Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get an application?

Applications are available online at the LAUSD eChoices website.

We live outside of The Science Academy's residential school area, can my child still apply?

Of course! As long as you live within the Los Angeles Unified School District you are eligible to apply.

Can my child apply for grade levels other than 6th grade?

We accept applications for every grade, but our available spaces are limited in the higher grade levels.

Does my child have to be a Magnet student in order to apply?

No. Any student can apply for The Science Academy STEM Magnet.

My child does not have any Magnet points. Can they still apply?

Yes. Everyone is encouraged to apply. Magnet points are not a guarantee for acceptance.

If my child attends a non-LAUSD or private school, can they apply to The Science Academy?

Yes. Any student living within LAUSD’s boundaries may apply.

Do I need to sign up to take the mandatory assessment?

No. After you have submitted your eChoices application, you will receive an email notifying you of the time of your child’s virtual assessment test. Students must have working computer with camera to take the exam.

If my child has been identified as gifted, does that mean that they automatically qualify for admission to The Science Academy?

No. All students, regardless of gifted status or grades, must take the mandatory assessment. Students who qualify for admission based on the assessment go into the lottery. Once in the lottery, all students will be selected by the Magnet Lottery process. Selection notifications are generally sent out in March.

If my child does not take or pass the assessment, can they still go into the lottery if they are identified as gifted or have a high GPA?

No. All students must pass the assessment in order to qualify for the Magnet Lottery.

If my child passes the test and/or other criteria, but does not get accepted in the lottery, will they remain on a wait list for The Science Academy?

If you indicated a 2nd and/or 3rd choice on your form, your child will most likely be given one of those schools and will not remain on our wait list.

What happens if my child passed the test and/or other criteria, but not have a 2nd or 3rd choice and did not get selected in the initial lottery?

If your child does not initially get selected in the lottery and they do not have a 2nd or 3rd choice, they will attend their home school while remaining on our wait list.

What happens if my child does not pass the assessment?

If your child does not pass the assessment, and if you indicated a 2nd or 3rd choice, your 2nd choice will automatically become your 1st choice and you will not lose any Magnet points. If you did not indicate a 2nd or 3rd choice, you will have to attend your home school and/or wait for the Late Application process to begin in order to apply to a different school.

Can my child take the assessment more than once?

No. Students may only take the assessment test once in an enrollment year. Those who do not pass will have to wait for the following year and take the test again for the corresponding grade level that they will be entering.

If my child has a sibling attending The Science Academy, do they have a better chance of being accepted?

All students must pass the mandatory assessment in order to get into the lottery, whether they have siblings in the program or not. Once in the lottery, additional sibling points will be factored in.

If I have more than one child applying to The Science Academy at the same time, do they have the same chances of getting in?

Only those students who pass the mandatory assessment may be eligible for admission, regardless and independent of sibling application.

Can I know the score of my child’s assessment?

We do not provide the specific results of the assessment to anyone. You will be notified, via email, as to whether or not your child has passed the test and is eligible to continue to the lottery.

Will I lose my Magnet points if my child is offered admission into The Science Academy and we do not accept?

If you decline any LAUSD Magnet school offer, you will lose your Magnet points.

When considering applying for The Science Academy STEM Magnet, please keep in mind that it is a seven-year articulated college-preparatory school which adopts advanced methodologies in teaching and learning in STEM. This school allows students the opportunity to explore non-conventional learning styles in an innovative atmosphere. Our learning modules are rigorous with the intensity of a college-bound curriculum. High School level curriculum begins in the 6th grade and College level curriculum begins in the 7th grade. It should be understood that the curriculum will not be altered and that students will be expected to adhere to the academic policies of The Science Academy STEM Magnet. This consists of active parent participation and diligent observance by the students that includes the expectation of daily studying, completion of all assignments (on time and as necessary), and a commitment to maintaining a B average or above in all classes. Finally, it must be clearly understood that all students will be expected to attend all classes regularly and on time.