CMS SCHOOL CHOICE Guide 2018-2019
Get started CMSchoice.org CMS BOOKLET / FLAT SIZE 17.25" X 11.25” / FINISHED SIZE 8.5” X 11”
All children enrolled in CMS are guaranteed a seat in an assigned home school.
CMS School Choice offers additional programs that match your child’s interests, talents, and potential.
This guide will help you make a choice that can challenge your child’s imagination, spark their potential, and open doors to opportunities.
Get started CMSchoice.org
School Choice assignment is based on a lottery system open to all students and families enrolled in CMS.
Your Child, Your School, Your Choice Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Your Child, Your School, Your Choice CMS BOOKLET / FLAT SIZE 17.25" X 11.25” / FINISHED SIZE 8.5” X 11”
Table of Contents
ENROLL RESEARCH VISIT SELECT SUBMIT
PAGE PAGES PAGES PAGE PAGES 6 7-14 15-16 17 18-23
Documents Needed Theme Descriptions School Contact Office of School Notifications Information Assignment & School & Disclaimer Age Requirements Transporation Choice Zone Charts Open Houses Contact Information Assesment Results Immunization and Health Assessment Transporation Info Sessions School Requirements Zone Map Performance Priority
International Students Lottery Priority
Wait Pool/Wait List
Sibling Guarantee
Request for Reassignment or Transfer
Entrance and Continuation Requirement Chart
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Key Dates can be found at:
CMSchoice.org
Your Child, Your School, Your Choice Your Child, Your School, Your Choice CMS BOOKLET / FLAT SIZE 17.25" X 11.25” / FINISHED SIZE 8.5” X 11”
RESEARCH VISIT SELECT SUBMIT ENROLL
How to Enroll
Documents needed to Enroll • New Student Enrollment Form (for the current school year and future years) • Birth Certificate or other Proof of Age and Legal Name • Proofs of Mecklenburg County Residency (See enrollment form for specifics.) • Safe Schools Enrollment Declaration (Required for students transferring into CMS) • Current Immunization records (Complete record required by 1st day of school entry) • Health Assessment (All children entering NC public schools for the first time must submit proof of a health assessment within 30 days of the start of school.) • Students who are enrolling in the current school year must submit their enrollment documents to the student’s home school. Forms for the upcoming school year can be submitted to any CMS school, any CMS Learning Community Office, or the Student Placement Office until June 8, 2018. • Enrollments after June 8, 2018 or the upcoming school year must be submitted to the home school.
Age requirements In compliance with North Carolina law, students must be 5 years of age on or before August 31st to be considered for Kindergarten. Students applying for the Montessori schools Pre-K program must be 4 years of age on or before August 31st in order to be considered.
Immunization and Health Assessment Requirements In compliance with North Carolina law, all children entering NC public schools for the first time must submit proof of a health assessment within 30 days. The health assessment must have been completed within 12 months prior to the date the child would have first been eligible for initial entry into the public schools. In addition, North Carolina law requires parents/guardian to present certification of immunizations on or before the first day of school entry. If documentation is not presented, parents and/or guardians have 30 calendar days to provide documentation or the student shall be excluded from school until proof is provided.
International Students The mission of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ (CMS) International Center is to address the needs of culturally or linguistically diverse students, providing them with equal access to effective participation in the educational programs offered by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Students whose primary language is not English should contact the International Center at [email protected] or 980-343-3784.
Get started CMSchoice.org
6 Your Child, Your School, Your Choice ENROLL VISIT SELECT SUBMIT RESEARCH
Focused Areas of Study
Entrepreneurship The Entrepreneurship program offers students comprehensive programs of study that align with business and industry needs, and enhance their 21st century leadership skills.
Middle Colleges In partnership with Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), CMS offers accelerated learning opportunities that allow students the opportunity to take college courses while completing their high school graduation requirements.
Early College In partnership with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), CMS offers accelerated learning opportunities that allow students the opportunity to take college courses while completing their high school graduation requirements.
Military, Global Leadership & Public Safety This program provides the opportunity for hands-on personalized instruction in the skills needed to succeed in law enforcement, firefighting and emergency service. All students start with an overview of public safety and then focus on their area of interest.
International Baccalaureate The IB program is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program of study that focuses on critical thinking and encourages students to be internationally-minded within a complex and hyper-connected world.
World Languages The overall goal of the World Languages & Language Immersion programs is to promote high academic achievement in literacy and proficiency in dual languages while enhancing the level of cultural awareness among students.
STEM STEM education is an approach to teaching and learning that integrates the content and skills of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
STEAM STEAM is an educational approach that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.
Visual and Performing Arts The focus of the Visual and Performing Arts program is to develop a student’s talents and passion for the arts.
