Do I need to get the principal’s signature?
No, it’s not required, but it does give your child a priority when applying to a magnet school/program. You can only get credit for the principal’s signature if you visit the school during School Showcase Saturday or during an open house or tour during the magnet recruitment period.

NOTE: Families who sign-in when attending a school-based tour will receive the Principal's Signature Priority. Schools are responsible for uploading their list of tour participants to FOCUS after the lottery window has closed.

What are magnet programs?
Magnet programs offer a theme or focus that is designed to give students an opportunity to explore a special interest, gift, talent or skill. A magnet school may feature one or more magnet program.

Do I have sibling preference?
Within the application families have the opportunity to share information about a sibling currently enrolled in this school. Remember, the sibling must be eligible to return next year to the school where you are applying. Siblings are defined as brother, sister, step-brother, step-sister, half-brother, half-sister living at the same address. Unfortunately, we cannot offer sibling preference to siblings applying together for the first time or to siblings living in different households. Also, sibling preference does not guarantee acceptance. In cases where twins or triplets applying together receive different schools in the lottery, we will try to place them in the same school where space is available.

What do I do if the information about my student is incorrect on the online application?
If there is incorrect information, immediately notify the Duval County school that the student currently attends to have the information corrected. If your child is not currently enrolled is a Duval County school please email Email School Choice with the error.

Do I have to make two magnet choices and one Special Transfer Option choice?
No, you may make one choice, two choices or three choices – it’s up to you. You do not have to complete a choice in both the magnet and special transfer option section. In fact, we suggest that you apply only for the programs that you really want and have an interest in having your child attend. Remember, transportation is not provided to special transfer option schools.

How do I know that you have received my application?
Families who apply during the application window (December 1, 2024 - January 31, 2025) will receive an electronic confirmation to the email address linked to your Family Portal when you submit your application. This communication will be sent by "Focus/SIS". Confirm receipt of the communication after applying. Some families locate the communication in their "junk" or "other" folder.

Families who apply during Controlled Open Enrollment (after April 15th) will not receive confirmation by email. Families do have the opportunity to save the form that they completed.

What happens if I miss the deadline?
Only applications that are submitted before the last day of January deadline will be processed in the lottery. All late applications for students with a Duval County residential address will be submitted online through Focus requiring each parent/guardian to have a Parent Portal account. If you do not have an account, sign up at here

The Controlled Open Enrollment Application window opens on April 15th. These applications are available on our webpage, not in Focus.

Does a magnet student give up their traditional course offerings?
No. Every student receives instruction in all subject areas that are required for promotion and/or graduation. In fact, in many cases, the magnet theme is integrated into the core curriculum.

Is a magnet school better than my zoned neighborhood school?
No. Magnet programs offer something different, but they are not designed to be better than any other school in the district.

What is the advantage of attending a magnet school/program?
Students can participate in the program theme and meet other students from different areas of the city.

Can anyone apply to a magnet school?
Yes! With very few exceptions, all of Duval County’s magnet programs are “open admissions.” This means that all students may apply and have a chance to be selected through the magnet lottery. Out-of-County applicants are not processed through the lottery, but may be placed after the lottery runs if seats are available.

Is transportation provided for magnet programs?
Some magnet programs do provide transportation. Please contact transportation at (904) 858-6200.

Do I have to apply for a magnet program?
No. It’s up to each family to decide whether to go to their neighborhood school, apply for one of the district’s many magnet program offerings or opt for one of the Special Transfer Option schools or attend their zoned attendance area school.

Can I apply to enroll my child in a school outside of my attendance zone?
Yes, through the School Choice Application Process. There is a timeline for this process.

The greatest number of seats are available to families during our lottery application window (December 1, 2024 - January 31, 2025). This application window is for the following school year.

Controlled Open Enrollment for the following school year begins on April 15th.

Throughout the school year, Duval County Public Schools offers parents three Controlled Open Enrollment windows that coincide with the end of each quarter. Please visit the School Choice webpage for more information about these windows.

Placement in a magnet or special transfer option school is not guaranteed.

What happens if the first day of school arrives, and my child is still on a waitlist?
Students who are on a waitlist are enrolled in their neighborhood school unless they are notified that they have been placed in the school they selected. Therefore, they must report to their school of enrollment.

Remember – Placement in a magnet or Special Transfer Option school is not guaranteed.

What is a Special Transfer Option school?
Special Transfer Option schools are attendance area schools that have programs that were created in response to community or school interest in a special program and provide more choices to students.

Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

How do I apply for a Special Transfer Option school?
The greatest number of seats are available to families during our lottery application window (December 1, 2024 - January 31, 2025). This application window is for the following school year.

Controlled Open Enrollment for the following school year begins on April 15th.

Throughout the school year, Duval County Public Schools offers parents three Controlled Open Enrollment windows that coincide with the end of each quarter. Please visit the School Choice webpage for more information about these windows.

Placement in a magnet or special transfer option school is not guaranteed.

Is there transportation to a Special Transfer Option school?
Transportation is the responsibility of parent/guardian.

Enrollment

Duval Virtual

Magnet/Special Transfer Option Programs/Schools

Gifted Services

Out of County Applicants