The Miami-Dade County public school system has implemented a new continuous enrollment policy that gives students access to the magnet programs until the first day of school, August 22nd.
This is an important change for families relocating to Miami. Previously, students had to apply for magnet programs in October for the following school year. For magnet programs that require auditions, such as music, auditions were in February, with exceptions made for later auditions depending upon availability. After selections are made, students may be placed on waiting lists for placements that may become available.
This was difficult for families relocating from out of state, as the decision about which school a child would attend would determine the neighborhood in which the family would purchase a home. Even families who rent before purchasing must present proof of residing in school boundaries for school enrollment.
The time frame for the decisions for families relocating was previously untenable:
If a magnet application had to be submitted in October 2016 for the August 2017 start of school, the employment contract for the parent (s) had to be executed 11 months prior to the move. In more than 12 years of specializing in providing relocation services, I have not seen that. Contract negotiations may not be concluded until the spring. Then the move becomes real, and the family faces the challenges of choosing schools, the neighborhood, the home, and moving within a period of 3-4 months. This means taking time from current employment and incurring travel expenses. One family combined an intense 3 days of house hunting with a late magnet audition that was specially arranged for a talented young musician.
The magnet programs in the arts and sciences are an important component of education in Miami. There are diverse programs including architecture, design, conservation biology, and international finance. The district offers 600 choice programs, with 59 new programs to be added beginning this year. Almost 60% of students participate in a magnet program.
The regular application process for 2017-2018 will begin in October 2016. Through the new continuous enrollment policy parents may now use a new website to identify programs of interest and to contact the schools directly for availability until the start of the school year.
Go to http://your choicemiami.org/magnet-program-availability/