Your Child, Your School, Your Choice 7 CMS BOOKLET / FLAT SIZE 17.25" X 11.25” / FINISHED SIZE 8.5” X 11”
ENROLL VISIT SELECT SUBMIT RESEARCH
Unique Learning Approaches
Blended and Virtual Learning The Blended & Virtual Learning programs were designed using a formal approach to education that involves full or partial online delivery of content with some element of student control over the time, place, path and/or pace of their learning. By leveraging the internet, students receive a personalized learning experience.
Learning Immersion and Talent Development The Learning Immersion and Talent Development (LI/TD) program provides students a learning environment focused on instructional strategies for advanced learners and rigorous curriculum. Students are expected to use analytical and critical thinking skills to solve real-world problems. Each school’s staff receives ongoing professional development on research-based strategies for best supporting advanced and gifted learners.
Montessori Children in the Montessori program learn by working with specially designed and attractively displayed developmental materials that support grade level goals and learning objectives. Working individually or in small groups, children develop a sense of self-esteem because they are given a balance of freedom and responsibility.
Leadership / Traditional The Traditional program is committed to developing young citizens that possess leadership skills that are nurtured within and are demonstrated openly in service and responsibility to self, family, community, and country.
Environmental Sustainability The Environmental Sustainability program provides students a learning environment that will connect students to local, regional and global environmental issues. Students will explore solutions to existing environmental problems while learning how to preserve healthy ecosystems in both the world and their community.
Computer Science Immersion / Coding CMS computer science magnet schools are committed to integrating coding into its curriculum while developing the characteristics of our students as innovators, problem-solvers and critical thinkers.
8 9 CMS BOOKLET / FLAT SIZE 17.25" X 11.25” / FINISHED SIZE 8.5” X 11”
ENROLL VISIT SELECT SUBMIT RESEARCH
School Choice Programs by Transportation Zone
Transporation zones have changed for the 2018-19 school year. Your new transporation zone will be based on your home high school.
Transporation Zone Home High Schools within Zone
Ardrey Kell, Harding, Myers Park, Olympic, South Mecklenburg and West Blue Mecklenburg
Green Butler, East Mecklenburg, Garinger, Independence, Providence, Rocky River
Hopewell, Hough, Mallard Creek, North Mecklenburg, West Charlotte, West Violet Mecklenburg, and Vance
NOTES FOR TRANSPORTATION ZONE CHARTS
(1) Wilson Middle serves the Blue Zone and the Violet portion of the West Mecklenburg High feeder pattern. (2) Students from the home high school boundaries of Ardrey Kell, Harding, Hopewell, Myers Park*, Olympic Community of Schools, South Mecklenburg, West Charlotte and West Mecklenburg will receive transportation to Myers Park Traditional or Quail Hollow. Students from the home high school boundaries of Butler, Hough, East Mecklenburg, Garinger, Independence, Mallard Creek, Rocky River, Myers Park*, North Mecklenburg, Providence and Vance will receive transportation to Elizabeth Traditional or Eastway. *Myers Park High attendance area and Center City magnet feeder residents may apply to either Elizabeth Traditional or Myers Park Traditional. (3) Coulwood serves the Violet Zone students living in the Hopewell, West Charlotte and the Blue portion of the West Mecklenburg High feeder pattern. (4) Dorothy J. Vaughan serves the Violet Zone and the Green portions of the Garinger and Rocky River High feeder patterns. (5) Only TD magnet students have continuation guarantee into middle school IB. (6) The program is not offered at this level within the applicable transportation zone. (7) Paw Creek will serve the Violet Zone and the West Mecklenburg High feeder pattern portion of the Blue Zone. (8) Secondary Montessori begins at 7th grade and will serve through 11th grade for the 2018-19 school year. A new grade will be added annually. (9) Tuckaseegee will serve the West Mecklenburg High School feeder pattern portion of the Blue Zone. (10) Governors Village serves all Violet Zone students in grades K-5. In grades 6-8, transportation is provided to students living in the Hough, Mallard Creek, North Mecklenburg, and Vance High. (11) East Mecklenburg is the IB high school for students whose home high school is Ardey Kell or South Mecklenburg. (12) Barringer TD and Irwin TD—guarantee to Randolph or Piedmont, based on students residence magnet transportation zone. (13) Whitewater Middle serves the Violet Zone and the Blue portion of the West Mecklenburg High feeder pattern. (14) Northeast Middle serves the Butler, East Mecklenburg, Independence, and Providence High feeder patterns. (15) Northridge Middle serves the Violet Zone and the Green portions of Garringer and Rocky River High feeder patterns. (16) Language Immersion schools require a Late Entry Assessment after 1st grade. (17) Long Creek Elementary serves the Violet Zone and the Blue portion of the West Mecklenburg High feeder pattern.
