What is Schools of Choice? How to Apply to a School of Choice

Student Transfers

What is a Magnet Program?Magnet programs offer a range of thematic educational choices for grades Kindergarten-12. The enriched curriculum of each program centers on a theme that meets the diverse needs of students while teachers receive training to deliver specialized content using best practices. Mag-net programs seek to draw a diverse student body from across the district. Strong community and business part-nerships connect the relevance of the theme with a real-world view.

In the fall of 2013, under the U.S. Department of Education, the Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) awarded Galveston ISD $12 million over three years to implement six magnet programs at three schools: four at Ball High, one at Scott Colle-giate Academy, and another at Media Arts Academies at Central Middle

School.

These funds helped create four new smaller learning commu-nities at Ball High: they are the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Community (STEM), the Biomedical Engineering and the Medical Professions Community, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Community, and the Media Arts and Digital Technology Community.

Magnet funds created programs at Scott Collegiate Academy that center on college readiness, and subsidized the Weis Media Arts and Technology Preparatory Academy at Central Middle School. The grant also funded the purchase of technol-ogy, hiring of staff to assist with grant implementation, as well as inter-ventionists, and resources for classes associated with the grant.

Other than Austin STEM Mag-net Middle School, all Schools of Choice are based on a lottery sys-tem. A lottery is conducted when the number of students applying for a particular program exceeds the number of spots available. Students with siblings already at a school will be given first preference before the lottery is conducted. Students starting at new campus-es in the 2016-17 school year must fill out an application form. Those interested in changing schools must apply as well. Applications are required for all incoming Kindergar-ten, 5th grade and freshman students at Ball High. Students who will stay at the same campus for the 2016-17 school year do not have to fill out an application. Students and parents are able to apply with the easy-to-use website, www.gisdschoolsofchoice.org. Parents may apply using personal computers, tablets, or smartphones. Parents of current 8th grade stu-dents will apply starting January 11 with a deadline of February 5 at 4 p.m. Parents of current 4th grade students will apply to Aus-tin only starting January 11 with a deadline of February 5 at 4 p.m. Parents of entering kindergarten students and current 4th grade stu-

The Schools of Choice model is a progressive educational system that allows families the option of selecting a campus or program to attend within the school district. Galveston ISD is one of the most unique school dis-tricts in Texas in that it allows parents to send their children to the school that best serves their interests and needs, not the closest neighborhood school.

Galveston ISD offers in-district charter schools, Science, Technol-

Galveston ISD is an open- enrollment district. Students that live outside district boundaries may apply to transfer to Galveston schools. Acceptance is determined solely by the Office of Curriculum and In-struction. Students already at GISD schools may also apply to transfer campus-es by going through the Schools of

dents will apply to elementary and other middle schools in the district starting February 23 with a deadline of March 18 at 4 p.m. Students who are on Austin’s wait list should ap-ply to another middle school during this time. Computer stations will be set up at each campus across the district for parents to apply in both English and Spanish. For those who do not have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone, paper applications will be available at the GISD Sup-port Center, located at 3904 Ave. T in Galveston. These must be turned into the Office of Curriculum and Instruction no later than the dead-lines specified per grade level. Faxed or mailed forms will not be accepted. Parents and students are encour-aged to visit campuses before apply-ing to a program. Tours of schools are available at Ball High and Austin January 19-22, elementary and middle schools (except Austin) March 7-10, or by appointment made through the front office of each campus. Please call 409-766-5100 to be directed to the appro-priate campus. Pre-Kindergarten is offered at all elementary campuses. Pre-Kindergarten registration will begin in the Spring.

ogy, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) programs, as well as magnet schools. Students have more freedom to choose the school or program they wish to attend through the absence of any school zones and a transportation system that will bus students any-where on the island. Students are also accepted through open enrollment.

Some schools offer Life Skills programs, and many of the elementa-ry schools offer Pre-Kindergarten for 3 and 4-year-olds.

Choice application system starting January 11. If the number of students in a particular grade desiring to transfer to another school or program exceeds the spots available, a lottery will be held to determine the students ac-cepted into the program at that grade level.

