table of contents - school district u-46 / homepage

2

Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Message from the CEO . . . . . . . . . . .Page 3

Magnet Academy Application Process and Diversity Statement . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4

Bartlett High School – Science, Engineering, and Technology Magnet Academy . . . . .Page 6

Elgin High School – Gifted and Talented Magnet Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 8

Larkin High School – Visual and Performing ArtsMagnet Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 10

South Elgin High School – BEACON Magnet Academy of Media and Digital Arts . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 12

Streamwood High School – World Languages and InternationalStudies Magnet Academy . . . . . . . . .Page 14

Magnet Academy Application Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 16

Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . .Page 18

Quick Start Guide for Magnet Academies . . . . . . . . . . .Page 19

Contact Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 19

3

Dear U-46 families,

Academic success for all motivates our work in U-46. We strive togive graduates skills and experiences that will lead them to successin whatever comes after high school. This mission drives U-46 tooffer students innovative programs that challenge them andprepare them to compete and collaborate in a global economy.

For more than 20 years, School District U-46 has offered academyprograms at each of our high schools. These programs aredesigned to take high school students to new levels of creative,interdisciplinary learning and give them a head start on a highereducation.

As the District builds Educational Pathways in each high school,our traditional high school academies are being differentiated asmagnet academies. Our magnet academies will continue to offerinnovative programs that provide students with a specialized focusand unique curriculum to support their academic, social, andemotional growth.-

The focus areas for the magnet academies are:

• Gifted and Talented – Elgin High School• Media and Digital Arts – South Elgin High School• Science, Engineering, and Technology – Bartlett High School• Visual and Performing Arts – Larkin High School• World Language and International Studies – Streamwood High

School

Designed as a school-within-a-school, each magnet academymeets the needs of academically gifted students in School DistrictU-46. Students in the magnet academies tackle rigorouscurriculum with relevant learning materials and up-to-date toolsand equipment that complement each program's focus.Importantly, each program provides opportunities for students tonot only master new information but to apply their knowledge,making it more likely they will learn and better understand theirmany talents and interests.

As partners in your child’s education, we will work alongside you toprovide the best educational opportunities and strive to ensureSchool District U-46 remains at the forefront of innovative, forward-thinking, and equitable opportunities for each student.

Sincerely,Mr. Tony SandersChief Executive Officer

Students are admitted to our high school magnetacademies through an application and review process.Students in 7th and 8th grades, and their parents, are invitedto attend open houses each fall to learn more about theDistrict’s magnet academy programs. The open houses aimto help students and parents learn how the academies canenrich students’ high school experience and prepare themfor success after high school.

Any student in good academic standing who has theinterest and ability to perform the academic andspecialized work of the program is eligible to apply for admission to any of the five magnet academies.Eighth graders can submit completed magnet academy applications online in the fall. Each magnet academyhas a unique application based on its content area and may require students to submit essays or a portfolioof work or to take tests specific to the academy. Selections are announced in mid-February.

Diversity StatementIn alignment with the Equity Policy of School District U-46, the District’s Strategic Plan and in support ofdemocratic ideals, the U-46 High School Magnet Programs are committed to providing an empathetic andprogressive educational environment that embraces the diversity amongst students, staff, and communitymembers. U-46 High School Magnet Programs will recruit and support students of diverse backgrounds,intentionally maintain a culturally competent curriculum, and value the unique perspectives and lifeexperiences of all community members so that our students will become leaders capable of engaging in a diverse, global society.

Magnet Academy Application Process

Eighth graders can apply for admission to one of the five magnet academy programs.

Bartlett High School – Science, Engineering and Technology Magnet Academy

Elgin High School – Gifted and Talented Magnet Academy

Larkin High School – Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Academy

South Elgin High School – BEACON Magnet Academy of Media and Digital Arts

Streamwood High School – World Languages and International Studies Magnet Academy

4

5

Promotea culturally linguistic, inclusive and safe environment for all to

focus on teaching and learning.

