Magnet Procedures

Magnet Academy Procedures

Please read all information below before beginning the application process.
These procedures apply to all Lafayette Parish School System Magnet Academy programs.

Overview

The Lafayette Parish School System offers Magnet Academy programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. In addition to state required curriculum, Magnet Academies provide theme immersed programs that enhance educational opportunities.

Students residing in Lafayette Parish may apply at the appropriate grade levels. Only applicants who meet all entry criteria are eligible for invitation to enroll.

The following will result in disqualification or loss of placement:

• Intentional falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation on an application
• Failure to complete required entry components such as portfolios, interviews, or auditions

Entry Criteria and Points of Entry

General Requirements

• When applicable, end of year academic grades must be verified by the second Tuesday of June
• Summer school grades are not accepted
• Individual academies may have additional requirements
• No academic grade requirements for elementary or middle school academies
• High school academies may have additional academic requirements

Elementary Applicants

• Completed application
• Late entry World Language Immersion applicants in grades two through five must demonstrate proficiency in English and the immersion language. Contact the LPSS Language Acquisition department for more information.

Middle School Applicants

• Completed application
• Successful completion of required interview, essay, audition, or work samples
• Discipline requirements:
  • For all grade levels, students cannot have a recommendation for long-term suspension or a recommendation for expulsion
  • Student may not attend a disciplinary alternative school
• Eligible students may appeal discipline ineligibility up to seven days prior to the initial lottery

 

High School Applicants

• Completed application
• Successful completion of required interview, essay, audition, or work samples
• Discipline requirements:
  • No Level three or Level four discipline steps
  • No Level three discipline resulting in recommended long-term suspension
  • No Level four discipline infractions
  • No recommendation for expulsion due to three out of school suspensions
  • Student may not attend a disciplinary alternative school
• Students with Level three discipline infractions may appeal up to seven days prior to the initial lottery

Continuing Enrollment

• Current Magnet Academy students are automatically reenrolled for the next school year if all criteria are met
• LPSS assumes natural grade progression unless notified of exit before the new school year
• Attendance for one day at the start of the school year constitutes acceptance of placement
• Once a student accepts a seat in an academy, that student is not eligible to apply for another academy within the same school year
• Students must remain enrolled for the full year unless extenuating circumstances exist
• For extenuating circumstances, an Exit Request Form must be submitted to the Magnet Academy Office

Discipline steps are defined in the LPSS Student Parent Handbook.

Lottery Process

• Selection is conducted through a computerized random lottery
• A third-party audit occurs annually
• Students may apply to no more than two academies
• Placement is based on seat availability and entrance criteria
• Applicants not selected are placed on a numbered waitlist

Additional provisions:

• Invitations with grade requirements are provisional until grades are verified
• Students retained for academic deficiencies may lose placement
• Applicants must respond within seven business days
• After the second Wednesday of July, applicants have forty-eight hours to accept or decline placement once they have been electronically notified
• Failure to respond results in automatic decline
• Late entry applicants may be placed first come first served if seats are available
• If no seats are available, applicants are placed at the bottom of the waitlist

Waitlist Procedures

• Applicants may choose whether to remain on a waitlist
• Vacant seats are offered in numerical order
• Applicants with multiple applications must accept the first invitation received within seven business days
• Once a seat is accepted, the student will be removed from all other waitlist

Language Immersion Applicants

• Applicants whose primary home language is not English must be screened by the LPSS ESL Department
• Students who would benefit from for EL services will have their application considered on a year-to-year basis

Special Needs Applicants

LPSS provides equal educational opportunities for all students.

• IEP or Section 504 teams determine whether the program can meet student needs
• The Magnet Academies Office enforces the final determination
• Appeals must be submitted to the applicant’s Magnet Academy office

Priority Consideration

Priority is applied only after all eligibility criteria are met.

Sibling Priority

• Sibling is defined as two or more children having one or both parents in common; a brother or sister residing at the same or different addresses; and/or adopted child(ren)
• Sibling priority is marked after the birth certificate is submitted
• A sibling must be enrolled when the application process begins and when the applicant begins school at the same site
• Priority applies only if the application is submitted prior to the lottery and a seat in the academy is available
• Multiple birth siblings applying to the same academy are linked together upon verification. If one is selected, the other student/students will be placed as well.

