-on activities and experiences in various campus gardens -- traditional, butterfly, water, hydroponics, and experimental. Students also launch model rockets with help from volunteers at Lockeed-Martin. Admission is required via application, which can be accepted up to one year in advance. Notification of acceptance, ineligibility or waiting list letters are sent out in early April. School uniforms are mandatory. Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary 1900 SW 5 th St. Ocala, FL Madison Street Academy of Visual and Performing Arts Madison Street Academy of Visual and Performing Arts promotes academic excellence in reading, math, science, language arts, and social studies while offering students opportunities in fine arts, communication, technology and languages. Curriculum diversity and integration is Madison Street s most distinguishing feature. Instruction is personalized, ensuring high standards of academic and behavioral success.

3 Extra-curricular activities include groups for song and dance, violin, juggling, international choir, and video production. Admission is by application only. School uniforms are mandatory. Madison Street Academy 401 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Ocala, FL MAGNET PROGRAMS Magnet programs offer admission to students county-wide to specialized academic courses of study, participation, and learning. Often considered a school within a school, these programs have strict admission requirements. Contact each school for specific program information. Advanced Academics Integrated Technologies (AAIT) at Howard Middle Howard Middle offers the only magnet program for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. Its Advanced Academics Integrated Technologies (AAIT) tract provides rigorous academic classes with integrated technology in every course. The school also offers the IB (International Baccalaureate) program as discussed later. Collaborative group work and project-based learning, as well as daily homework and independent reading, are the bases of all courses. Most AAIT areas are Intelligent Classrooms equipped with computers, smart boards, digital projectors, electronic teaching pads, graphing calculators and more. Computer labs supplement classroom technologies, and students are expected to become technology literate. Students completing the AAIT program are prepared to continue their education at advanced high school programs. Applications may be submitted one year in advance. Students are notified of acceptance in May and notified of waiting list status in May or June. Howard Middle 1108 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Ocala, FL AICE Program at Belleview High and North Marion High The Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) diploma program is administered and assessed by the University of Cambridge. AICE courses equate to those offered at the university freshman level and are for high school juniors and seniors. AICE applicants who score Level 4 or 5 on the Reading, Math and Writing sections of the 10 th grade FCAT are automatically accepted. Students with Level 3 scores on the Reading, Math and Writing sections must have an A or B grade in the

4 academic area in which he/she is applying for acceptance, a C or higher in all classes the previous year, and current-year recommendations from core teachers (English, math, science, social studies). A pre-aice program, called International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), is an optional program for freshmen and sophomores providing a solid academic foundation. For this program, applicants must score at Level 3 or above on the reading and math sections of the FCAT. Students with a Level 4 or 5 in these areas are automatically accepted. Student grades from the previous year must be at least a C in all classes. Applicants for both programs should be in good academic, attendance, and disciplinary standing. Applications are available on the school s website ( the school Guidance Office, or any local public high school. Enrollment takes place December 1 - March 1. After this deadline, students may apply during open enrollment and will be admitted as space permits. Notice of conditional acceptance for the following school year is April 1. Full acceptance takes place during summer break. New students may apply when enrolling and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis (space permitting). Belleview High SE 36 Ave. Belleview, FL North Marion High 151 W. Highway 329 Citra, FL Cambridge Program Offered at Reddick-Collier Elementary and North Marion Middle Reddick-Collier Elementary and North Marion Middle are two of only a handful of Florida schools offering a program based at Cambridge University. The Cambridge International Primary Program at Reddick-Collier Elementary prepares children for success by emphasizing research, writing and oral development, a balance of independent and group work, inquiry-based learning, and the application of knowledge and skills to solve real world problems all while promoting global understanding. Students must meet strict testing requirements for admission, and records from a pre-kindergarten program will be considered. They must also earn satisfactory marks for academic performance, good attendance, and conduct grades. The Cambridge program continues at North Marion Middle with the Cambridge Checkpoint program. Participation requires students to enroll in four core class areas language arts, science, mathematics, and social studies. Qualifying students can take