Deliver a highly-engaging and rigorous

innovative curriculum.

Workcollaboratively with business and community to

enrich student experience.

Sustain high levels of achievement for students

enrolled in magnet programs.

Provide exemplary service that supports students’ academicand social emotional growth.

U-46 Magnet Programs Goals

Bartlett High School – Science, Engineering, and

The Science, Engineering, and Technology MagnetAcademy at Bartlett High School integratestechnology with an accelerated math and sciencecoursework.

The academy encourages all creative, high-achieving students with an interest in the fields ofengineering, math, and science to apply. Theacademy prepares students to succeed in usingcurrent and future technologies such as 3Dprinting, precision manufacturing, and computeraided design. Students are given hands-onexperiences in the classroom and in thecommunity with equipment, work methods, andtechnology used in the field.

While science and math are the focal points, classesin graphic arts, computer-aided drafting, andelectronics are included in the curriculum, oftenenhanced through cooperation with areabusinesses. Several classes in the academy followcurriculum from Project Lead the Way (PLTW), aleading provider in STEM coursework for studentsPreK – 12th grade.

In their courses, students explore mechanical,aerospace, and biomedical engineering. Theacademy coordinates science and math contentwith engineering coursework to prepare studentsfor postsecondary opportunities in related fields.Students learn how to become critical thinkers bylooking at challenges through the eyes of anengineer. Problem-based learning is blended intostudents’ coursework and aligned with aprofessional mentorship program.

Student Learning ExperiencesSophomore/Junior Job Shadow During the summer before their sophomore andjunior years, academy students must complete ajob shadow experience of at least four hours in anySTEM (science, technology, engineering, or math)field. These career exploration experiences offeracademy students the opportunity to dive deeperinto their STEM field of choice and explorepotential career paths.

Senior Year Internship The summer before their senior year, academystudents must complete an internship of at least 40 hours. This may be a 40-hour internship at abusiness, or split evenly between two businesses, in any STEM field. By senior year, students will havecompleted multiple job shadows, and have a better sense of what career path aligns with their interests.

The internship offers academy students theopportunity to continue exploring their STEM fieldof choice and may be completed with a previousjob shadow host. Academy students are expectedto make their own arrangements for theirinternship prior to the end of junior year. Reachingout to local and family professional contacts givesstudents important networking experience thatthey can build on throughout their careers.Students are also given assistance with locatinginternships through a partnership with theAlignment Collaborative for Education.

Academy Showcase In their senior year, students work on a long-termcollaborative project within an area of STEM. Thisproject requires students to synthesize what theyhave learned from all their academy courses.Students showcase their work to the communityand business partners over two days in the springand receive industry-level feedback on their projects.

7

Technology Magnet Academy

Alumni Spotlight

Lissette Beltran, 2013 Bartlett High School Magnet Academy Graduate

Lissette Beltran decided some time agothat when it came to her future, sheshould aim for the stars. Now she’sreached that goal. After graduating fromthe Illinois Institute of Technology with an undergraduate degree in electricalengineering, she received a full-time jobwith the National Aeronautics and SpaceAdministration, better known as NASA.Beltran credits her time in the academy at Bartlett High with paving the way forher perseverance and success.

“Yes, it’s rigorous,” she allows, “but it’salso beneficial. Just to have that solidfoundation was essential to everythingthat followed. Getting that support in the academy, they actually ensured thatwe excelled academically. Certainteachers, they pushed me toward things I wouldn’t have done on my own.”

Freshman Year

Academy Advanced Honors Biology

Academy Honors Integrated Mathematics I

Honors PLTW Introduction to Engineering Design

Integrated Technology

Sophomore Year

Academy Honors Integrated Mathematics II

Academy Honors Physics

Honors PLTW Principles of Engineering

Honors PLTW Digital Electronics

Junior Year

Academy Honors Chemistry

Honors Trigonometry/Analysis/Calculus

PLTW Engineering Design and Development

Senior Year

AP Calculus BC

Honors Design and Technology

Courses

Elgin High School – Gifted and Talented

The Gifted and Talented Magnet Academy at ElginHigh School welcomes students who challengeassumptions, raise questions, take risks, and dare totry something new. The program identifies astudent’s special talents and nurtures skills throughproblem-solving situations. Students in theacademy will be prepared to become innovativethinkers in the 21st century.