BURNET-ECU MAGNET SCHOOL OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

MORGAN ELEMENTARY MAGNET SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Elementary Schools All APEX Schools (Academic Programs for Equity and eXcellence) are funded by the Magnet Schools Assistance Program

PARKER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Pre-K-Grade 4 Location: 5501 Ave. S. Phone: 409-761-6470Colors: Navy Blue and White Mascot: Pirates

Pre-K-Grade 4 Location: 721 10th St. Phone: 409-761-6800Colors: Gold and White Mascot: Tiger Shark

Pre-K-Grade 4 Location: 1410 37th St. Phone: 409-761-6700Colors: Black and Gold Mascot: Stars

Pre-K-Grade 4 Location: 6802 Jones Dr. Phone: 409-761-6600Colors: Red and White Mascot: Pelicans

Burnet-Early Childhood University (ECU) is a college-awareness program that carries the theme of “Academic Excellence” to help students excel. Recently reopened after $5 million in renovations after Hurricane Ike closed its doors, this centrally located cam-pus incorporates a balanced literacy approach to help maximize students’ reading and writing skills. The integra-tion of iPads for students and proj-ect-based learning further enhance the curriculum. Math, science, reading, and

L.A. Morgan Elementary Magnet School of Science and Engineering offers a focus on science, technology, engineering and robotics. The science program features an outdoor class-room with a pond and greenhouse and concentrates on developing the under-standing of the fundamental concepts across the disciplines of science. The engineering program provides students with ways of connecting, applying, and reinforcing knowledge in multiple ac-

Parker Elementary School of International Studies is committed to educating a population of successful global learners. Multiple cultures and traditions are introduced in the classroom through the core curriculum. Students are exposed to foreign languages–Chinese, Spanish, French, and German–in the classrooms and by accessing the computer pro-gram Rosetta Stone. Students experience culture through dance and movement, musical instruments, physical education, art, and food. State of the art technology

technology specialists are on hand to assist teachers and students. A variety of technology applications such as Smart Boards and laptops are also used in the classroom. Burnet-ECU is heavy on promoting university awareness at a young age. Students participate in hands-on science projects, outdoor classroom activities, and a variety of extracurricular options.

ademic areas, such as math and science and reinforces design and leadership skills. A fully equipped robotics lab and after school club prepares students in the robotics program for First Lego League and Early Lego League competitions. In addition to science and engineering, Morgan offers Gifted and Talented classes and a bilingual program.

such as iPads, laptops, and slates provide an interactive learning environment. Students communicate nationally and internationally using Skype and establishing penpals. Virtual field trips and peer collaboration promote distance learn-ing. Unique offerings at Parker include: a United Nations Student Council, the Parker Elites Jazzette Dance Team, the Gifted and Talented program, choir, yearbook committee, and student council.

COASTAL VILLAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Coastal Village Elementary begins the college preparatory focus in pre-kin-dergarten, developing critical thinking and problem solving skills through re-al-world issues. Ocean literacy, commu-nity service, and project-based learning engage students in challenging content while developing key cognitive strate-gies which lead to success in college. Tiger Sharks are expected to live out

the Coastal Village Elementary Val-ues which are based on the acronym WHISPER, a gentle and peaceful way to communicate. Each letter of WHISPER represents one of the school values: Wisdom, Honor, Internal control, Spirit, Persistence, Excellence, and Relationships.

CRENSHAW ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOLPre-K-Grade 8 Location: 416 Highway 87, Crystal Beach Phone: 409-761-6350

Colors: Red and White Mascot: Bulldogs

The cornerstone of the Bolivar Peninsula community, Crenshaw features small class sizes and the opportunity to attend the same school Pre-Kindergarten through grade 8. Curriculum includes all essential coursework in addition to advanced academic opportunities where 8th graders are able to earn high school credit in Biology 1, Algebra 1, Art I & II, Health and Communication Application. Multiple fine arts disciplines and athletics are offered.

With its close proximity to Crystal Beach, Crenshaw is home to the environmental science program and its very own wilderness habitat area and boardwalk that acts as a home for birds, reptiles, raccoons, and sea animals. The environmental science program offers ongoing combined col-laboration with other science classes, comparing data from observations and serving as a resource for in-class study.

OPPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MAGNET CAMPUS OF COASTAL STUDIESPre-K-Grade 4 Location: 2915 81st St. Phone: 409-761-6500

Colors: Royal blue and white Mascot: Dolphins Located on the west-end of the island, Oppe features the Coastal Stud-ies program, an interdisciplinary curric-ulum with learning related to Galveston Island and coastal communities integrat-ed into core classes. At Oppe, a TEA Distinguished school, students study the rich history of Galveston as well as the marine biology of the Gulf Coast. Classroom learning is enhanced with hands-on activities, student-guided

enrichment projects, and study trips to explore resources such as beaches, coastal wetlands, and historical landmarks. Oppe also offers self-con-tained Gifted and Talented classes, ex-tensive bilingual programs, and clubs such as student council and the envi-ronmentally conscious Green Team.

COASTAL VILLAGE MIDDLE SCHOOL

AIM COLLEGE AND CAREER PREPARATORY

AUSTIN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH MAGNET MIDDLE SCHOOLGrades 5-8 Location: 1514 Ave. N 1/2 Phone: 409-761-3500

Colors: Green and Orange Mascot: Indians

Grades 7-8 Location: 1110 Moody Ave. Phone: 409-761-6900Colors: Yellow & Black Mascot: Islanders

As a hidden gem among the schools of choice at GISD, AIM College and Career Preparatory offers a caring, calm and structured learning community. AIM is a unique educational opportunity that provides continuity of care for students from 6th through 12th grades. The AIM community believes that not only every child can graduate, but he/she can take that next step in their future career–col-lege. Once students enroll, the faculty team shepherds them through gradua-tion, monitoring their social and academ-ic growth while capitalizing on experi-ence with the students to take advantage

The TEA Distinguished and TEA recognized Reward School and recipi-ent of the National Title I Distinguished Award and Blue Ribbon Award is home to the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Magnet program. The school places an emphasis on these subjects in addition to a balanced core curriculum. At the recommendation of the founding committee, the STEM program is the only school in Galveston based on an application rubric, determin-ing placement based on previous grades, standardized test scores,

and attendance. Concentrations throughout the program include Robotics (5th grade), Environmental Science (6th grade), Space and Flight (7th grade) and Ecol-ogy (8th grade). The Austin VEX Robotics team is home to national champions, and the team has competed at the world level. Austin also hosts a Life Skills program.

Coastal Village Middle School serves students in grades seven and eight.

of their greatest learning competen-cies. Fostering kindness through their Friends of Rachel Club and through leadership and citizenship skills taught in leadership courses, students become part of a family that learns and grows together.AIM offers a blend of traditional classes with online courses in all grade levels. As an accredited high school, students graduating from AIM are prepared to enter college, trade school, military or university.

Middle Schools All APEX Schools (Academic Programs for Equity and eXcellence) are funded by the Magnet Schools Assistance Program

MEDIA ARTS ACADEMIES AT CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOLGrades 5 & 6 – Weis Media and Technology Preparatory Academy at Central Middle School

Grades 7 & 8 – Media Arts Academy at Central Middle School Location: 3014 Sealy Ave. Phone: 409-761-6200Colors: Navy Blue and White Mascot: Bearcats

The Media Arts Academies at Cen-tral Middle School offer students the opportunity to study media arts such as broadcast, video, digital photography, digital graphics, video game design, and virtual animation. Students partici-pate in creating TV shows, live broadcasting, work with industry professionals, Skype with colleges, and create visuals for events across the district. They also take challenging classes such as Algebra 1, Biology 1, Art 1, and Spanish 1. Under the Magnet Schools Assis-tance Program, 5th and 6th graders (known as Weis Media Arts Preparato-ry Academy at Central Middle School) will be able to learn the fundamentals of media arts with two Mac labs for graphic design and media classes. Ad-ditional broadcasting media equipment and software provide students access to

the technology needed to complete their media arts projects. The skills 5th and 6th graders learn will apply to proj-ects being undertaken by 7th and 8th graders in the Media Arts Academies at Central Middle School. The campus theme of media arts is infused school-wide through core as-signments. The students use iPads both as interactive academic tools and to edit their work. They also have access to newly renovated science labs, athletic facilities, a state of the art auditorium, band hall, and a well-stocked library. Central offers band, dance, fine arts, and a martial arts program, as well as a comprehensive athletics program.