Pathway Priority

• Applies to students continuing from an aligned lower level academy
• Students must complete all curriculum requirements
• Application during the lottery period is required

Magnet Academy Appeal Process

Lottery Eligibility Appeals

• Appeals submitted at least seven days prior to the lottery enter the initial lottery if approved
• Appeals submitted later enter the second-round lottery if approved

Appeal Steps

1. Academy identifies ineligible students
2. Academy submits list to the Magnet Academy Director
3. Academy notifies parents of ineligibility and explains the appeal process
4. Parents submit appeal documentation to the Magnet Academy office

Level One Appeal

• Reviewed by the Magnet Academies Appeals Committee
• Approved appeals enter the lottery
• Appeals must be submitted within seven business days

Level Two Appeal

• Submitted to the Superintendent after committee denial
• Must include all prior correspondence and documentation
• Appeals must be submitted within seven business days

*All appeals will be handled through the Magnet Academy Office

Enrollment

• Enrollment is a commitment for the duration of the academy program
• Parents must contact the academy administrator to complete enrollment
• Students must comply with all LPSS policies and the Parent Student Handbook
• Entry is permitted through the last Friday of August for grades kindergarten through 12th grade if seats are available
• Exceptions: Students may be placed throughout the school year as seats become available at the following schools:
  • Elementary: L Leo Judice Elementary, J Wallace James Elementary, and Cpl. Middlebrook Elementary
  • Middle School: Carencro Middle School, David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy Middle School

Expectations and Accountability

Academic Expectations

• Elementary grades three through five must maintain a C or better in academy courses
• Grades six through twelve must maintain an overall C or better GPA in all courses
• Students must remain enrolled in academy electives and maintain C or better
• Academies may set higher standards

Discipline Expectations

• Students must follow LPSS and academy specific discipline policies
• Additional requirements may apply for labs, internships, or JROTC

Attendance

• Students must comply with LPSS attendance policies
• Attendance issues may result in removal

Participation

• Participation in all academy activities is required
• Fees and dues must be satisfied
• Failure to participate violates the Magnet Academies Commitment Form

Due Process and Probation

• First violation of an enrollment expectation
  • Meeting with student and Academy Director/Principal
  • Documentation of meeting and deficiency resolution plan and mailed to parent
• Second violation of an enrollment expectation
  • Meeting with student, parent, and Academy Director/Principal
  • Documentation of meeting and deficiency resolution plan; copy of plan given to parent
• Third violation of an enrollment expectation
  • Meeting with student, parent, and Academy Director/Principal, and Administrator/Counselor
  • Documentation of meeting and deficiency resolution plan; copy of plan given to parent
  • Student placed on probation
  • Magnet Academy office notified and sent all prior violation documentation
• Fourth violation of an enrollment expectation
  • Meeting with student, parent, and Academy Director/Principal
  • Academy Director/Principal will submit a recommendation for removal from the academy to the Magnet Academy office

Removal from an Academy

• Removal recommendations originate from the principal
• Review is conducted by the District Magnet Academies Review Committee
• Parents will receive appeal form with the recommendation for removal letter
  • If first appeal is denied, p1arents may appeal to the Superintendent within seven school days by submitting appeal form to the Magnet Academy office
• Students remain enrolled in the academy during the appeal process
• Students sent to disciplinary alternative sites are removed from the academy and must attend their home zoned school upon competition of alternative site. An appeal to return to the academy may be requested by parent or school administration.
• Students removed from the academy during the school year must start the next school year at their home zoned school per LPSS policy JBCC. An appeal to return to the academy may be requested by parent or school administration

Voluntary Withdrawal

• End of year withdrawals require submission of a summer exit request form
• Newly accepted students declining placement must notify the Magnet Academies Office
• If extenuating circumstances occur, mid-year withdrawals require a Letter of Appeal or Exit Request Form submitted to the Magnet Academy Office
• Withdrawn students return to their zoned school
• Students leaving the district may withdraw at any time after submitting an exit request

