INCREASING ACCESSIBILITY TO SPECIALITY PROGRAMS DALLAS ISD RACIAL EQUITY OFFICE

Dallas ISD is rapidly becoming a district of choice where every child can find a school that best fits their unique interests, needs, and aspirations. The academic options offered are as diverse as the learners themselves. The district is proud to offer specialty school choice programs and models for students in all grades. The options include programs such as Montessori, International Baccalaureate, Talented and Gifted, Single Gender, Two-Way Dual Language, STEM/STEAM, Visual and Performing Arts, P-Tech/Early College High Schools, Career Institutes, Collegiate Academies, and much more.  While the number of program offerings has increased, there is still a segment of the community that is not taking advantage of these amazing opportunities.

The Dallas ISD Racial Equity Office and Centralized Enrollment worked in collaboration to identify communities where students meet the magnet school application requirements but are underrepresented in the applicant pool.  To help families learn more about the many options available at the district’s magnet and other application-based programs, the departments have scheduled a series of community-based workshops at area libraries.  In addition to receiving on-site assistance in completing applications, families are assigned a mentor who will serve as a point of contact for questions and assistance throughout the application and selection process.

“We worked to identify communities where fewer families were applying to and enrolling in our magnet schools,” said Lesley Williams, Deputy Chief of Racial Equity.  “Our goal is to level the playing field for families by providing support as they navigate through the application and enrollment process to find the best-fit school for their child.”

The first workshop was held at the Dallas West Library. Additional workshops are scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. January 21 at Highland Hills Branch Library, 6200 Bonnie View Road, Dallas, 75241, and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. January 28 at Paul Laurence Dunbar Lancaster-Kiest Branch Library, 2008 E. Kiest Blvd., Dallas, 75216.  Learn more at Dallas ISD Specialty Schools at www.dallasisd.org/yourchoices.

Mark Your Calendars

Don’t miss your chance to apply to a specialty school in Dallas ISD! Join us on Saturday, January 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy, 1700 E. Camp Wisdom Road. Learn more at www.dallasisd.org/yourchoices. Families will be able to visit with school representatives to learn more about  specialty programs and apply on-site for the school that best fits their child’s needs.