10 Your Child, Your School, Your Choice ENROLL CHARLOTTE VISITMECKLENBURGSELECT SCHOOLS SUBMIT 2018-2019 SCHOOL CHOICE LOCATIONS RESEARCH
.! Elementary School Sites .! Middle School Sites .! High School Sites Transportation Zones W.A. Hough Blue Green Violet
Hopewell North Mecklenburg MIDDLE COLLEGE .! AT MERANCAS .!J.M. ALEXANDER MIDDLE .!.! BLYTHE NORTH MECKLENBURG LONG CREEK .! Mallard Creek
.! MALLARD CREEK
CHARLOTTE TEACHER EARLY COLLEGE COULWOOD MIDDLE ! GOVERNOR'S .! . RANSON VILLAGE CHARLOTTE ENGINEERING EARLY COLLEGE WHITEWATER STATESVILLE .!.! MIDDLE MIDDLE ROAD ! .! .! PAW CREEK . Vance .! PLC DOROTHY J. .! West Mecklenburg VAUGHAN WEST CHARLOTTE WILLIAMS SECONDARY .! MONTESSORI .! .! CATO MIDDLE COLLEGE UNIVERSITY .! TUCKASEEGEE NORTHWEST .! PARK .! NORTHRIDGE MIDDLE .!.! .! OAKLAWN WILSON MIDDLE BERRY .! BYERS HIGHLAND MILL .! iMECK ACADEMY .! WE!ST CHAR.!LOTTE .! .! . .! e-LEARNING.! Rocky River BRUNS .! SHAMROCK GARDENS HARDING IRWIN FIRST WA.!RD .! HAWTHORNE .! PIEDMONT Garinger ELIZABETH .! CHANTILLY EASTWAY BARRINGER .! TRAD. .! ALBEMARLE RD .! .! RELIEF .! BILLINGS- MARIE G. DAVIS ALBEMARLE MYERS PARK VILLE .! .! .! .! OAKHURST ROAD NORTHEAST MIDDLE TRAD. .! Harding IDLEWILD .! RANDOLPH .! MCCLINTOCK .! COLLINSWOOD .! .! .! .! EAST MECKLENBURG Independence PARK ROAD COTSWOLD E.E. WADDELL EAST MECKLENBURG .! .! Myers Park .! GREENWAY PARK LANSDOWNE KENNEDY MIDDLE .! Butler .! .! .! HUNTINGTOWNE WINGET PARK FARMS .! MIDDLE COLLEGE CRESTDALE MIDDLE AT HARPER .!.! QUAIL HOLLOW MIDDLE Olympic MIDDLE COLLEGE .! SOUTH MECKLENBURG AT LEVINE
South Mecklenburg Providence
Ardrey Kell ´
0 2.5 5 10 CMS Planning Services Department, November 2017 Miles
Your Child, Your School, Your Choice 11 CMS BOOKLET / FLAT SIZE 17.25" X 11.25” / FINISHED SIZE 8.5” X 11”
ENROLL VISIT SELECT SUBMIT RESEARCH
School Choice Theme High High High
• iMeck Academy • e-Learning Academy @ Cochrane • e-Learning Academy Blended & Virtual Learning • Performance Learning • e-Learning Academy • Performance Learning Center • Performance Learning Center Center
Entrepreneurship • N/A(6) • N/A(6) • North Mecklenburg
• Charlotte Educators • Charlotte Educators • Charlotte Educators Early College Early College Early College • Charlotte Engineering • Charlotte Engineering • Charlotte Engineering Early College Early College Early College Early & Middle Colleges • Cato Middle College • Cato Middle College • Cato Middle College • Middle College at Harper • Middle College at Harper • Middle College at Harper • Middle College at Levine • Middle College at Levine • Middle College at Levine • Middle College • Middle College • Middle College at Merancas at Merancas at Merancas
• East Mecklenburg(11) • East Mecklenburg(11) • North Mecklenburg International Baccalaureate • Harding • West Charlotte
Montessori • J.T. Williams(8) • J.T. Williams(8) • J.T. Williams(8)
• Phillip O. Berry Science, Technology, • Phillip O. Berry • Harding Institute of • Phillip O. Berry Engineering and Math • Hawthorne Technology • Hawthorne (STEM) • North Mecklenburg • Hawthorne
Military, Global Leadership • Hawthorne • Hawthorne • Hawthorne & Public Safety
Visual and Performing Arts • Northwest • Northwest • Northwest
World Languages (Chinese, French, German, Japanese, • South Mecklenburg • South Mecklenburg • North Mecklenburg Spanish)
12 Your Child, Your School, Your Choice School Choice Theme Middle Middle Middle
• Alexander • Albemarle Road International Baccalaureate • Randolph • Piedmont • Randolph • Ranson
• Eastway(2) Leadership • Quail Hollow • Eastway • Quail Hollow(2)
Montessori • J.T. Williams(8) • J.T. Williams(8) • J.T. Williams(8)
• Coulwood(3) • Kennedy • Governors Village(10) • Coulwood(3) • McClintock STEAM • Northridge(15) • Walter G. Byers • Northeast(14) (Computer Science) Science, Technology, • Wilson(1) (Computer Science) • Walter G. Byers Engineering and Math (Computer Science) • Northridge(15) • Whitewater(13) (STEM) • Whitewater(13) (Computer Science) (Environmental (Environmental • Walter G Byers Sustainability) Sustainability) • Wilson(1) (Computer Science)
