Application Requirements & Instructions

Magnet Academy Application Requirements

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, based on 7th-grade performance

• Students in 8th grade who are offered and accepted a seat in a Magnet Academy must maintain or exceed the required 2.5 GPA through the end of 8th grade in order to secure their placement. 

Documents needed for the application:

• Currently enrolled in School District U-46: Documentation of program participation, if applicable
• Currently not enrolled in School District U-46: Transcripts to verify GPA and attendance, along with any applicable program participation evidence

Preferences and Priorities

Preferences: 

Lottery Preferences allow students to gain automatic acceptance into the magnet program, provided they meet the minimum qualification listed below

• Project Access: students who are homeless or in a temporary living situation

Priorities:

Lottery Priorities allow students to gain additional entries into the lottery if they meet the minimum qualifications and show evidence of meeting the additional criteria.

• Geographical Location: Students who live within the geographic boundaries of the school receive an additional entry (1).
• Program Participation: Students who participate in identified middle school coursework, extracurricular activities, or community-based programming receive an additional entry (1).
• Free or Reduced Lunch: Students who receive free or reduced lunch receive an additional entry (1).
• Academic Recognition: Students who achieved a GPA of 3.75 or higher in 7th grade will receive an additional entry (1).
• Attendance Recognition: Students with an attendance rate of 95% or higher in 7th grade will receive an additional entry (1).

Each priority permits one additional entry, up to a maximum of five, for the Magnet Academy Program to which you have applied. However, the geographical location consideration will only be applicable if you are applying to the Magnet Academy Program located at the high school assigned to your residential address.

Here is a link to some of the programs that would qualify for an additional entry in the lottery.