In order to qualify for admission into a middle school magnet program, applicants must earn at least 70% of the assessment criteria points. 
Assessment Criteria (100 points):

• Academic Review (40 Points) – includes four quarters/three trimesters from the previous year’s report card and the first quarter/trimester from the current year’s report card.

• Grades (20 Points) – 3 points deducted for every D or E
  
  Five quarters (or four trimesters) of grades are reviewed in each of five academic areas:  Reading, Writing/Language Usage, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science.  Every quarter (or trimester) grade of D or E in any of the aforementioned areas results in the deduction of 3 points from the 20 possible points.  No more than 20 points will be deducted for this assessment criterion.
• Performance Factors (20 Points) – 2 points deducted for every rating of “Needs Improvement” or “Needs Development” in effort.
  
  Five quarters (or four trimesters) of “Effort” grades are considered in each of 5 academic areas:  Reading, Writing/Language Usage, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science.  Every “Effort” grade indicating “Needs Improvement” or “Needs Development” in any of the aforementioned areas results in the deduction of 2 points from the 20 possible points.  No more than 20 points will be deducted for this assessment criterion.

• Magnet Assessment (50 Points)
  
  The Magnet Assessment is specific to each program and may include a written test, audition, or other performance based assessment.  The assessments are conducted and scored at the magnet school.

Each school provides information regarding the type of assessment used for each magnet program offered.  Applicants must obtain the Assessment Guidelines for each program to which they apply.

• Writing Sample (10 Points)
  
  Applicants will be required to respond to a writing prompt when they attend the magnet assessment at the magnet school for which admission is being sought.  The applicant’s essay will be scored using a standard rubric at the magnet school.

On-site Assessments:

• On-site assessments are scored by the schools and scores are submitted to the magnet office.
• Students who do not attend on-site assessments will not be considered for admission.

Missing Items:

• Applicant is scored INCOMPLETE for any required item that is not included with the application.
• One phone call will be placed to number on application to request information.
• Application will not be processed if information is not received prior to winter break.

When there are more qualified applicants than program seats, in accordance with Superintendent’s Rule 6400: Magnet Schools Admission, a random lottery is used to select qualified applicants for placement in the program.  Qualified applicants who are not offered admission are placed on a waiting list for that program.