• Northwest Visual and Performing Arts • Northwest • Northwest • Crestdale
• New Albemarle Road World Languages (Spanish) • Collinswood(16) • Oaklawn(16) Relief
World Languages (Chinese, • Waddell • Waddell • Waddell French, German, Japanese)
Your Child, Your School, Your Choice 13 School Choice Theme Elementary Elementary Elementary
• Billingsville K-2 • Blythe • Cotswold 3-5 • Lansdowne International Baccalaureate • Statesville Road • Huntingtowne Farms • Marie G. Davis • Marie G. Davis • Marie G. Davis
• Elizabeth Leadership • Myers Park • Elizabeth • Myers Park
• Shamrock Gardens • Irwin Learning Immersion / • Barringer • Idlewild • Mallard Creek Talent Development • Tuckaseegee • Barringer • Tuckaseegee
• Trillium Springs Montessori • Park Road • Chantilly • Highland Mill
• Bruns (Environmental • Dorothy J. Vaughan(4) Sustainability) (Computer Science) • Dorothy J. Vaughan(4) Science, Technology, • Winget Park • Greenway Park (Computer Science) Engineering and Math • Paw Creek (Creative Arts & Science) • Governors Village (STEM) • Walter G. Byers • Oakhurst STEAM • Paw Creek • Walter G Byers (Computer Science) • Walter G. Byers
• First Ward • University Park Visual and Performing Arts • First Ward • Long Creek(17) • Long Creek(17)
• New Albemarle Road World Languages (Spanish) • Collinswood(16) • Oaklawn(16) Relief
World Languages (Chinese, • Waddell(16) • Waddell(16) • Waddell (16) French, German, Japanese)
Your Child, Your School, Your Choice 14 CMS BOOKLET / FLAT SIZE 17.25" X 11.25” / FINISHED SIZE 8.5” X 11”
ENROLL RESEARCH SELECT SUBMIT VISIT
Albemarle Road Middle e-Learning Academy Idlewild Elementary 6900 Democracy Drive 800 Everett Place 7101 Idlewild Road Charlotte, NC 28212 Charlotte, NC 28205 Charlotte, NC 28212 980.343.6420 / 980.343.6501 fax 980.343.3666 / 980.343.3668 980.343.6411 / 980.343.6499 fax
Albemarle Road Relief East Mecklenburg High iMeck Academy Cochrane 6108 Wilora Lake Road 6800 Monroe Road 6200 Starhaven Drive Charlotte, NC 28212 Charlotte, NC 28212 Charlotte, NC 28215 980.343.6430 / 980.343.6437 fax 980.343.6460 / 980.343.6521 fax Barringer Academic Center 1546 Walton Road Eastway Middle Irwin Academic Center Charlotte, NC 28208 1501 Norland Road 329 N. Irwin Avenue 980.343.5533 / 980.343.5603 fax Charlotte, NC 28205 Charlotte, NC 28202 980.343.6410 / 980.343.6406 fax 980.343.5480 / 980.343.5574 fax Blythe Elementary 12202 Hambright Road Elizabeth Leadership J.M. Alexander Middle Huntersville, NC 28078 1601 Park Drive 12201 Hambright Road 980.343.5770 / 980.343.5766 fax Charlotte, NC 28204 Huntersville, NC 28078 980.343.5475 / 980.343.5474 fax 980.343.3830/ 980.343.3851 fax Chantilly Montessori 701 Briar Creek Road First Ward Creative J.T. Williams Secondary Charlotte, NC 28205 Arts Academy Montessori 980.343.0692 / 980.343.0694 fax 715 N. Caldwell Street 2400 Carmine Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Charlotte, NC 28206 Charlotte Early 980.343.5485 / 980.343.5587 fax Educators College Kennedy Middle School UNC Charlotte Governors Village STEM 4000 Gallant Lane Research Institute Campus Academy Charlotte, NC 28273 9201 University City Blvd. 7810 Neal Road 980.343.5540 | 980.343.5412 fax Charlotte, NC 28223 Charlotte, NC 28262 980.343.9898 / 980-343-2517 fax 980.343.5775 / 980.343.5781 fax Lansdowne Elementary 6400 Prett Court Collinswood Language Academy Greenway Park Elementary Charlotte NC 28270 4000 Applegate Road 8301 Monroe Road 980.343.6733 / 980.343.6747 fax Charlotte, NC 28209 Charlotte, NC 28212 980.343.5820 / 980.343.5850 fax 980.343.5060 / 980.343.5064 fax Long Creek Elementary 9213 Beatties Ford Road Cotswold Elementary Harding Institute of Technology Huntersville, NC 28078 300 Greenwich Road 2001 Alleghany Street 980.343.6095 / 980.343.6144 fax Charlotte, NC 28211 Charlotte, NC 28208 980.343.6720 / 980.343.6739 fax 980.343.6007 / 980.343.6015 fax Mallard Creek