FORT BENNING, Ga., (Feb. 11, 2015) -- As eighth-graders prepare to transition to high school, Fort Benning parents must decide which school their students will attend the following year.
If the choice is a magnet school, Parent Central Services is available to help them find the right school and meet deadlines.
Tawanna Brown, director of Youth Education Support Services, said there are nine magnet programs in Columbus with different areas of interest, such as Columbus High School's liberal arts program or Northside's engineering and design program.
"In most cases, students can earn college credits that can go toward a two- or four-year degree," Brown said. "I believe anyone who has the opportunity to get that hands-on knowledge prior to making a financial commitment, it would be a great experience for them."
For Soldiers who are moving to the area, Brown suggests planning which school their child will attend soon after receiving military orders.
"Some Families take leave, which could put you behind in the process and minimizes the chances that you're not prepared for the school transition," Brown said. "School is the last thing everything thinks about but often becomes the first issue that arises once there. They can rely on Parent Central Services to help give them information that has already been researched. Our responsibility is to help them."
Columbus magnet schools have specific eligibility requirements before a student is accepted into the program, Brown said. Students who qualify for magnet schools may be required to meet overall GPA requirements, submit report cards signed by a counselor, take an entrance exam, obtain teacher recommendations, compose an essay as to why they wish to attend their magnet program and complete an individual interview process.
"You want to stand out like you would for a job, and anything you can produce that would show you are capable of being in the program should highlighted," Brown said. "I would recommend keeping a catalog of important documents, such as letters of recommendation and academic awards throughout middle school."
Students interested in attending a magnet academy are encouraged to attend the school's open house program. Entrance exams for Columbus magnet programs typically take place between November and February.
For help in deciding which school to attend or for more information, contact Brown at 706-545-3062, 706-575-8192 or email at tawanna.t.brown2.naf@mail.mil.
Columbus area magnet schools
Carver High School: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math Magnet Program
3100 Eighth St.
706-748-2449
Columbus High School: Liberal Arts Magnet Program
1700 Cherokee Ave.
706-748-2534
Early College Academy
2701 11th Ave.
706-748-2948
Hardaway High School: International Baccalaureate Program
2901 College DrIve
706-748-2766
Jordan High: Career, Technical Academy
3200 Howard Ave.
706-748-2819
Kendrick High School: Academy of Communication Arts and Design
6015 Georgetown Drive
706-565-2960
Northside High School: Engineering and Engineering Design and Technology Academy
2002 American Way
706-748-2920
Shaw High School: Global Media
7601 Schomburg Road
706-569-3638
Spencer High School: Academy of Computer Science and Electronic Game Design
4340 Victory Drive
706-683-8701
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