5 high-school level courses while enrolled in middle school and participate in various class projects, essays, and science fair projects. Students are expected to be technology literate and complete daily homework and independent readings. Strict application deadlines apply to both elementary and middle school programs. Reddick-Collier Elementary 4595 W. Hwy 316 Reddick, FL North Marion Middle 2085 W. Hwy 329 Citra, FL EMIT Program at Forest High The Engineering & Manufacturing Institute of Technology (EMIT) combines honors-level high school academics with three or four years of computer-assisted drafting in a state-of-the art facility. Open to high school students countywide, EMIT s unique curriculum is immersed in high-tech approaches, preparing students for careers in drafting and design, engineering, architecture, or manufacturing processes. Problem-solving skills and mixed grade-level teaming provides leadership opportunities. Students can begin the program in either the ninth or tenth grade. Enrollment is limited by space. Forest High 5000 SE Maricamp Rd. Ocala, FL International Baccalaureate Program Offered at Oakcrest Elementary, Howard Middle, Lake Weir High, and Vanguard High The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is for academically able and highly motivated students. Founded in 1967 to provide a rigorous, well-rounded, college preparatory education to students around the world, there are presently more than 3,043 IB schools in 139 countries. The program s common broadly-based curriculum is assessed by internationally developed and graded exams, papers and portfolios. At the elementary level, students automatically become part of the Primary Years Program. At this level, IB prepares students to be active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. Six themes of global significance create a trans-disciplinary framework allowing students to "step up" beyond the confines of learning within these

6 subject areas: who we are, where we are in place and time, how we express ourselves, how the world works, how we organize ourselves, and sharing the planet. In middle school, IB helps students find a sense of belonging in the everchanging and increasingly interrelated world around them while fostering a positive learning attitude. Students are required to study their native language, a second language, humanities, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical education and technology. In their final year, students engage in a personal project allowing them to demonstrate the understandings and skills developed throughout the program. In high school, students begin pre-ib courses during their freshman or sophomore year and complete the IB curriculum as juniors and seniors. High school requirements include passing exam scores in six subjects, completing 150 hours of Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) activities, writing a 4,000- word extended essay, and taking the IB Theory of Knowledge course. The program is unique because it provides an interdisciplinary, liberal arts education leading to a diploma recognized worldwide. High school student selection is based on prior academic achievement, standardized test scores, a writing sample, and a personal interview. Applications for admission are available at the schools. Oakcrest Elementary 1112 NE 28 St. Ocala, FL Howard Middle 1108 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Ocala, FL Lake Weir High SE Maricamp Rd. Ocala, FL Vanguard High 7 NW 28 th St. Ocala, FL Marion County Center for the Arts (MCCA) at West Port High Marion County Center for the Arts (MCCA) is a four-year program for performing arts including concert band, symphonic band, stage and jazz band, chorus, dance and drama, and visual arts emphasizing drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography and art history.

7 West Port High s state-of-the-art theatre and art department afford students hands-on experience. Faculty offer courses in drama, theatre history, acting and technical theatre. The Art Department features a large room for 2-D and 3-D art as well as a matand-frame room, printmaking room, and dark room for film photography. Auditions are required for acceptance. Applicants must be in good academic, attendance, and disciplinary standing, with a minimum 2.5 GPA and Level 3 FCAT scores. Accepted students must participate in co-curricular activities, performances and exhibitions, fundraisers and other activities related to their area of concentration. Contact the school for application and audition dates. West Port High 3733 SW 80 th Ave. Ocala, FL MTI Marion Technical Institute Marion Technical Institute (MTI) offers unique opportunities to students interested in immediate employment after graduation and/or continuing post-secondary education in a specific field of work and the opportunity to learn technical skills and academic knowledge through hands-on experience. Students must be at least 16 years of age and may enroll in one of eight specialized academies including: Automotive Technology, Business and Finance, Construction Technology, Culinary Arts and Baking, Drafting and Design, Industrial Engineering, Information Technology, and Power Industry. They may also dual- or coenroll at Central Florida Community College and the Community Technical and Adult Education Center. Program space is limited, and acceptance depends on past academics, attendance, and discipline history. Students must write a 150-word statement explaining their academy choice and reason(s) they want to attend. MTI school uniforms are mandatory. Marion Technical Institute (MTI) 1614 SE Ft. King St. Ocala, FL Power Generation Academy at Dunnellon High Students interested in high-demand jobs in the power industry may enroll in the Power Generation Academy at Dunnellon High. This specialized program provides experiences developing a strong foundation in skills necessary to succeed in the power generation and energy technology industry. Students gain hands-on training with active industry instructors thanks to partnerships with Progress Energy and other industry utility providers. Guest instructors play a vital role as well. Students completing the

8 program can be industry certified and prepared for industry exams. All students must complete a level one core course before enrolling in more advanced courses. Applications are available in the Guidance Office or online at Dunnellon High SW 180 Ave. Rd. Dunnellon, FL Leading the state in raising student performance. PO Box Ocala, FL SE 3 rd Street Ocala, FL FRS (voice) FRS (TTY) SAVE-A-FRIEND HOTLINE FRIEND An Equal Opportunity School District