Florence County School District Three’s two magnet schools are now accepting student applications for the 2021-2022 school year.
Olanta Creative Arts and Science Magnet School is open to students in grades 4K-6. J. Paul Truluck Creative Arts and Science Magnet School is open to students in grades 6-12.
The application window is now open and will remain open through 3:30 p.m. on Friday, February 19, 2021. The online application is available online at https://florence3.novuschoice.com/.
The magnet schools were created as part of a five-year, $9.1 million Magnet Schools Assistance Programs (MSAP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Innovation and Improvement for its Project C3 Explores: Colleges, Cultures, & Careers.
Project C3 Explores' goal is to expand student and parental choice while enabling all students to pursue rigorous, engaging programs of study that meet challenging academic standards and provide preparation for college and careers as well as being responsible citizens. In addition, each magnet school holds itself accountable to the 5 Pillars of Magnets (Diversity, Innovative Curriculum & Professional Development, Academic Excellence, Leadership, and Family & Community Partnerships).
In order to ensure racial integration and socioeconomic diversity, both magnet schools have open enrollment. Additionally, both magnet schools will be a choice option for students in neighboring counties. Students are accepted to the two schools based on a lottery system with preference given to students who are zoned within the district and then to students who are zoned outside the district.
Both magnet schools focus on creative arts-and science-themed, project-based, hands-on learning environments designed to foster a range of critical thinking and problem-solving skills through art and science infused learning while exposing students to a wide array of college and career choices.
At the early grades (4K-6th) and middle school grades (7 & 8), the focus is on exposure to broaden students' experiences and understanding of a wide variety of the arts and sciences.
In addition, both schools have programs/classes for students who have qualified for Gifted & Talented in the arts as well as academic areas, however, there is not an academic nor artistic entry requirement for either school. Every applicant has an equal opportunity to be selected during the lottery process as long as the application is submitted during the lottery application window.
Furthermore, J. Paul Truluck Creative Arts and Science offers classes such as Advancement Placement (AP), Dual-Enrollment and other academic opportunities through its partnerships with local colleges and universities as well as the Continuum in Lake City. J. Paul Truluck works closely with students to ensure their schedules are reflective of the area they are interested in pursuing beyond high school.
If you would like more information about this exciting educational opportunity for your child, please contact Dr. Cutina Powell Barrineau ([email protected]), FSD3 Director of Magnets, GT, and the Fine Arts.