Elementary 9801 Mallard Creek Road Coulwood STEM Academy Hawthorne Charlotte, NC 28262 500 Kentberry Drive 1411 Hawthorne Lane 980.343.3980 / 980.343.3984 fax Charlotte, NC 28214 Charlotte, NC 28205 980.343.6030 / 980.343.6142 fax 980.343.6011 / 980.343.5609 fax Marie G. Davis 3351 Griffith Street Crestdale Middle Highland Mill Montessori Charlotte, NC 28203 940 Sam Newell Road 3201 Clemson Avenue 980.343.0006 / 980.343.1735 fax Matthews, NC 28105 Charlotte, NC 28205 980.343.5655 / 980.343.5761 fax 980.343.5525 / 980.343.5589 fax McClintock Middle School 1925 Rama Road Dorothy J Vaughan Huntingtowne Farms Elementary Charlotte, NC 28212 Academy of Technology 2520 Huntingtowne Farms Lane 980.343.6425 / 980.343.6509 fax 8601 Old Concord Rd. Charlotte, NC 28210 Charlotte, NC 28213 980.343.3625 / 980.343.3731 fax Middle College at Cato 980.343.2085 8120 Grier Road Charlotte, NC 28215 980.343.1452 / 980.343.1453 fax
15 Your Child, Your School, Your Choice Open House and information sessions calendars can be found at: CMSchoice.org
Middle College at Harper Phillip O. Berry Academy of Waddell Language Academy 315 W Hebron Street Technology 7030 Nations Ford Road Charlotte, NC 28273 1430 Alleghany Street Charlotte, NC 28217 980.343.9437 / 980.343.2432 fax Charlotte, NC 28208 980.343.5815 / 980.343.5854 fax 980.343.5992 / 980.343.5994 fax Middle College at Levine Walter G. Byers 2728 Campus Ridge Road Piedmont Middle 1415 Hamilton Street Matthews, NC 28105 1241 E. 10th Street Charlotte, NC 28206 980.343.9437 / 980.343.2432 fax Charlotte, NC 28204 980.343.6940 / 980.343.6943 fax 980.343.5435 / 980.343.5557 fax Middle College at Merancas West Charlotte High 11930 Verhoeff Drive Quail Hollow Middle 2219 Senior Drive Huntersville, NC 28078 2901 Smithfield Church Road Charlotte, NC 28216 980.343.9437 Charlotte, NC 28210 980.343.6060 / 980.343.6049 fax 980.343.3620 / 980.343.3622 fax Myers Park Leadership Whitewater Middle 2132 Radcliff Avenue Randolph Middle 10201 Running Rapids Road Charlotte, NC 28207 4400 Water Oak Road Charlotte, NC 28214 980.343.5522 / 980.343.5518 fax Charlotte, NC 28211 980.344.3400 / 980.343.1814 fax 980.343.6700 / 980.343.6741 fax Northeast Middle Wilson Middle 5690 Brickstone Drive Ranson Middle 7020 Tuckaseegee Road Charlotte, NC 28227 5850 Statesville Road Charlotte, NC 28214 980.343.6290 / 980.343.3264 fax Charlotte, NC 28269 980.343.6800 / 980.343.6796 fax Winget Park North Mecklenburg High 12235 Winget Road 11201 Old Statesville Road Shamrock Gardens Elementary Charlotte, NC 28278 Huntersville, NC 28078 3301 Country Club Drive 980.343.1063 / 980.343.1062 fax 980.343.3840 / 980.343.3845 fax Charlotte, NC 28205 980.343.6440 / 980.343.6513 fax Northridge Middle 7601 The Plaza South Mecklenburg High Charlotte, NC 28215 8900 Park Road 980.343.5015 / 980.343.5174 fax Charlotte, NC 28210 980.343.3600 / 980.343.3607 fax Northwest School of the Arts 1415 Beatties Ford Road Statesville Road Elementary Charlotte, NC 28216 5833 Milhaven Lane 980.343.5500 / 980.343.5593 fax Charlotte, NC 28269 980.343.6815 / 980.343.6794 fax Oaklawn Language Academy 1810 Oaklawn Avenue Trillium Springs Montessori Charlotte, NC 28216 9213 Beatties Ford Road 980.343.0400 / 980.343.0410 fax Huntersville, NC 28078 980.343.6095 / 980.343.6144 fax Oakhurst STEAM Academy 4511 Monroe Road Tuckaseegee Elementary Charlotte, NC 28205 2028 Little Rock Road 980.344.7130 / 980.344.1468 fax Charlotte, NC 28214 980.343.6055 / 980.343.6128 fax Park Road Montessori 3701 Haven Drive University Park Creative Arts Charlotte, NC 28209 2400 Hildebrand Street 980.343.5830 / 980.343.5858 fax Charlotte, NC 28216 980.343.5178 / 980.343.5182 fax Paw Creek 1300 Cathey Road Charlotte, NC 28214 980.343.6088 / 980.343.6140 fax
Your Child, Your School, Your Choice 16 CMS BOOKLET / FLAT SIZE 17.25" X 11.25” / FINISHED SIZE 8.5” X 11”
ENROLL RESEARCH VISIT SUBMIT SELECT
Select up to three schools that best match your child’s interests and talents. Need guidance? Just ask!