The Gifted and Talented Magnet Academy providesa rigorous, innovative, meaningful academicenvironment to challenge both the intellectual andcreative abilities of students. Students learn in asupportive community that prepares them to facethe complex challenges of today’s world.

The program connects learning across multiplesubjects and students will take up to 14 AdvancedPlacement classes, providing a path to anaccelerated college degree. Upon admission to theacademy, students must maintain a C or higher ineach academy class to remain in the program.

Student Learning ExperiencesField Trips During the School Year Throughout the school year, academy students willtake field trips to various locations around theChicago area to dive into what they are learning inthe classroom. Students can expect to go to theChicago Shakespeare Theater, the Art Institute ofChicago, the Poetry Foundation, and otherlocations for academic and cultural experiences.

Summer Enrichment Activities Each summer, the academy takes students on avariety of enrichment trips that provide hands-onlearning experiences as well as team-buildingexercises that help students bond with each otherand their teachers.

International Field Trip to Europe Students travel to Europe for a field trip during thesummer before their junior or senior year. On thistrip, what students have been learning in theclassroom comes to life before their eyes. Thedestinations students explore during the trip tie into what they have been learning in their literatureand history classes.

Senior Year ProjectDuring their senior year, academy students willwork on a yearlong project. Similar to a collegethesis, students will conduct a self-directed study ina field of their choice. This project must be researchbased and align to their intended area of study incollege. During the project, students produce aproduct such as a lab experiment, prototype, ordemonstration of knowledge. Students also write aresearch paper related to their topic.

9

Magnet Academy

Alumni Spotlight

Dr. Sandra Carnahan, 2005 Elgin High School Magnet Academy Graduate

To reach her professional dreams, Dr. Sandra Carnahan had to push herselfbeyond her limits. Toward that end, thegraduate of Elgin High School’s Giftedand Talented Academy pursued herdream to become a doctor and studiedmedicine at A.T. Still University inKirksville, Missouri. Her dreams are now areality and Dr. Carnahan works as anosteopathic doctor in North Carolina.

“The best thing about Elgin’s Gifted andTalented Academy is how it constantlychallenged us and pushed us to make adifference in the world. My classmateshave careers in medicine, teaching, music,and the arts. And I think we have all donepretty well for ourselves. It was a verycollaborative environment. Looking back,I was lucky to spend my formative years ina place that encouraged critical thinking,and where the other students becamelike family.”

CoursesFreshman Year

Honors Geometry or Honors Algebra ¾

Gifted Scientific Inquiry

AP World History

Gifted World Literature

Sophomore Year

Gifted/Honors Algebra ¾ or AP Statistics orGifted/Honors Pre Calculus

AP Biology

AP United States History

Gifted American Literature

Junior Year

AP Statistics or Gifted/Honors PreCalculus orAP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC

AP Chemistry or AP Physics 1

AP European History

AP Language and Composition

Senior Year

AP Statistics or AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC

AP Environmental Science or AP Physics C orAP Chemistry or AP Physics 1

AP Government and Politics: United States andAP Macroeconomics

AP English Literature and Composition

Larkin High School – Visual and Performing

Larkin High School hosts the Visual and PerformingArts Magnet Academy, which has been named aGrammy Signature School for Music Education.Students with talent and special interests in dance,music, visual art, or drama flourish in this program.While the program concentrates on the arts, itcenters on educating the whole student. Studentsare invited to apply and audition for selection intothis four-year performance-based program in thefocus areas of dance, drama, visual art, and music.