SCOTT COLLEGIATE ACADEMY

Scott Collegiate Academy, founded in 2008, focuses on college readiness and preparing students to excel at Advanced Placement and dual credit courses at the high school level through courses such as AVID. Scott teaches students to pursue academic excellence. It is espe-cially geared towards first-generation college students, giving them the skills necessary to succeed at a high level of education. Under the Magnet Schools Assistance Program, the vision for this program is to have 8th grade students transition to Ball High School with enough credits to be classified as sophomores. This will accelerate their college preparation so they can accrue 12 college hours or career certifications

sooner. Thanks to magnet funds, Scott will now feature a balanced literacy library for all programs. Students will also be able to participate in the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Engineering Pro-gram and the PLTW Biomedical Sci-ences program. Spanish and Chinese classes will also be available, allowing students to take both languages from the elementary level through high school. The school also features athletics such as football, volleyball and basketball, a cheer team, an innovative art program, a highly acclaimed band, and an active student council.

GISD took over leadership of the former KIPP school in the 2014 school

year with the promise to maintain a cul-ture as close to its predecessor as possi-ble. Coastal Village proclaims its belief for the future through its vision: “The success of Coastal Village students will

change the face of education on Gal-veston Island.” The Texas Education Agency awarded the school with several distinctions in 2014.

Grades 5-8 Location: 4116 Ave. N 1/2 Phone: 409-761-6100Colors: Royal Blue and Orange Mascot: Eagles

Grades 6-12 Location: 5200 Ave. N 1/2 Phone: 409-761-6302Colors: Royal Blue and White

BALL HIGH SCHOOL

Ball High School Communities Funded by the APEX Magnet Grant

Grades 9-12 Location: 4115 Ave. O Phone: 409-766-5700 Colors: Purple and Gold Mascot: Tornadoes

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICS BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING AND THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONS

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Community will provide students with an accelerated curriculum focused on the STEM disciplines. Students will take Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement courses as well as have an op-portunity to learn career-themed information, receive project-based classroom instructions, and challenging real-world experiences with internship opportunities. The STEM community equips students with tools that will prepare them for post-secondary learning and career opportuni-ties in the STEM fields with a specific emphasis on engineering, (mechanical, chemical, and civil) architecture, aerospace science, geology, robotics programming, and drafting.

Courses offered in this community include:• Introduction to Engineering• Principles of Engineering• Digital Electronics• Aerospace Engineering

Students are eligible to earn a STEM endorsement from the state of Texas.

Students participating in this medical community will be exposed to curriculum and careers related to science with an emphasis in health care, bioscience, and biomedical engineering. The Biomed-ical Engineering Community is specifically tailored to prepare students for college entry to further their education in the medical sciences. Classroom, laboratory and clinical sequences are designed to provide students with competitive advantages that far surpass standard high school programs. Students will be required to take Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement courses and will receive career-themed information, project based classroom instruction, challenging re-al-world experiences with internship opportunities at The Universi-ty of Texas Medical Branch and Galveston College. Courses offered in this community include:• Principles of Biomedical Science• Human Body Systems• Scientific Research and Design• Anatomy and Physiology

Students are eligible to earn endorsements from the state of Texas in STEM and Public Service.