Office of School Assignment & School Choice Phone: 980-343-5030 Email: [email protected]
Key Dates can be found at:
CMSchoice.org
17 Your Child, Your School, Your Choice CMS BOOKLET / FLAT SIZE 17.25" X 11.25” / FINISHED SIZE 8.5” X 11”
ENROLL RESEARCH VISIT SELECT SUBMIT Apply to the School Choice Lottery
Submit your application for up to three choice schools at CMSchoice.org Open daily 6 AM to 10 PM
Important Notifications & Disclaimer Possible Changes to School Bell Schedules and Transportation CMS intends to provide all programs described in this guide. However, if serious budget constraints for the 2018-19 school year occur, then bell schedules and transportation service may be subject to change. In this event, parent will be informed of the impending changes.
Address Changes May Void Lottery Application A change of address will automatically void a submitted lottery application. After the family’s address has been updated, another lottery application reflecting the student’s new address may be submitted before the applicable lottery deadline to be considered during the lottery selection process.
Participation in the Second Lottery May Void First Lottery Selections The Second Lottery application period is an opportunity to fill vacant seats remaining after the First Lottery. Families may participate in the Second Lottery application process, even if they have previously participated in the First Lottery, however, the First Lottery application (and wait pool position) will be automatically voided. Participation in the Second Lottery is best for families who are new to the district and/or who did not participate in the First Lottery or for families who have reconsidered a School Choice and wish to make new selections.
Future Enrollment To be eligible to participate in the lottery, students interested in attending a CMS school must be enrolled for the upcoming school year. Current CMS students do not need to take action to enroll. New students must enroll by the applicable lottery deadline. Enrollment information can be found at CMSchoice.org.
Transportation Transportation will be provided for school options programs if the program serves the student’s identified transportation zone or is a county-wide magnet program. CMS assigns neighborhood stops located near a student’s residence and certain families may elect shuttle stops based on eligibility.
Assessment Results North Carolina End of Grade/End of Course (EoG/EoC) results are not required for future students making application for placement in a school options program if currently: • attending a private or parochial school, • being home-schooled, or • living outside the state of North Carolina
Student must be at grade level and promoted at the end of the current year. Students will be held accountable for meeting established continuation requirements for the program in which the student is enrolled the coming school year.
18 Your Child, Your School, Your Choice Lottery Priorities Students are assigned in priority order. • Sibling Guarantee allows a younger sibling/twin of a student already assigned to a CMS Choice School via the Lottery or to a home school via the School Performance Priority to attend the school of the older sibling/twin. • Continuation Guarantee allows students currently enrolled in a CMS Choice School via the Lottery, or in a home school via the School Performance Priority to remain through the terminal grade and continue to the next level school for the program, if one exists. • SES Priority assigns students a priority for seats designated as either low, medium or high SES based on the student’s block group and family reported data. • School Performance Priority provides a priority for students attending or assigned to a school designated by the state as low performing for three consecutive years. • Proximity Priority provides a priority for students residing within 1/3 mile radius of a full magnet. The priority does not apply to partial magnet schools. • Transportation Zone Priority provides transportation to CMS Choice Schools for students residing within the zone. Students in the transportation zone have priority for schools in that zone ahead of students residing outside the zone.
Wait Pool/Wait List A Wait Pool is established when there are more students than seats in a particular School Choice program. After all available seats in a program are assigned, all remaining applicants are automatically added to a wait pool. (Students are eligible for wait pool placement for their first lottery selection only.) At the end of the Second Lottery, all wait pool applicants are placed, in order, on a wait list according to the random number assigned during the lottery process. Wait lists are accessed by schools in the summer of 2018. If a seat becomes available, the school will contact the next person on the wait list and offer them a seat. The student has an opportunity to accept or decline placement, so please make sure your phone number is current with CMS. The school will continue to contact students until all available seats are filled. There is no guarantee of placement from the wait list. All wait lists are dissolved at the end of the first academic quarter in October.