The academy provides artistically talented studentswith a comprehensive arts education. This academyoffers an interdisciplinary approach to educationwith a fine arts focus that enhances problemsolving skills, creativity, and imagination. Theacademy allows students to explore a variety of artswhile also concentrating on one in-depth area oftheir choice.Teachers create a supportive,nurturingenvironment and work with students to developand express their talents through performance andpresentation. The program emphasizes theconnection between art and the world.

Student Learning ExperiencesField TripsStudents travel to locations such as Walt DisneyWorld, New York City, and the Art Institute ofChicago for a variety of field trips. Students alsovisit festivals and workshops at universities andcolleges throughout Illinois.

Public Performances and Exhibitions Each year, students present pieces from their bodyof work in showcase events open to the public,such as art exhibitions, musical performances, andtheater shows. They may also perform at statefestivals and competitions.

Dual Credit College Courses Music students earn dual credit through ourpartnership with Elgin Community College, wherethey also receive free music lessons.

11

Arts Magnet Academy

Alumni Spotlight

Courtney Reed, 2002 Larkin High SchoolMagnet Academy Graduate

Courtney Reed began performing in playsat age 6 and knew that the stage waswhere she was meant to be. With a dreamof being a professional actress, this LarkinHigh School graduate went on to earn adegree in musical theater from the ChicagoCollege of Performing Arts at RooseveltUniversity. From there, Reed made her wayto Broadway and quickly began securingroles. Her big break was playing PrincessJasmine in the musical Aladdin, whichopened on Broadway in 2014. The popularmusical regularly plays to sold-out crowdsand was nominated for five Tony Awards,including best musical. Reed is grateful forher education at U-46 and said it helpedher on her journey to Broadway. Her time atthe Visual and Performing Arts Academyhad a massive influence on her, she said,and especially Mrs. Holly McNeill, who washer drama teacher and a mentor to her.

“I will never forget how much she guidedme with her expertise and warmth. I lookedup to her so much,” she said. The two arestill in touch, and McNeill and her familyeven saw Reed on Broadway before she leftfor London to perform in the West Endproduction of Aladdin.


Freshman Academy Honors Dance

Freshman Academy Honors Drama

Freshman Academy Honors Art

Music Theory 1

Sophomore Year

Sophomore Academy Honors Dance

Sophomore Academy Honors Drama

Sophomore Academy Honors Art

Piano

Junior Year

Junior Academy Honors Dance

Junior Academy Honors Drama

Junior Academy Honors Art

Music Theory 2

Senior Year

Senior Academy Honors Dance

Senior Academy Honors Drama

AP Studio Art

AP Music Theory

South Elgin High School – BEACON Magnet Academy

The BEACON Magnet Academy of Media andDigital Arts at South Elgin High School preparesstudents to become skillful and successful mediamakers covering the areas of audio and videoproduction, broadcast journalism, webcasting, andweb design. Students also gain a critical awarenessof the social and cultural impact their work willhave on society. Working with electronic mediaapplications, television, film, and radio equipment,students combine creativity and technical skill togain knowledge in a project-based learningenvironment.

The BEACON curriculum provides an extensive andintensive educational experience for those whowant to use digital communication to serve theartistic, cultural, educational, informational, andsocial needs of society. Students develop and refineskills through a combination of independent andcollaborative learning. Teachers and peers providefeedback in a workshop environment that allowsopportunity for continual growth. The programprovides students with lessons in both theory andhands-on experience.

Coursework for this academy focuses on five areas:theoretical foundation, career awareness andpreparation, technology, production andbroadcasting, and specialized techniques.

Student Learning ExperiencesJob Shadowing, Internships, and Field TripsMedia is continually evolving, and newopportunities present themselves every year.Experiences may include shadowing industryprofessionals, internships, college visits, field tripsto local production studios, guest speakers, andmore. In recent years, freshmen have shadowed theproduction crew for the Windy City Bulls;sophomores have appeared on the WGNHalloween morning show and toured the studio;juniors have produced commercials for localbusinesses; and seniors have created magazineshows that appeared on Elgin’s public accessstation channel 17.

