Providing educational choices to parents of students with different interests, talents, and aptitudes, in an environment that enhances students’ educational success.

Weekend Magnet Assessments- Inclement Weather If schools are closed on Friday due to inclement weather, weekend magnet assessments/auditions will continue, as scheduled.  If conditions exist on Saturday that would prohibit the use of schools/facilities for the assessments, this information will be communicated to the public via the media and a posting on the BCPS Web site on Saturday morning.

The application cycle for the 2010-2011 school year will end on November 30, 2009.  Applications must be postmarked by the deadline date.  Applications may also be hand-delivered to the Office of Magnet Programs, 6901 Charles Street, Towson, MD, 21204, until 4:30 p.m. on November 30, 2009.

2010 - 2011 Magnet Application Deadline November 30, 2009

Mission:
Magnet schools and programs are one tool for providing quality educational opportunities for all students, regardless of background, in an environment that enhances students’ educational success, and for encouraging all parents to play active roles in their children's education by increasing the educational choices available to parents and students in the public schools.
Goals of Magnet Schools and Programs:

• Promote educational excellence and offer to students with different interests, talents, and aptitudes, distinct choices that may enhance their educational success;
• Develop innovative instructional practices and promote systemic reform; and
• Promote diversity (includes racial, ethnic, economic, gender, and special needs populations) within schools.

The Office of Magnet Programs provides services to families and schools by:

• Conducting a centralized magnet admissions process;
• Disseminating program and application information to parents and students through a variety of means (including a telephone hotline, newspapers, libraries, school personnel, and the Internet);
• Meeting with parent & community groups to discuss programs and application procedures;
• Organizing the countywide Magnet EXPO!;
• Supporting schools and staff in the implementation of Policy and Superintendent’s
  Rule 6400, entitled Magnet Schools Admission, which govern all admission decisions;
• Assisting in the review and preparation of admission criteria for secondary magnet programs; and
• Coordinating efforts with curriculum offices to ensure that magnet programs maintain high standards and rigorous curricula.