Sibling Guarantee CMS guarantees younger siblings placement into the same School Choice program as older siblings through the lottery process, provided all entrance requirements and eligibility criteria are met. (CMS Board Policy regulation JCA-R). Siblings are recognized as students with the same residence. For current CMS students, a younger sibling(s) or twin can be placed in the same program and school or any program on the same campus as a current CMS sibling. The younger sibling(s) must make the selection as their first choice on their school lottery application. For families new to CMS, all siblings in a family can be placed in the same program and school. All siblings must identify the same program and school as their first choice on their School Choice lottery application.
Additionally, the first admitted sibling must remain enrolled in the school for the entire year in order for the sibling guarantee to remain in effect for the other sibling(s). The sibling guarantee only operates in the school options lottery, so families must use the Online Lottery Application.
Your Child, Your School, Your Choice 19 CMS BOOKLET / FLAT SIZE 17.25" X 11.25” / FINISHED SIZE 8.5” X 11”
ENROLL RESEARCH VISIT SELECT SUBMIT
Requests for Reassignment Transfer to a CMS School Choice Theme A family can make a request to be reassigned to a CMS School Choice Theme before July 12, 2018. Reassignment requests will be considered for one of the following reasons: 1. Home School Request - Request to return to the student’s home school. Placement is guaranteed. 2. Child of CMS Staff - Placement is not guaranteed. 3. Medical or Health Condition - Medical and/or health condition of the student - requires CMS medical packet. 4. Extreme Hardship - Extreme hardship, requires written explanation (Hardships are circumstances that affect the families’ ability to support the educational success of the student.) 5. The student currently attends a D or F school - The D or F school is designated by the NC Department of Instruction. 6. School Performance Priority (SPP). 7. Transfer - Based on space availability.
Before submitting a request for reassignment, please consider the following: • Students attending a school through reassignment must remain in good standing, adhering to the Code of Student Conduct to remain at the school. • Transportation is only provided to schools that serve your transportation zone or to your home school. • A change in high school assignment may affect eligibility to participate in interscholastic athletics. For more information, contact the CMS Athletic Department at 980-343-6980.
To request a reassignment, the family must first complete all steps necessary to meet the desired School Choice entrance requirements. After all requirements have been met, the family completes the online Request for Reassignment/Transfer form, which can be found at CMSchoice.org.
Notification letters will be sent mid-August and students will begin the first day of school if approved.
Entrance Requirements
All students who apply for a program must meet existing entrance requirements and agree to fulfill program requirements to remain enrolled in the program. Some programs require additional application materials. Failure to complete the instruction steps in the correct order (if applicable) may result in a delay or inability to process a request.
School Choice Theme Grade Level Entry Requirement Continuation Requirement
College ready by start of 11th grade Early College 9–13 None based on UNC Charlotte criteria
2.5 Un-weighted GPA, placement exam, transcript review; In the event a Middle College 11–12 2.5 GPA is absent, a recommendation None from a current faculty member will fulfill the requirement.
20 Your Child, Your School, Your Choice School Choice Theme Grade Level Entry Requirement Continuation Requirement
K–5 (PYP) None None
Level III Reading and/or TD/PYP Pass world languages; complete 6–8 (MYP) Continuation community service hours
Level III Reading and/or MYP Pass three MYP courses; complete International Baccalaureate 9–10 (MYP) Continuation; Most Recent EOG 8th 10th grade project Grade Level IIII
Students may opt to complete IB Content certificates if they are not on track to 11–12 (DP) Transcript Review complete the IB Diploma by the end of 11th grade; Grade 12 must be already enrolled in an IB Program.
K–2 None
Learning Immersion / None Talent Development Must be certified Acedemically/ 3–5 Intellectually Gifted (AIG) in math and/or reading
Pre K–1 None
Montessori None Must undergo a late entry 2–10 assessment at the school
K–5 None None
Participate in a STE(A)M co- 6–8 None cirricular every year; pass STE(A)M STEM/STEAM elective each year
9–10 None Participate in a STE(A)M co- cirricular every year; pass STE(A)M / 11–12 Transcript Review PLTW course annually
Traditional K–5 None None
Participate in JROTC and/or Public Military, Global Leadership 9–12 None Service Academy annually; pass & Public Safety assocciated course annually
K–5 None
Visual and Performing Arts Must complete an audition application None 6–12 and participate in a successful audition or portfolio assesment
K–5 None 1–5 Late Entry Language Assessment
6–8 Late Entry Language Assessment Pass target language course World Languages
Pass two consecutive world 9–12 None language courses each year
Your Child, Your School, Your Choice 21 CMS BOOKLET / FLAT SIZE 17.25" X 11.25” / FINISHED SIZE 8.5” X 11”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I enter CMS School Choice? A: You apply for a magnet seat by submitting an application online. Go to the CMS website to locate the link for the lottery application. If you are a new CMS family and have enrolled your student(s) by December 1st, 2017 for Round 1, February 5, 2018 for Round 2, and March 19, 2018 for Round 3; you will be mailed a letter with your student’s ID number and PIN. If your child is a current CMS student, you will receive a letter with your student’s ID number and PIN from your current school. This ID number is also located on the student’s report card or progress report or may be obtained at the student’s school.
