Changes coming to Fayette magnet, gifted programs admissions process. Here’s why

The application process for districtwide magnet, gifted and other specialized academic programs in Fayette County schools for the 2023-24 school year is being revamped, raising concern among some parents.

The window for applying for special programs such as the Math, Science, Technology Center at Dunbar High School, the STEAM Academy, and special programs at other schools will begin in January 2023. In past years, the process began in the fall, according to a Thursday email from Winburn Middle School officials to families of eighth graders.

The email said school staff had received a few contacts from parents concerned about “word on the street” or rumors around the change by the district.

“Rest assured none of the programs are going away, in fact, one reason for this change is to build the programs by giving ample time for families to make educated decisions for each student’s high school future,” the Winburn email said.

On Friday, Fayette school district spokeswoman Lisa Deffendall addressed the changes in a statement to the Herald-Leader.

She said in August and September, families are just settling their students into the current school year.

“To expect them to shift focus and apply for programs nearly a year in advance is not responsive to the natural ebb and flow of the school year. It also limits access to the programs because families who are new to the area miss application windows that for years have been set arbitrarily early,” Deffendall said.

She said the adjusted timeline will allow school and district leaders to better inform the community from “an equitable lens, and take the time needed to promote the vast educational opportunities offered across our district.”

A September 22 Program Information Night originally set for Frederick Douglass High School has been canceled, the Winburn email said.

An event will be rescheduled for January to allow all schools and programs to promote their offerings and kick off the application window, the email said.

Reviewing the application process

In an August 26 message on the Fayette school district website, district officials said details for the new process will be available early next semester, including dates for the application window and the new online application link.

“It is not a first-come, first-served system. Families can submit an application anytime during the window, and all students receive equal consideration,” the online district statement said.

There are at least 13 magnet programs and 9 each of gifted and talented programs and specialized and other academic programs listed on the district’s website.

School district officials want to be creative and review processes to further lift offerings to students. Each school and program will be promoting and preparing for the kickoff in January, the Winburn email said.

Maxwell Spanish Immersion Elementary families received an email from the principal on August 26 saying the application window would be open for two weeks in January.

Fayette County’s magnet and special programs and schools are an important and valued part of the district landscape, Deffendall said in the Friday statement.

The programs provide students and families throughout the community with tremendous opportunities, and add to the rich and innovative curriculum offerings available in the Fayette County Public Schools, Deffendall said.

“The rigor and variety of programs available make our district unique and allow students to explore their individual interests and talents,” she said.

“Throughout the process of gathering input for the (district’s) Strategic Plan, our magnet and special programs and schools were identified as points of pride by our students, employees, and families,” said Deffendall. “We also heard loud and clear that our community wants to expand these opportunities and make them accessible to more families and students.”

Deffendall said last spring the district invested in new application software that will streamline the process and make it more user-friendly.

“Coupled with a later application window and more robust marketing, to include a reimagined information event, we expect to ensure that all families in Lexington have the opportunity to learn more about what Fayette County Public Schools has to offer,” she said.