National Organizations Annually, BEACON students can compete at theStudent Television Network convention, which isattended by thousands of students from across thenation and hosted in a different city each year.Students may also participate in the MidwestMedia Educators Association.

BEACON Academy AwardsEvery May, the BEACON Academy Awardscelebrates students’ hard work by offering classawards, showcasing student work, bestowing cordsto graduating seniors, and featuring a renownedguest speaker. Past speakers have included JohnRatzenberger (actor in Cheers and Pixar movies),Tommy O’Haver (director of Ella Enchanted), andAngelo Pizzo (writer of Hoosiers and Rudy).

13

of Media and Digital Arts

Alumni Spotlight

Ryan Jenkins, 2014 South Elgin HighSchool Magnet Academy Graduate

As a reporter and fill-in anchor for ABC-TVaffiliate WQAD in Moline, Ryan Jenkinsdoesn’t distinguish between good newsand bad news. To him, it’s all just news.Jenkins is grateful for his teachers at theBEACON Academy and the ways theyprepared him for his career as a newsanchor.

“Through my experiences in theacademy,” says Jenkins. “I learnedtechnical skills that helped me betterunderstand what a career in the mediaindustry could look like. However, moreimportantly I learned the importance ofintentional work. Through each project, I learned the importance of building ateam, taking care of equipment, learningfrom my peers, and developing networks.It was those skills that helped me landinternships during my freshman year ofcollege, build teams and lead dozens ofgroups and organizations while incollege, and eventually land my dreamjob as an anchor and reporter.”


Media and Digital Arts Technology

Sophomore Year

Media and Digital Arts Technology II

Junior Year

Media and Digital Arts Production

Advanced Placement Capstone: AP Seminar

Senior Year

Advanced Media and Digital Arts Production

Advanced Placement Capstone: AP Research

Streamwood High School – World Languages and

The World Languages and International StudiesMagnet Academy at Streamwood High Schoolprepares graduates for further studies andsuccessful employment in a global economy. Theprogram is designed for students interested inrigorous academic learning coupled with realworld learning, including international travelopportunities and cultural experiences.

A daily 75-minute world language class serves asthe cornerstone to this academy and providesstudents the equivalent of six years of foreignlanguage instruction before graduation. By theirsenior year, students have the opportunity to travelto a foreign country for the ultimate field trip.Students will have multiple opportunities topractice the foreign language they are learning asthey immerse themselves in a new culture.

Other academy courses focus on the connectionsbetween the development of civilizations and theirart, language, literature, culture, trade,governments, and economics. Students also enrollin business courses that provide opportunities toinvestigate international job market trends andexplore international careers. Staff continuallysupports students by providing them with thetools they need to be ready for college and their careers.

Student Learning ExperiencesCultural Experience Field TripsStudents take field trips each year to nearbycultural centers where they can practice thelanguages they are learning and experienceaspects of the cultures they are learning about inthe classroom. Past field trips have includedChicago’s Chinatown, the National Museum ofMexican Art in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, theAnderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, the ArtInstitute of Chicago, and the Field Museum.

International Field Trip During the summer before their junior or senioryear, students have the opportunity to travel across the globe to a country that speaks thelanguage they are learning. Students and teacherstravel to China, Japan, or Spain, where theyimmerse themselves in another culture and putinto practice the language skills they have beenlearning in the classroom.

Local Business Partnerships and Internships The academy has partnered with local businessesto give students the opportunity to tour theircompany and learn more about its inside workings.Students also have the opportunity to completeinternships with these businesses. Businesses theacademy has partnered with include Accentureand Omron.

