Durham Public Schools: A Preliminary Study of Magnet and Year-Round Schools

1. Durham Public Schools:A Preliminary Study of Magnet and Year-Round Schools Presentation to Durham Board of Education October 4, 2011

2. School Visits • 16 schools • 11 program magnets; 5 year-round magnets • Interviewed 17 principals, 55 school staff members, 86 parents, and 17 students

3. We found • Overall, principals and staff are impressive • Many programs are creative and working well • Parents want strong options including choice programs • Parents are especially concerned about their options at middle school • Parents believe that strong choice options within DPS will keep families in the District AND will attract families back.

4. Need for Strong, Attractive Programs in DPS 2011 – 2012 . . . from the 1st lottery: • Elementary Magnets • 2127 applications • 1019 seats • Secondary Magnets • 2480 applications • 923 seats

5. Arts in DPS • There is a need for more seats in arts schools at the middle school and high school levels • DSA in 2011-2012 . . . 1st lottery • 1791 applications with 331 seats • 6th grade: 855/215 • 9th grade: 400/70 • Almost 25% (93 of 400) of the 9th grade applicants were from Charter, Private, or Home School

6. Montessori • Based on the number of applications and comments from parents, Montessori programs are very popular and seem to be a desired program. 2011-2012. . . 1st lottery: • George Watts: 458 applications – 66 seats • Morehead: 413 applications – 44 seats

7. Year-Round • Year-Round Elementary Schools are serving the district well. Year-Round Middle: • Rogers-Herr: • 376 applications – 245 assigned; 187 registered • Very few parents are choosing Chewning as a year-round middle school option • 63 applications – 63 assigned; 10 registered

8. Magnet Themes • There are several Magnet Schools with Themes that are very similar. • There are also several Magnet Schools with multiple themes: • Having multiple themes at a school creates confusion in at least three areas: • Lack of a clear message for prospective parents • Lack of a clear direction for school principal and staff with program implementation • Lack of clear direction for the school district in providing adequate resources

9. Strong Magnet Schools • Based on input from parents, strong magnet themes are a key to Durham having strong schools. • Linking similarly themed schools together can strengthen existing magnet schools and can serve the district well, particularly when the high school has a strong program. • Replicating a magnet theme at another school is a good strategy if done carefully • Provides another school for collegial professional development • Provides an attractive draw in another part of the district for DPS families • Saves in transportation costs

10. Expanding Magnets in DPS DPS wants to “provide diverse and relevant program offerings throughout the district that meet student interest and provide expanded learning opportunities”. Themes to consider: • Arts at Middle and HS • IB PYP • IB MYP • IB DP • Montessori • STEM

11. Finally • The District needs to determine which schools will be identified for inclusion in the 2013-2016 MSAP grant application. • With changes to Magnet Schools and a new Magnet Director, the District will be positioned to strengthen magnet schools as a strategy to create a Network of Strong Schools in Durham Public Schools.