Questions and answers on choice

Q. What is an attractor school?

A. A school that offers certain programs or themes to attract suburban students to urban schools and urban students to suburban schools.

How does an attractor school differ from a magnet school?

In magnet schools, the entire school is focused on that theme or program. In a math, science and technology magnet school, for example, all the course work is geared toward those areas of study.

In attractor programs, a traditional curriculum is offered in addition to a selection of classes that focus on themes such as information technology, American Sign Language and culinary arts.

Also, admission into magnets is selective. Elementary and middle school students enter a lottery; high schoolers compete for space in magnet programs.

What is a region and a zone?

A region is an area of the district that includes at least three high schools and four or more elementary and middle schools. The county has seven regions. A zone is an urban area from which students previously were bused to suburban schools for racial balance, or where a large percentage of minority students attend a neighborhood school.

Do I have to choose a school every year?

No. Only students who live in a zone and were bused must choose a school for the 2004-2005 school year. Students living in a region may choose a school upon entering kindergarten, sixth or ninth grade. Students living in a zone may choose a school every year, regardless of grade level.

Can I complete an application for a controlled choice school and also apply for magnet schools?

Yes. Students must apply for magnet schools during the magnet school enrollment period, Oct. 1 through Nov. 15. During the choice enrollment period, Nov. 15 through Jan. 9., students should apply for their first, second and third choices of schools. Choice assignments will be announced beginning Feb. 2.

What if families don't make a choice?

Students attending their neighborhood school will be automatically sent to that school if they don't make a choice. Families living in a zone have to make a choice. If they don't, the district will choose for them.

Can families choose schools in other zones or regions?

Yes. Families can apply for a special assignment to any school in the district. But special assignments are the last phase of choice and will only be granted if space is available. Also, transportation is not provided for special assignments.

- Source: Hillsborough County School District