Alumni SpotlightJoceline Jimenez, 2011 Streamwood High School Magnet Academy Graduate

Joceline Jimenez credits her time in theWorld Languages and International StudiesAcademy with pointing her in the rightprofessional direction. The academyintroduced her to the business world andopportunities within that community. Aftergraduating from Northern Illinois Universitywith a degree in information systems, shewas accepted into the IT developmentprogram at AbbVie, a leadingpharmaceutical company in the northernChicago suburbs. After finishing theprogram, Jimenez was promoted to becomea user experience designer for the company.In this role, she is responsible for developingclean and functional IT applications, such asR&D applications that help scientists analyzeclinical trial data.

Now, Jimenez’s work takes her to placesacross the globe, and the World Languagesand International Studies Academyequipped her with the skills to be successful.Over the past several years, she has workedin Ludwigshafen in Germany, Rome, andCampoverde in Italy. “It was so much fun. Ilearned endless things about myself, aboutwhat it truly takes to be independent, andabout the many different cultures andopportunities available worldwide.”

15

International Studies Magnet Academy


World Language (Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish)

Academy Honors Global Studies

Academy Honors English

Sophomore Year

World Language (Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish)

Academy Honors English

Academy Honors Global Studies 3-4

Academy Global Marketing

Academy Keyboarding and Computer Applications

Junior Year

World Language (Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish)or AP World Language

Academy Global Business

AP English Language and Composition

AP United States History

Senior Year

AP World Language (Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish)

AP Comparative Government and Politics

AP English Literature and Composition

AP Government and Politics: United States

AP Macroeconomics

Academy Application

Bartlett High SchoolScience, Engineering, and

Technology MagnetAcademy

1. Online application.

2. Two middle school teacher

recommendations: one must be

completed by the current 8th

grade math teacher and one from

a 7th or 8th grade science or

technology teacher.

3. Select a date to take the Bartlett

High School Academy Test.

Elgin High SchoolGifted and Talented Magnet Academy


2. A one to two-page essay, written

by the student, explaining why

they want to be in the academy.

3. Three teacher recommendations:

one from a 7th or 8th grade math

teacher, one from a 7th or 8th grade

science teacher, and one from a 7th

or 8th grade English teacher.

4. Select a date to take the Elgin

High School Academy Test.

Larkin High SchoolVisual and PerformingArts Magnet Academy


2. A one-page essay, written by the

student.

3. Two teacher recommendations

—one must be art specific.

4. A review portfolio (visual art only,

five to 20 pieces) or an audition

(dance, drama, music).

17

Checklist

South Elgin High SchoolBEACON Magnet Academyof Media and Digital Arts


2. An essay written by the student nolonger than five paragraphsanswering a specific question (seeapplication materials for prompt).

3. A media submission or personalstatement (see application materials).

4. An interview in November (anemail to all BEACON applicants willbe sent in late October explaininghow to schedule the interview).

5. Three recommendations: two from teachers and one from a non-family member.

Streamwood High SchoolWorld Languages andInternational StudiesMagnet Academy


2. A writing sample, written by thestudent.

3. Three teacher recommendations:from 7th grade social studies, English,or foreign language teachers.

4. A reservation made with theacademy secretary for a writingsample and interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are these academies now called magnetacademies?A: While the academy concept is not new to U-46, it wasnot until in 2017 that U-46 adopted the Magnet Schoolsof America framework for consistency in rigor andstandards across all five academies.

Q: How are the magnet academies different fromEducational Pathways?A: While both are school choice options, U-46 magnetacademies are structured as specialized four-yearprograms with admission criteria. Additionally, magnet academy themes guide the instruction of theprograms, offering unique enrichment opportunitiesand educational philosophies. Educational Pathways are sequential courses for high school students toexplore career opportunities and receive professionaland technical training that prepares them for collegeand careers.

Q: Who can apply to the magnet academies?A: Eighth graders who reside in U-46 may apply duringthe fall semester for placement in their freshman year ofhigh school (9th grade). Only the Larkin High SchoolAcademy will consider students entering theirsophomore year.

