Your 8th grade students may already be talking about high school and attending Open Houses in the coming weeks. With this, there is a certain window of time during Open Enrollment/School Choice in which parent(s)/guardian(s) can complete a Special Programs Application in their FOCUS Parent Portal for their student. There are no paper applications. I am actively working with our Communications Department to update information for schools and families, including an updated video which explains the programs and how to apply.
Families should know that if their student is selected for an Advanced or Arts Program, and they ‘accept’ the offer in FOCUS, their seat will be held for them at that high school—they will forgo the Lottery and be enrolled in the high school as a Freshman Advanced (IB, AICE, or FGCU Collegiate) or Arts student. However, it is important to note that these seats are limited, so attending Open Houses, asking questions/doing the research, and adhering to deadlines are all important efforts.
The application opens in FOCUS January 21, 2025.