Poolesville "Whole School Magnet" House Certificate Application
A whole school magnet is organized around instructional “houses” made up of small teams of teachers and students from multiple disciplines, centered around a proven magnet course of studies. Students may choose from three instructional houses: Global Ecology House, Humanities House and Science, Math, Computer Science House. In the Global Ecology House students will pursue rigorous interdisciplinary science and social studies curricula focused on human impact on the natural environment. In the Humanities House students will study humanities through the lens of American History and English to introduce inquiry. In the Science, Math, Computer Science House students will develop and deepen skills in problem-solving, analysis and laboratory investigations. All three houses use an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Classes are linked to provide flexibility and a deeper understanding of each house focus.
The Poolesville High School Whole School Magnet Program is funded to accept 50 "out of area" (not residing in the Poolesville Cluster) Montgomery County 9th grade students in each Magnet House (150 total students). There is no limit to the number of Poolesville cluster students accepted to the programs. In order to earn a certificate in any program, students must be accepted to the program via the application process.
Who may apply to any of the House Certificate Programs?
Students in Grade 8 who are enrolled in at least Algebra I may apply to any of the House Certificate programs for the following school year. Applicants who wish to apply for either the Humanities House or the Science, Math, Computer Science House must reside in one of the following MCPS high school clusters at the time of testing: Clarksburg, Damascus, Gaithersburg, Magruder, Northwest, Poolesville, Quince Orchard, Seneca Valley, or Watkins Mill. Applicants who wish to apply for the Global Ecology House may reside in any MCPS High School Cluster. Students in other high school clusters who are interested in a Science, Math, Computer Science Program can apply to the Montgomery Blair Magnet Program.
How do I learn more about the House Certificate Programs?
Each fall there is a informational meeting about the Magnet for interested students and their parents/guardians. This year, the meeting will be held on October 12th at 7:00 PM in the Poolesville High School Auditorium. (Directions) An information booklet will be available at this meeting, or online, that gives greater detailed information on all the magnet house programs.
Applications are sent to guidance offices in every MCPS middle school and most private middle schools by October 2nd. You may also download the Class of 2014 application at the website listed below when it is available on October 2nd, 2009. Applications must be postmarked or hand delivered to Poolesville High School by the deadline, November 9th, 2009. Applications should be sent to:
Magnet Program Coordinator
Poolesville High School
17501 West Willard Ave
Poolesville, Maryland 20837
Because of the volume of applications and preparation for test administration, late applications cannot be accepted.
NO FAXED APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED
What are the selection criteria?
Selection is based on a student's achievement record in mathematics, social studies, science, and English, demonstrated interest in mathematics, science, social studies and computer science, and teacher recommendations. Applicants take a series of mathematical and verbal aptitude, achievement, and critical thinking tests in January. More information about the tests can be found here. A review booklet is available to applicants to help prepare for the test.
There is a $50 fee to cover the administrative costs of these tests.
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