School choice for the 2012-2013 school year is almost over. November and December are the most important months for school choice in LAUSD. Magnet, PSC, PWT, and Romero Transfer Act all end in December. Many charter schools will have closed their application window as well. I hope this section helps you launch your search.Magnet Schools
Ends: December 16th
Where to Apply: https://echoicesapplication.lausd.net/
Where to learn about your options: LAUSD has done a good job updating their site echoices.lausd.net. We are have our own Magnet section featuring information, interactive maps, and videos. Other sites include Ask a Magnet Yenta , Magnet Angel and upstart LAUSD Magnet Schools & Beyond.
PSC/ PWT
Ends: December 16th
Where to Apply: https://echoicesapplication.lausd.net/
Where to learn about your options: LAUSD has done a good job updating their site echoices.lausd.net. We don’t cover these options too much, because if you qualify for PSC then you also qualify for the Romero Transfer Act (see below). If you fill out the PSC/PWT application, then you lose out on a Magnet school. We recommend parents apply to a Magnet school and use the Romero Transfer Act.
Romero Transfer Act
Ends: December 31st
Where to Apply: https://romerotransfer.lausd.net
Where to learn about your options: Our previous post on this is just as relevant. LAUSD has an FAQ section devoted to the Romero Act. There is not a lot of talk about this option but if your home school is considered “low performing” by the state, you have the right to enroll in another school with higher API that has available spaces. Because you are applying in December to an open enrollment school you have a very good chance of getting into the school you pick.
Charter Schools
Ends: Ongoing
Where to Apply: See each Charter school.
Where to learn about your options: LAUSD’s charter site covers the basics about what is a charter school. We have an old interactive map, but it needs to be updated. You really have to go to each school or CMO and do your research.
What is left
Charter schools may continue to accept applications through May.
Open Enrollment opens in May (you are at the whim of which schools choose to use this option)
School for Advanced Studies also open in May (your child must meet specific benchmarks to qualify)
5 comments
Angel says:
Nov 16, 2011
I’m trying to get information on how the applications for magnet are trickling in. I suspect with the robocalls and the promise to change the school, there would be a huge increase in that first week’s applications. However, tours have been down in some places, and I’m still talking to people who haven’t heard about the online system, and even a board member had trouble applying online (do they really not test drive these things before implementing?). I’m mostly concerned when parents go online closer to the deadline along with teachers submitting grades (when the system crashes anyway) and how that will play out. I’m encouraging everyone to sign on early. The school district is even meeting with stakeholders to prove they’ve done outreach. I’m keeping my fingers crossed but I’m warning people to be aware that lower point levels just might get them in–whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing.
Rustum Jacob says:
Nov 16, 2011
I’ll address your last point first. Parents should apply to the best school for their child. You identified a few of the factors resulting in changes the way Magnet schools are being accessed this year, but I’m still not sure about lower point thresholds.
I don’t have access to what number of applications are being submitted. Even with robocalls and district outreach, it will take many families a few days/weeks to finally choose the best school fit. In addition you mention the new system which might cause an initial delay in submission of application. I’m not worried about the system crashing because it is hosted on different servers than the online SIS system teachers use. As for the Board member, I’ve reached out to her to get a better grasp of what the problem was, I think people are over relying on the “I’m in” system.
In addition to the new paradigm of online applications parents also face increased choices in the form of SAS programs and Charter schools, both of which have grown over the past few years. Finally there is declining enrollment in LAUSD as a whole. I just received this year’s magnet roster and noticed some schools have reduced enrollment space. So maybe fewer points will get you in this year, but I’m not making promises yet. We hope LAUSD soon adds a person to oversee all of these options for the benefit of the students/parents/schools/district.
Angel says:
Nov 16, 2011
Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that I was trying to get it from you. I’ve got a call into my LD superintendent.
There is a very strong push among LD 1 parents to consolidate the dates–especially with the new calendar. The current dates don’t work with early start–and it’s time to fix the dates for applications once and for all. People are touring magnets asking about SAS/Academy programs. Parents can’t possibly tour the same school 2-3 times for different programs. This year it’s not just helping other parents for me–I’m doing it with them. It will definitely be interesting.
mrjacobmath says:
Nov 17, 2011
I like the idea of a consolidated school open house. One hold back I can think of off the top of my head is that SAS authorization occurs in May. My school was not approved for an SAS program until late May which made recruitment difficult for the current school year. Perhaps the district with its new found ability to garner outside money can begin hosting a school choice fair(e) again. If you ever get the “I’m In” system to work, please let me know.
Angel says:
Feb 15, 2012
I don't even believe that an all-district choice fair(e) is necessary, since the costs involved outweigh the overall benefits. I would like to see one per local district, and if that doesn't happen, I'd like to see the schools cooperate. I saw a tremendous outreach at the new high school in San Fernando–where four schools are housed under one roof. Three of the schools–teacher led pilot schools–really reached out to the community to recruit applicants. I hope they do that again this year. Schools are not in the habit of utilizing PR or creating buzz about their programs, but that will be how they fill seats. Good test scores, very involved teachers, themes that interest families., etc.