Q: When is the deadline to apply to the lottery? A: Round 1 lottery is open from November 13 - December 18, 2017 at 10 PM. Round 2 of the lottery is open from January 12 - February 19, 2018 at 10 PM. Round 3 of the lottery is open from March 12 - April 2, 2018 at 10 PM.
Q: How are school options and magnet seats allocated? A: All available CMS School Choice seats will be allocated across three socioeconomic status (SES) categories, high, medium and low, to achieve the greatest socioeconomic diversity possible. Each student will have priority for one of these categories based on home address and data families will be asked to provide during the lottery application.
Q: What documentation do I need in order to submit my application for the school options lottery? A: You must first enroll your student in CMS by December 1, 2017 for Round 1, February 5, 2018 for Round 2, and March 19, 2018 for Round 3. Once enrolled, parents/legal guardians/custodians will need the student’s ID Number and PIN to submit a lottery application. This ID number is located on the student’s report card or progress report or may be obtained at the student’s school. For information on enrolling your child in CMS, visit CMSChoice.org.
Q: Are there any Pre-kindergarten magnet schools? A: Yes, elementary Montessori programs begin at Pre-K. There are 4 in CMS.
Q: Does it cost anything to apply to the School Choice lottery? A: No. The CMS School Choice lottery is free and open to all CMS families to apply.
Q: If my child gets a seat in a magnet school, do I have to reapply every year? A: No. Once you are accepted and assigned to a school, you do not have to reapply. If a student is assigned to a CMS School Choice seat, the assignment is good for the duration of all grades at that school, as long as the student lives in Charlotte Mecklenburg and meets all continuation requirements. Exception: You will need to reapply if your child wants to change magnet programs.
Q: What if my child moves or withdraws from a magnet school? A: A student who withdraws from a magnet school or program loses their seat at that school. The student would be re-assigned to their home school (if they reside in Mecklenburg County).
22 Your Child, Your School, Your Choice Q: How many CMS School Choice programs can be selected on application submitted? A: You may select up to three. Selections must be ranked by the applicant in order of which is desired most.
Q: How will I know that my magnet school application has been received? A: Once you have submitted your student’s online application, you will receive an online confirmation number indicating the application has been received. You should document and keep this confirmation number for future reference.
Q: If my child is not assigned to a CMS School Choice seat, will he or she have another chance? A: Yes, all applicants who are not assigned during the lottery process will be “wait listed” for their first choice option. If students decide not to take their lottery seat, students on the wait list will be seated in the order they are listed. Applicants will be wait listed for their first choice only.
Q: Can I submit a second lottery application if I participated in the first lottery? A: Yes, families may participate in the second lottery application process, even if they have previously participated in the first lottery. However, the first lottery application and wait list position will be automatically voided if you reapply in the second or third lottery. Participation in the second or third lottery is best for families who are new to the district and/or who did not participate in the first lottery.
Q: How will my child get to/from school if they are assigned to a magnet? A: CMS offers common and shuttle bus stops. You can also transport your child to and from school. If you apply for a magnet seat that is out of your transportation zone, you may be required to transport your child to school.
Q: Do siblings get priority? A: Yes. The CMS Sibling Guarantee ensures placement of a younger sibling into the same school or program as an older sibling. The older sibling must also have successfully completed one year at their assigned magnet program in order for the younger sibling to utilize the sibling guarantee. In instances where there is more than one program at a school, the sibling guarantee applies to the same campus, but does not require that the siblings enroll in the same program.
Q: If I complete and submit my lottery application at the beginning of the application period, will my child have a better chance of being assigned through the lottery process? A: No. All applications submitted within the application window receive equal consideration for selection during the lottery process.
Q: Can a student residing outside of Mecklenburg County apply for the CMS magnet lottery? A: No. If your address falls outside Mecklenburg County, you cannot apply for a magnet school/program.
Q: What if my child attends a school that qualifies him/her for the School Performance Priority? A: Students attending a school designated by the state as low performing for three consecutive years have an additional priority in the lottery. They may also use the Lottery to select up to three home schools (i.e., non- school option and non-magnet schools) as designated by the Superintendent.
Your Child, Your School, Your Choice 23 CMS BOOKLET / FLAT SIZE 17.25" X 11.25” / FINISHED SIZE 8.5” X 11”
Get started CMSchoice.org
Office of School Assignment & School Choice Phone: 980-343-5030 Email: [email protected]
In compliance with federal law, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.