Table of Contents . .Page 2 Message from the CEO . .Page 3 Magnet Academy Application Process and Diversity Statement . .Page 4 Bartlett High School – Science, Engineering, and Technology Magnet Academy . .Page 6 Elgin High School – Gifted and Talented Magnet Academy . .Page 8 Larkin High School – Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Academy . .Page 10 South Elgin High School – BEACON Magnet Academy of Media and Digital Arts . .Page 12 Streamwood High School – World Languages and International Studies Magnet Academy . .Page 14 Magnet Academy Application Checklist . .Page 16 Frequently Asked Questions . .Page 18 Quick Start Guide for Magnet Academies . .Page 19 Contact Us . .Page 19 2 Dear U-46 families, The focus areas for the magnet academies are: Academic success for all motivates our work in U-46. We strive to • Gifted and Talented – Elgin High School give graduates skills and experiences that will lead them to success • Media and Digital Arts – South Elgin High School in whatever comes after high school. This mission drives U-46 to • Science, Engineering, and Technology – Bartlett High School offer students innovative programs that challenge them and • Visual and Performing Arts – Larkin High School prepare them to compete and collaborate in a global economy. • World Language and International Studies – Streamwood High School For more than 20 years, School District U-46 has offered academy programs at each of our high schools. These programs are Designed as a school-within-a-school, each magnet academy designed to take high school students to new levels of creative, meets the needs of academically gifted students in School District interdisciplinary learning and give them a head start on a higher U-46. Students in the magnet academies tackle rigorous education. curriculum with relevant learning materials and up-to-date tools and equipment that complement each program's focus. As the District builds Educational Pathways in each high school, Importantly, each program provides opportunities for students to our traditional high school academies are being differentiated as not only master new information but to apply their knowledge, magnet academies. Our magnet academies will continue to offer making it more likely they will learn and better understand their innovative programs that provide students with a specialized focus many talents and interests. and unique curriculum to support their academic, social, and emotional growth. As partners in your child’s education, we will work alongside you to - provide the best educational opportunities and strive to ensure School District U-46 remains at the forefront of innovative, forward- thinking, and equitable opportunities for each student. Sincerely, Mr. Tony Sanders Chief Executive Officer 3 Magnet Academy Application Process Students are admitted to our high school magnet academies through an application and review process. Students in 7 th and 8 th grades, and their parents, are invited to attend open houses each fall to learn more about the District’s magnet academy programs. The open houses aim to help students and parents learn how the academies can enrich students’ high school experience and prepare them for success after high school. Any student in good academic standing who has the interest and ability to perform the academic and specialized work of the program is eligible to apply for admission to any of the five magnet academies. Eighth graders can submit completed magnet academy applications online in the fall. Each magnet academy has a unique application based on its content area and may require students to submit essays or a portfolio of work or to take tests specific to the academy. Selections are announced in mid-February. Diversity Statement In alignment with the Equity Policy of School District U-46, the District’s Strategic Plan and in support of democratic ideals, the U-46 High School Magnet Programs are committed to providing an empathetic and progressive educational environment that embraces the diversity amongst students, staff, and community members. U-46 High School Magnet Programs will recruit and support students of diverse backgrounds, intentionally maintain a culturally competent curriculum, and value the unique perspectives and life experiences of all community members so that our students will become leaders capable of engaging in a diverse, global society. Eighth graders can apply for admission to one of the five magnet academy programs. Bartlett High School – Science, Engineering and Technology Magnet Academy Elgin High School – Gifted and Talented Magnet Academy Larkin High School – Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Academy South Elgin High School – BEACON Magnet Academy of Media and Digital Arts Streamwood High School – World Languages and International Studies Magnet Academy 4 Promote a culturally linguistic, inclusive and safe environment for all to focus on teaching and learning. Deliver a highly-engaging and rigorous innovative curriculum. Work collaboratively with business and community to enrich student experience. Sustain high levels of achievement for students enrolled in magnet programs. Provide exemplary service that supports students’ academic and social emotional growth. U-46 Magnet Programs Goals 5 Bartlett High School – Science, Engineering, and The Science, Engineering, and Technology Magnet Student Learning Experiences Academy at Bartlett High School integrates Sophomore/Junior Job Shadow technology with an accelerated math and science During the summer before their sophomore and coursework. junior years, academy students must complete a job shadow experience of at least four hours in any The academy encourages all creative, high- STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math) achieving students with an interest in the fields of field. These career exploration experiences offer engineering, math, and science to apply. The academy students the opportunity to dive deeper academy prepares students to succeed in using into their STEM field of choice and explore current and future technologies such as 3D potential career paths. printing, precision manufacturing, and computer aided design. Students are given hands-on Senior Year Internship experiences in the classroom and in the The summer before their senior year, academy community with equipment, work methods, and students must complete an internship of at least technology used in the field. 40 hours. This may be a 40-hour internship at a business, or split evenly between two businesses, While science and math are the focal points, classes in any STEM field. By senior year, students will have in graphic arts, computer-aided drafting, and completed multiple job shadows, and have electronics are included in the curriculum, often a better sense of what career path aligns with enhanced through cooperation with area their interests. businesses. Several classes in the academy follow curriculum from Project Lead the Way (PLTW), a The internship offers academy students the leading provider in STEM coursework for students opportunity to continue exploring their STEM field PreK – 12 th grade. of choice and may be completed with a previous job shadow host. Academy students are expected In their courses, students explore mechanical, to make their own arrangements for their aerospace, and biomedical engineering. The internship prior to the end of junior year. Reaching academy coordinates science and math content out to local and family professional contacts gives with engineering coursework to prepare students students important networking experience that for postsecondary opportunities in related fields. they can build on throughout their careers. Students learn how to become critical thinkers by Students are also given assistance with locating looking at challenges through the eyes of an internships through a partnership with the engineer. Problem-based learning is blended into Alignment Collaborative for Education. students’ coursework and aligned with a professional mentorship program. Academy Showcase In their senior year, students work on a long-term collaborative project within an area of STEM. This project requires students to synthesize what they have learned from all their academy courses. Students showcase their work to the community and business partners over two days in the spring and receive industry-level feedback on their projects. Technology Magnet Academy Courses Alumni Spotlight Freshman Year Lissette Beltran, Academy Advanced Honors Biology 2013 Bartlett High School Magnet Academy Graduate Academy Honors Integrated Mathematics I Lissette Beltran decided some time ago that when it came to her future, she Honors PLTW Introduction to Engineering Design should aim for the stars. Now she’s reached that goal. After graduating from Integrated Technology the Illinois Institute of Technology with an undergraduate degree in electrical Sophomore Year engineering, she received a full-time job with the National Aeronautics and Space Academy Honors Integrated Mathematics II Administration, better known as NASA. Beltran credits her time in the academy Academy Honors Physics at Bartlett High with paving the way for her perseverance and success. Honors PLTW Principles of Engineering “Yes, it’s rigorous,” she allows, “but it’s also beneficial. Just to have that solid Honors PLTW Digital Electronics foundation was essential to everything that followed. Getting that support in Junior Year the academy, they actually ensured that we excelled academically. Certain Academy Honors Chemistry teachers,