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Whether you are considering sending your child to a different school, looking for a themed academic program, or want your child to speak a second language, LA Unified is now accepting applications for magnet programs, permits with transportation, and dual language/bilingual programs through Nov. 9. 

Monday was the launch of LA Unified’s new unified enrollment system. The new platform is a one-stop system expected to help parents enroll students that attend their neighborhood school or apply to schools of choice that offer specialized programs within the district, but not charter schools.

APPLYING FOR A MAGNET PROGRAM

Enrollment is open for the 260 magnet programs located throughout the district. All district students, including English Learners, those receiving special education services and those identified gifted and talented are encouraged to apply.

The magnet academic programs are focused on specific subject areas. The majority of programs are geared toward STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math).

There are certain requirements to be admitted to those programs and in most cases there is a waiting list. Regardless, many families apply to enroll their children in these programs because they are considered “the jewels of the district.”

Data indicate that LA Unified magnet schools/centers outperform other district schools and some charter schools.

Magnet programs are voluntary integration opportunities available to students in grades K-12 living within the LA Unified boundaries. More information on these programs can be found  here.

A map by region showing the programs available by location can be found here.

 

APPLYING FOR A DUAL LANGUAGE/BILINGUAL PROGRAM

These programs are an option for families who want their children to become bilingual/biliterate and culturally competent. LA Unified offers programs in grades K-12 where students can continue to achieve higher levels of language proficiency in a second language.

Currently, there are 101 dual language and bilingual programs districtwide. The programs are offered in Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, French, Armenian, and Arabic. These are located on regular school campuses.

Each program’s openings are determined by language classification and by available space. Filling out a late application does not guarantee student placement. There’s a lottery for programs with limited space. General guidelines to apply can be found ehere.

You can find one of those programs by language by clicking  here.

 

APPLYING FOR PERMITS WITH TRANSPORTATION 

Permits with transportation (PWT) is a program that provides transportation for students voluntarily attending schools other than their neighborhood schools.

For information about existing routes, contact the school’s magnet coordinator or transportation branch at 1-800-LA-BUSES or (213)-580-2950 or verify here if the applicant lives in an approved area. 

The PWT program determines eligibility based on the nearest elementary school from where you live. You can find out here if the school is eligible for the program.

Something you need to know is that PWT receiving schools have waiting lists if more students apply than there is space available at the school.

Applying for any of the three choices can be done at the district’s unified enrollment system, apply.lausd.net.