Frequently Asked Questions
As per Federal and State Compliance, the following documentation is needed:
- Photo Identification from both the parent and the resident
- A Statement of Residence form
- A letter from the resident detailing the names of all individuals residing at the address along with the time period that they will be living at the residence
- the residents' current electric bill, natural gas bill, water bill, or valid lease agreement (all names must be listed on the lease agreement)
What can be submitted as proof of HISD residency?
We will only accept the following:
1. A current (within the last 3 month) electric bill, natural gas bill, water bill, AND
2. A valid lease agreement (if the resident is renting) or Harris County property tax statement for the homestead
My child has qualified and has been offered a seat into your program. What are the next steps? If your child is offered a seat, you must complete the enrollment procedures by the deadline set by School Choice. You will have to submit a signed entrance agreement along with proof of HISD residency. You will be emailed with specific instructions of what needs to be submitted along with all forms that are required. It is imperative that we have correct contact information so that you receive all communications from us.
Do you provide transportation? The HISD Transportation Department will provide transportation to students who live more than 3 miles from our campus.
Do you have UIL sports at your campus?
No, if a student is interested in participating in IUL sports, they may tru out and play for their zoned school. We do offer intramural sports.
I have applied, what happens next? Notifications will be sent out in the Spring(TBD) letting you know whether or not your child has been offered a seat. As we process applications before that date, you might receive an email from us letting you know your child's application is incomplete or missing informations.
Please keep a look out in your email for messages from us. Keep your login information handy for the Application System as you can always log in and check the status of the application or for any notes we might have regarding the application.
How does ranking applications work? It is very important that you rank the schools you are applying to in the order of preference. Once accepted into a program, all of a student’s lesser-ranked applications, including any other acceptances, will be “dropped” or “released”, so that those spots can be offered to other students. For example, if you get accepted into your #1 ranked choice and applied to 3 programs, the #2 and #3 choice will be dropped. Please read the Office of School Choice's explanation of school rankings by clicking here.
What score does my child need on their matrix in order to qualify for the program? Students need a minimum of an 65 in order to qualify for the lottery. Read more about how the matrix score is calculated by clicking here. Magnet Matrix Calculator
How do I know what school my child is zoned to in HISD? Enter your address at this link: Find a School
Do you accept students at all grade levels? No, we only accept 9th and 10th grade applicants. The early college program is a 4 year course which does not allow the ability for transfers after 10th grade.
How many students are accepted into your program? We have about 125 spaces available for 9th graders and 2 for 10th graders. There are more qualified applicants than spaces available; a lottery will be used to select students from those with qualifying matrix scores. All lottery sessions are held at the Hattie Mae White Education Support Center by the Office of School Choice.
Incomplete Applications = Unprocessed Applications. Failure to provide the necessary documents needed will result in not being able to process your child's application for consideration. It is the parents responsibility that applications are complete by the deadlines established for processing.
Do you consider anything else with the application? No. For equity purposes, we do not consider recommendation letters, resumes, awards, projects, photos, or anything not listed on the application.
What needs to be submitted with the application? If your child was not in HISD last year, please attach the following documents to your application:
1. A copy of your child's end of year report card for the 2023-2024 school year, and
2. A copy of all standardized test results (IOWA/Logramos or Stanfor/Aprenda and STAAR) for 23-24 that your child took in a non-HISD school
What are the requirements for acceptance into your program? Students must have a minimum matrix score of "65" in order to qualify.
What if my application is late? Applications received after phase 1 deadline will be accepted but considered only on a space available basis. Prior years, due to the high volume of application received during the first phase, we have not moved beyond Phase 1 applicants. Make sure you submit your child's application on time!
What is the deadline to apply? Applications must be submitted TBD, for guaranteed consideration in the first round of applicants.
How do you apply? You can submit an online application at HISD Choice. You can apply to a total of five (10) Magnet Programs. We strongly suggest that you apply to more than one magnet program. You must rank the schools you are applying to in the order of preference.
When should my child start to apply? During your child's 8th grade year to be considered for admittance here for the 9th grade. Application for the 2026-2027 school year will be available starting in December. Applications must be submitted by end of phase 1.