The current school year is underway, but parents who want to send their children to campuses other than the ones to which they are zoned next fall need to start planning now.

Magnet applications for the 2015-2016 school year open online on Saturday, Nov. 1, with processing starting Monday, Nov. 3. Parents must submit those applications before Friday, Dec. 19, 2014, for guaranteed first-round consideration.

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To assist families in choosing a school, HISD will be hosting a Magnet Open House on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Northwest Mall (9500 Hempstead Hwy., 77092). The event will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and representatives from many of the district’s campuses will be on hand to answer questions and offer information about their programs.

Parents can also take tours of the schools they are considering during Magnet Awareness Week, Nov. 3–7. The tours are offered daily that week at 1 p.m.

Be sure to check out this year’s brochure (.pdf) for details on various programs, helpful suggestions on what to think about when considering various campuses, a list of questions to ask representatives of prospective schools, and a timeline of important dates in the magnet process. It is available in Spanish by clicking here.

For more information, please visit the School Choice website at www.houstonisd.org/magnet. Questions may be directed to 713-556-6734.