As a Canadian girl, I am accustomed to a straight forward school system where you go to the school in your neighbourhood and with the exception of a few wacky teachers, you get an excellent education. As a new Californian mom, I find myself in the middle of what seems to be a board game and after being sent back to start many times, I finally understand the rules and strategy.
Picture a game where there is a long straight boring track dependent on chance cards which represents the public system, and a fast track with bright colours, bonus tokens and get-ahead for free cards that represents the public magnet program. Magnet programs offer focused specialties in areas such as: math/science, humanities, law/government, performing arts and medical related careers. At this point I am familiar with the middle school edition.
Here’s how you play: To get your child onto the magnet school track, you must have the most amount of points.
How to earn points: Starting in grade 1, apply to get into a magnet school with the intentions of getting rejected. Look at the stats from the previous year and find a school that had a large amount of applicants with minimum available spots. When you receive your letter of rejection you will be given points. Repeat this every year.
When it comes time to apply to the specialty magnet school you are interested in for your child, entrance will be considered for those with the highest points first. Don’t worry about having to meet any other criteria. Entrance has nothing to do with academic ability or a talent for their specialized program.
Warning: Should you be accepted at a school during your years of questing for rejection, you will lose all your points!
There are no special considerations given to new-comers such as myself. I am welcome to play, but I can only hope to have beginner’s luck.
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