Transportation

• Transportation is provided using designated satellite stops
• Requests must be submitted to the school during enrollment
• Parents should verify bus assignment prior to the first day of school

Athletics and Extracurricular Activities

• Participation is permitted if eligibility requirements are met
• High school athletics must comply with LHSAA guidelines
• Participation may be limited by governing organizations

Addendum A
Magnet Academy Entry and Continuation Requirements

At Lafayette Magnet Academies, Hope is not up for debate

LPSS MAGNET ACADEMY 2026-27 POLICY UPDATES (2/12/2026)

LPSS is updating several Magnet Academy procedures to provide clearer timelines, improve fairness, and better manage enrollment. 

Here are the changes families should be aware of:

LOTTERY DATE

The lottery, previously scheduled for February 24, will take place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, to allow for implementation of changes to the policy. Beginning on March 24, any unfilled seats will be offered on a first come first serve basis to students who submit an approved application.

SIBLING PRIORITY

There are several important clarifications:

• Sibling priority is expanded to include elementary, middle, and high school. Exceptions may apply for specific academies.
• Sibling priority is confirmed after a birth certificate is submitted.
• A sibling must already be enrolled at the requested campus when the application process begins AND when the new student begins school at that campus. Further, the siblings must attend the same campus for at least one year following acceptance into the academy. 
• Twins or multiple-birth siblings applying to the same academy will be linked together. If one is selected, the other(s) will also be placed once verification is complete.

STUDENT ENROLLMENT 

Students in grades Kindergarten through 11th may enter select Magnet Academies through the last Friday of August, if seats are available.

If seats become available at the following schools, they may be filled throughout the school year.

Elementary Schools

• L. Leo Judice Elementary
• J. Wallace James Elementary
• Cpl. Middlebrook Elementary

Middle Schools

• Carencro Middle School
• David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy (Middle School)

More specific questions or clarifications are available by calling (337) 521-7160 or emailing bapippin@lpssonline.com.

General Information

What are Magnet Academies?
Magnet Academies are specialized programs offered by the Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. In addition to state-required curriculum, Magnet Academies provide theme-immersed educational experiences designed to enhance student learning opportunities.

Who may apply to a Magnet Academy?
Students who reside in Lafayette Parish may apply at designated grade levels. Only applicants who meet all entry requirements are eligible for invitation to enroll.

Can an application be denied or revoked?
Yes. An application or placement may be denied or revoked for:

• Intentional falsification or misrepresentation on the application
• Failure to complete required components such as interviews, portfolios, auditions, or work samples

Application and Eligibility

How many Magnet Academies may a student apply to?
Students may apply to a maximum of two Magnet Academies during the application cycle.

Are academic grades required for admission?

• Elementary and middle school academies: No academic grade requirements
• High school academies: May have additional academic requirements depending on the academy
• When applicable, end-of-year grades must be verified by the second Tuesday of June
• Summer school grades are not accepted

Do individual academies have additional requirements?
Yes. Some academies may require interviews, essays, auditions, or submission of work samples.

Elementary School Applicants

What is required for elementary applicants?

• Completed application
• Late-entry World Language Immersion applicants (grades 2–5) must demonstrate proficiency in English and the immersion language

Who evaluates language proficiency for immersion programs?
The LPSS Language Acquisition Department evaluates proficiency for late-entry immersion applicants.

Middle School Applicants

What are the requirements for middle school applicants?

• Completed application
• Successful completion of required interview, essay, audition, or work samples
• Must meet discipline eligibility requirements

What discipline restrictions apply to middle school applicants?
Students:

• May not have a recommendation for long-term suspension or expulsion
• May not attend a disciplinary alternative school

Can discipline ineligibility be appealed?
Yes. Eligible students may appeal discipline ineligibility up to seven days prior to the initial lottery.
 

High School Applicants

What are the requirements for high school applicants?

• Completed application
• Successful completion of required interview, essay, audition, or work samples
• Must meet discipline eligibility requirements

What discipline restrictions apply to high school applicants?
Students must have:

• No Level 3 or Level 4 discipline infractions
• No Level 3 discipline resulting in recommended long-term suspension
• No recommendation for expulsion due to three out-of-school suspensions
• Not attend a disciplinary alternative school

Can high school discipline ineligibility be appealed?
Yes. Students with Level 3 discipline infractions may appeal up to seven days prior to the initial lottery.

