Academics > Magnet Schools
  
Application Information
 
The four District 197 magnet schools offer parents increased choice in their child's education. All those who are not a part of “Phase One: Attendance Area Enrollment” (see Terms & Conditions below) must complete and submit an application. Applications will continue to be accepted at all magnet schools where space is available.

The four magnet schools are:
• Garlough Environmental Science Magnet School (K-4)
• Heritage E-STEM Magnet School (5-8)
• Pilot Knob STEM Magnet School (K-4)
• Moreland Arts and Health Science Magnet School(K-4)

Magnet School Enrollment Process: Terms & Conditions
• Any student who lives within School District 197 has the opportunity to apply for any of the magnet schools. Non-residents of District 197 may also apply, but will be considered after applications of students residing in District 197 are processed.
• Morning and afternoon transportation will be provided to all district resident magnet school students who live or attend daycare near their magnet school, according to the standards set forth in the district Guidelines for Transportation.
• Mid-day transportation for qualifying half-day kindergarten students will be provided.
• Families will be notified of placement or wait-list status on going until the wait lists are closed on September 14, 2012.
• Once enrolled, students may remain at the magnet school as long as their enrollment continues uninterrupted.


Enrollment in magnet schools will occur in two phases:

Phase One: Attendance Area Enrollment
The following students will be enrolled if they indicate their intent to attend the magnet school (no application necessary):

1. Students who currently attend or live in the attendance area of a magnet school.
2. Students who currently attend a k-4 magnet school if they indicate their intent to attend Heritage E-STEM Magnet School.
3. Incoming kindergarten students who live in the attendance area of a magnet school.
4. Siblings of district resident students or open enrollment students who attend the magnet school.
5. Students who move into the attendance area of a magnet school.
6. Students who are District 197 residents and attend daycare in the attendance area of a magnet school.

Phase Two: Reserved Enrollment
Placements will occur from the following groups, in this order, using a random selection process, (magnet school application necessary):

1. District residents attending schools identified by the state as not making Adequate Yearly Progress have priority for available spaces on a first-come, first-served basis until February 3, 2012.
2. Sixty percent of available spaces for District residents.
3. Thirty percent of available spaces for non-resident students applying under Minnesota’s open enrollment law or tuition transfer who currently attend a school in the East Metro Integration District identified by the state as not making Adequate Yearly Progress.
4. Up to ten percent of available spaces may be reserved for students who have a recognized affiliation with the magnet school’s named partner or whose parents are employed by the school district.
5. In the event that all of the available spaces did not fill in one or more of the random selection process categories above, all names will be merged for a random selection process to fill any remaining spaces.
6. When space is available, a random draw of all other students who would be making application under Minnesota’s open enrollment law or tuition transfer will be conducted.
 

Click here to complete an application
Important: If you live in the attendance area of Garlough, Moreland, Pilot Knob or Heritage and you child will be attending the magnet school in your attendance area, you do not need to complete this application. Applications are due by Friday, February 3, 2012.