Magnet Schools Program

Magnet Schools Office
Central Registration Office-Sunshine Building

Lincoln Park
Albany, NY 12202
Phone: 475-6551
 

Magnet-school seats still available for 2010-11
The City School District of Albany welcomes new applications for the 2010-11 school year in its three theme-based magnet elementary schools.

• Download the 2010-11 magnet schools application (.pdf format)

For more information on what you'll need to register your child, visit our Required Documents section or call the Magnet Schools Office for more information at 475-6551.

Once students are enrolled in Albany magnet schools they have the option to remain in their school each year. They do not have to go through the lottery process each year.

About Albany's Magnet-Schools Program

Albany's magnet elementary schools give families a real choice in public education. Students have a unique opportunity to deeply explore enriched, theme-based programs in specific content areas.

• Albany School of Humanities (ASH). Experience diverse cultures reflected in art, language, literature, music, drama, dance and government.

• Montessori Magnet School. Become part of a community of learning through discovery, incorporating the Montessori educational philosophy that students grow at their own pace through all five senses.

• Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST). Specialized instruction in science, computer technology and museum studies.

Applying to Magnet Schools
First priority for admission to Albany's magnet schools is done through two random lotteries held in the spring -- one for prekindergarten, and one for grades K-5/6. New applications received following the lottery drawings are handled on a space-available basis.

Sibling Preference
Siblings of students currently enrolled in any of the three magnet schools are given admission preference within the lottery system.

Neighborhood Preference
Children who reside within designated magnet-school attendance zones are given admission preference within the lottery system according to the current district neighborhood preference policy.

Special Education
Placement of students who receive special-education services, including placement in integrated classrooms, must be determined by the Committee on Special Education since students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are placed into appropriate programs based on the committee's recommendations.