Lottery and Placement

How are students selected for Magnet Academies?
Selection is conducted through a computerized random lottery, which is audited annually by a third party.

What happens if my child is not selected?
Applicants not selected are placed on a numbered waitlist.

How long do families have to accept an offer?

• Initial offers: 7 business days
• After the second Wednesday of July: 48 hours
• Failure to respond results in an automatic decline.

What happens if a student is retained academically?
Students retained for academic deficiencies may lose their Magnet Academy placement.

Waitlist Procedures

How does the waitlist work?

• Vacant seats are offered in numerical order
• Families may choose whether to remain on the waitlist
• If a student has multiple applications, the first offer must be accepted or declined within seven business days
• Once a seat is accepted, the student is removed from all other waitlists

Continuing Enrollment

Do current Magnet Academy students need to reapply each year?
No, with the exception of when they move from elementary to middle and middle to high.  Students are automatically reenrolled if all criteria are met as long as they are at the same academy.  When the pathway moves to the next school a new application is required.  Ex: When an elementary student moves to middle or a middle school student would move to the high school site of that pathway.  

How is acceptance of placement confirmed?
Attendance for one day at the start of the school year constitutes acceptance.

Can a student switch Magnet Academies during the school year?
No. Once a student accepts a seat, they may not apply to another Magnet Academy during the same school year.

Priority Consideration

When is priority applied?
Priority is applied only after all eligibility requirements are met.

What is sibling priority?
Sibling priority applies when:

• Siblings share one or both parents (including adopted siblings)
• A sibling is enrolled at the same academy site when the application is submitted and when the applicant begins school
• A seat is available
• Birth certificate documentation is submitted before the lottery

What is pathway priority?
Pathway priority applies to students continuing from an aligned lower-level Magnet Academy who have completed all curriculum requirements and applied during the lottery period.

Special Populations

How are students with special needs considered?

• IEP or Section 504 teams determine whether the program can meet the student’s needs
• The Magnet Academies Office makes the final determination
• Appeals must be submitted to the Magnet Academy Office

What about English Learners?

• Applicants whose primary home language is not English are screened by the LPSS ESL Department
• Placement is considered on a year-to-year basis

Appeals

What types of appeals are available?

• Lottery eligibility appeals
• Discipline-based eligibility appeals
• Removal appeals

What is the appeal timeline?

• Appeals must be submitted within seven business days of notification
• Appeals submitted at least seven days before the lottery may enter the initial lottery if approved

Who handles all Magnet Academy appeals?
All appeals are processed through the Magnet Academy Office.
 

Enrollment Expectations

What academic standards must students maintain?

• Grades 3–5: C or better in academy courses
• Grades 6–12: C or better in all academy classes and a C or better overall GPA
• Students must remain enrolled in academy electives
• Individual academies may set higher standards

Can a student be placed on probation?
Yes. Repeated violations of enrollment expectations may result in probation and possible removal from the academy.

Removal and Withdrawal

Can a student be removed from a Magnet Academy?
Yes. Removal recommendations are reviewed by the District Magnet Academies Review Committee, and parents have the right to appeal.

What happens if a student is removed?

• Students removed during the school year must begin the next school year at their zoned school
• Appeals to return to the academy may be requested

How does voluntary withdrawal work?

• End-of-year withdrawals require a summer exit request form
• Mid-year withdrawals require an Exit Request Form or Letter of Appeal
• Withdrawn students return to their zoned school

Transportation

Is transportation provided?
Yes. Transportation is provided using designated satellite stops. Requests must be submitted during enrollment.
 

Athletics and Extracurricular Activities

May Magnet Academy students participate in athletics and extracurricular activities?
Yes, if eligibility requirements are met. High school athletics must comply with LHSAA guidelines, and participation may be limited by governing organizations.

Where can I find the most current Magnet Academy policies?
The most current policies and procedures are available at www.lpssmagnet.com.