One zone, many choices

[Times photo: Michael Rondou]
Peter Oberg teaches scientific notation for a senior level advanced placement chemistry class at Lakewood High School. Oberg is chairman of the steering committee for implementation of Lakewood’s newest program, the Smaller Learning Community. The program gathers students and teachers with similar interests to promote a sense of community while improving student achievement.

By WAVENEY ANN MOORE, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 15, 2002

High school students can choose any county school, but aren't guaranteed they'll get in. Getting into a magnet won't be any easier.

Students who attend Pinellas public high schools can apply to any one in the county under the new system of "controlled choice." Whether they will get in is another matter.

The new system will replace neighborhood zoning, which was instituted in the 1970s to desegregate Pinellas County schools. Under controlled choice, the district will be divided into attendance zones. There will be four areas for elementary schools, three for middle schools and one for high schools.

Students must apply for the school of their choice between Monday and Dec. 13. Even under this less restrictive system, there is no guarantee that students will get into the schools of their choice. Selections are made by computer and are based on several conditions, including residence, school capacity and racial percentages. Applicants will learn their placements in January.

There are several options for high school students, from the standard curriculum to magnet programs to career academies. Dropout prevention programs are offered at Pinellas County high schools, but Norwood Secondary School in St. Petersburg serves students with behavioral problems who have been reassigned at the recommendation of their school and the director of school operations. This program emphasizes personal leadership skills and a positive attitude toward school.

Students must apply for the highly sought-after magnet programs. Admission is conducted by lottery for students who meet basic thresholds on achievement test scores and grade point averages. Competition is stiff. Last year, there were 445 applications from black students for 263 openings and 3,579 applications from nonblack students for 1,286 openings. (Students are allowed to apply to more than one program.)

Because of the new choice program, applications for magnet programs are due earlier this year. The forms are available at individual schools and the school district's Family Education and Information Centers.

Applications must be returned by Oct. 15. (A postmark of Oct. 15 is not good enough. The forms need to be in the school officials' hands by then.) Students will learn whether they have been accepted, placed on a waiting list or rejected the week of Nov. 10. Students must accept their invitation or waiting list position by Nov. 20.

[Times photo: Kevin German]
Danielle Colburn, left, sets up between the legs of Krystal Baird while classmates Raquel Asencio, Tammy Srom and Richard Walker rehearse Shenanigans at Dixie Hollins High School.

High school magnet programs are: the Center for Advanced Technologies at Lakewood High School; the International Baccalaureate programs at Palm Harbor University High School and St. Petersburg High School; the Pinellas County Center for the Arts and the Business, Economic and Technology Academy at Gibbs High School; the Early Graduation Option at Osceola High School; the Center for Wellness and Medical Professions at Boca Ciega High School and Palm Harbor University High School; the Criminal Justice Academy at Pinellas Park High School; and the 21st Century Learning Center and Teaching Arts Academy at Largo High School.

Admissions guidelines to the county's career academies are not as stringent as those for magnet schools. Jerry Ditty, coordinator for career academies, says students are chosen by lottery, but there are no grade point or achievement test requirements. The application deadlines are the same as those for magnet schools.

The academies prepare students to go directly to work or to attend postsecondary centers such as PTEC, community or four-year colleges, Ditty said.

"We get quite a range of students," he added.

The academy programs are: the Graphic Arts Academy at Dixie Hollins High School; Automotive Academy at Northeast High School; Architectural Design and Construction Academy at Dunedin High School; and Agriscience Academy at Tarpon Springs High School.