The Lafayette Parish School System has announced upcoming changes to the Magnet Academies programs (formerly Schools of Choice) within the district.

Last Tuesday, the Magnet Academies lottery was held with more than 1,800 students being enrolled in the academies.

LPSS Chief Academic Officer Annette Samec said in a press release, there are long waiting lists at the Environmental Academy at L. Leo Judice in Scott and the Arts and Technology Academy at J. Wallace James. Other than those two programs there are still openings available in all of the other programs. Because there are so many openings, the district central office reopened the lottery process today (Tuesday, Feb. 27). Seats are being assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis.

It's important to note that parents should choose to apply for the respective programs--not the school site--when entering the lottery process.

The Magnet Academies Program will be seeing a lot of changes for the upcoming school year. Below is a list of school site changes that parents and students can expect to see across the district.

  • The district's French Immersion program will expand to Pre-K and Kindergarten in at Westside Elementary in Scott. The school is reopening for the 2018-2019 school year after a reconstruction process due to heavy damage sustained at the facility during the August 2016 flood.
  • A Two-Way Spanish Immersion program at Charles Burke Elementary is included in the 2018-19 Magnet Academies Lottery.
  • Carencro Middle School will open its Informatics Academy. There are seat available to 6th Grade students in the new academy.
  • The Business Academy at Judice Middle School w ill delay its opening until the 2019-20 school year.
  • Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Health Academy at Northside High will not continue past the current school year. Students meeting academic and disciplinary requirements will be offered seats at the Lafayette High Health Academy.

Parents who have any questions about the Magnet Acadenies are urged to visit www.lafayettechoice.com or call (337) 521-7160.

More From Talk Radio 960 AM