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Applying to LEAD Academy

Application Requirements

  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, based on 7th grade performance

  • Students in 8th grade who are offered and accepted a seat in a Magnet Academy must maintain or exceed the required 2.5 GPA through the end of 8th grade in order to secure their placement. 

Preferences and Priorities

Preferences: 

Lottery Preferences allow students to gain automatic acceptance into the magnet program, provided they meet the minimum qualification listed below

  • Project Access: students who are homeless or in a temporary living situation

Priorities:

Lottery Priorities allow students to gain additional entries into the lottery if they meet the minimum qualifications and show evidence of meeting the additional criteria.

  • Geographical Location: Students who live within the geographic boundaries of the school receive an additional entry (1).
  • Program Participation: Students who participate in identified middle school coursework, extracurricular activities, or community-based programming receive an additional entry (1).
  • Free or Reduced Lunch: Students who receive free or reduced lunch receive an additional entry (1).
  • Academic Recognition: Students who achieved a GPA of 3.75 or higher in 7th grade will receive an additional entry (1).
  • Attendance Recognition: Students with an attendance rate of 95% or higher in 7th grade will receive an additional entry (1).
 

Each priority permits one additional entry, up to a maximum of five, for the Magnet Academy Program to which you have applied. However, the geographical location consideration will only be applicable if you are applying to the Magnet Academy Program located at the high school assigned to your residential address.

Here is a link to some of the programs that would qualify for an additional entry in the lottery.

 

 

Dates

 

October 1

Academy Application Opens

(All U-46 8th grade parents will receive a unique username and password emailed to them through Lotteries on this day. If you choose to apply, use the username and password that was shared with you)

October 1

Academy Informational Sessions

 

Magnet Info Session 6 pm-7 pm:

SHS-LEAD Academy 10/23/25
EHS- IB Academy  10/16/25
LHS- VPA Academy 10/15/25
SEHS-BEACON Academy  10/14/25
BHS-STEM Academy 10/22/25

October 31 

Academy Application closes

November 3 - 7

Application Review Window

November 10

Application Process Runs

November 10

Acceptance/regret letters sent out

November 10 - 17 Program acceptance window opens
November 17 Program acceptance window closes
November 20 Rosters finalized