Ball High is the largest campus in Galveston with more than 1,900 students. It offers a full-range of core and advanced curriculum, an extensive career and technical vocational program, a large fine arts department, multiple athletic teams, and many extracurricular activities. These elements provide a springboard to career or post-secondary educational success, with graduates going on to study at universities across the country, including Ivy League schools. The school is routinely voted the best public school in Galveston County by readers of the “Galveston County Daily News.” Ball High boasts one of the strongest Advanced Placement and dual credit pro-grams in the country with students eligible to earn

more than 30 hours of college credits before they graduate. In conjunction with Galveston College, Ball High students will be able to earn 12 free hours of college credit from the school in English and U.S. History. For students seeking a vocational career pathway, Ball High offers classes that concentrate on teaching skills in subjects such as: audio/visual technology, health science, education, automotive technology, engineering, welding, web mastering, and more. Certifications are available with several of these pathways that can lead to jobs after high school. Ball athletics features a long history of pride and

tradition with football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, track, tennis, golf, and swimming/diving. Students also participate in a full-slate of UIL aca-demic competitions. The school also boasts UIL-award winning theatre, art and speech depart-ments. Thanks to the Magnet Schools Assistance Program, Ball High is home to four small learning communities. Each community focuses on unique subject matter. These communities will allow students to obtain endorsements from the Texas Education Agency, such as Public Service, STEM, Business & Industry, Arts & Humanities, and Variety of Courses.

High School All APEX Schools (Academic Programs for Equity and eXcellence) are funded by the Magnet Schools Assistance Program

Ball High School Communities Funded By the APEX Magnet Grant

Galveston ISD invites you to learn about its schools and programs for

the 2016-2017 school year.

INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMMUNITY MEDIA ARTS & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY COMMUNITY

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Community builds invaluable outlooks, skill sets, and relationships necessary to develop innovative, impactful solutions to today’s problems in the business and finance world. The goal of this community is to give students the knowledge and skills to excel in core subject areas, while promoting their interests in business development, social ser-vices, and global markets. Students are encouraged to take Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement courses as well as participate in career-themed internships, project-based classroom instruction, challenging re-al-world experiences and innovative learning opportunities. Internships will be available with the assistance of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce to provide real-world job shadowing opportunities in Galveston.

Classes taken might include:• Principles of Business• Business Law• IncubaTOR• Accounting

Participating students will be eligible for an endorsement from the state of Texas in Business and Industry or Public Services.

The Media Arts and Digital Technology Community provides students with a college-ready curriculum that intersects their inter-ests with media arts and design. The goal of this community is to give students the knowledge and skills to excel in core subject areas, while promoting their interests and talents in media arts and technology. Students are challenged to apply their skills through digital photography, film, animation, web design, broadcasting, music and graphic design. Students are encouraged to take Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement courses as well as participate in career-themed internships. A Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant has allowed the purchase of state-of-the-art, industry-standard equipment used in real-world careers.

Classes students might take include:• Audio/Video Production• Web Design• Media Animation• Video Gaming and Design• Advertising and Sales Marketing

Participating students will be eligible for an Arts and Humanities or a Public service endorsement from the state of Texas.

This brochure is funded by GISD and The Magnet Schools Assistance Program.

Open to the public! Information meetings in January and February will cover elementary, mid-dle school, and high school options. All meetings will be offered in English and Spanish.

January 11 - Ball High School & Austin Middle School application website open at www.gisdschoolsofchoice.orgJanuary 12 – Austin Middle School Parent Information Night, Austin MS, 1514 Ave N, 6-7 p.m. Discussing middle school options for applying to Austin.January 13 – Ball High Communities and Careers Fair, Ball High School, 4115 Ave. O, 5-7 p.m. Discussing high school options for 8th grade studentsJanuary 14 – Ball High Communities and Careers Fair, Ball High School, 4115 Ave. O, 5-7 p.m. Discussing high school options for 8th grade studentsJanuary 19-22 - School tours of Austin and Ball High only. Please call to schedule a tour.February 18 – Kindergarten/Elementary Parent Information Night, Burnet-ECU Elementary School, 5501 Ave. S, 6-7 p.m.February 22 – Middle School Information Night, Central MS, 3014 Sealy Ave., 6-7 p.m.February 23 - Elementary & middle school application website open at www.gisdschoolsofchoice.orgMarch 7-10 - School tours for elementary and middle schools (except Austin).March 18 – Application period closes.

For more information, please call 409-766-5123.

The Application Process begins Jan. 11 and will take place online at www.gisdschoolsofchoice.org.

• Entrepreneurship• Automotive• Welding• HVAC