Q: When are applications accepted?A: Current U-46 students in 8th grade may apply duringthe application period in the early fall. The applicationperiod is extended for those students not currentlyenrolled in U-46 and who may not have been aware ofthe academies. These include new residents to theDistrict and private school or home-schooled studentswho have transferred to the District.

Q: How do students apply?A: The application is an online process. Studentscomplete the application, select first and secondchoices, and upload materials and the requestedreferences. Those applying to Bartlett High School orElgin High School also select a testing date. Thoseapplying to South Elgin High School and StreamwoodHigh School also select an interview date.

Q: Are there any prerequisites?A: Each academy has individual requirements, but anystudent may apply. Criteria for each academy are listedon the application form.

Q: How should I decide which academy is best for me?A: High interest and post high school plans should playthe biggest part in this decision. Students shouldconsult their parents, teachers, and other trustedmentors to make their decision.

Q: Can I apply to more than one academy?A: Students should apply to their first choice. They mayindicate a second choice on the application. Studentswill be considered for their second choice only if theyhave not been accepted into their first choice.

Q: The academy I want to attend is not at my homehigh school. How will I get there?A: If accepted, the academy school becomes thestudent’s regular attendance school. Busing is providedfor those students who are attending an academy thatis not at their home school.

Q: Can a student be enrolled in both a magnetacademy and the Dual Language program?A: Due to the rigorous curriculum of both the magnetacademies and the dual language program, studentsare currently unable to enroll in both programs.

Q: Do students have the opportunity to take classesoutside of their magnet academy?A: Students take academy classes alongside their otherhigh school courses to meet high school graduationrequirements. In most cases, classes not related to theacademy concentration are integrated with the rest ofthe high school. Academy students can take electivesand honors and AP classes outside their area ofconcentration in the academy. Students may alsoparticipate in extracurricular activities offered at eachhigh school.

18

19

Contact Us

Kinasha BrownDirector of Educational Pathways

[email protected], Ext. 5310

Michele ChapmanDirector of Postsecondary Success


Milena NedeljkovicAssistant Principal of STEM:

Bartlett High SchoolSTEM [email protected]

630-372-4700, Ext. 4778

Gamila WilliamsAssistant Principal of Innovation:

Elgin High School Gifted and Talented Academy


Todd DutyAcademy Divisional, Larkin High School

Visual and Performing Arts [email protected]

847-888-5200, Ext. 5214

Sabrina LangloisAssistant Principal of Innovation,

South Elgin High SchoolBEACON Academy of

Media and Digital [email protected]

847-289-3760, Ext. 3505

Frank WapoleAssistant Principal of Innovation,

Streamwood High School World Language and

International Studies [email protected], Ext. 5518

Maggie KallalSecretary to the Director of

Educational [email protected], Ext. 5315

Step One: Choose a Magnet Academy

With five options to choose from, families shouldfocus on determining which academy’s contentbest aligns with their student’s interests. Familiesshould talk with their student about their futuregoals and interests to best determine whatacademy will best engage the student and preparethem for their plans after high school. Familiesshould not focus on the school they want theirstudent to attend, but instead focus on the contentof the academy.

Step Two: Learn the Details

After families determine which academy alignswith their student’s interests, it is recommended toresearch the academy’s focus, student learningexperiences, and courses offered to decide if theacademy is a good fit for their student.

Step Three: Apply

Once they know which academy to apply to,families should assist their student as they fill outthe online magnet academy application. Make surestudents submit all required documentation beforethe application window closes, as each academyrequires unique application documents. Familieswill receive a notification regarding acceptanceinto the magnet academy your student applied forin mid-February.

Have questions?Visit www.u-46.org/magnetacademies

Call 847-888-5000, Ext. 5315, orEmail [email protected]

Apply to the U-46 Magnet Academies online athttps://district.u-46.org/academy/form

Quick Start Guide for Magnet Academies

table of contents - school district u-46 / homepage

Documents