Orange County Public Schools has established elementary magnet programs to provide choices for parents and students, to:

• Increase student success.
• Involve parents in students' education.
• Provide specialized programs and curricula.

Participation is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements. The magnet program is administered by the host school, which is responsible for determining the program structure, eligibility requirements and application procedures. Hillcrest Elementary School is the Foreign Language Academy. Our magnet program offers bilingual education for all students in English/Spanish or English/French. Currently, incoming kindergarten students are eligible to apply for the lottery. All other students must apply, but will be interviewed as openings are available.

Brief History of the Foreign Language Magnet Program:

• The Vietnamese bilingual program has been housed at Hillcrest for over 20 years. It is a very unique program.
• In 1997, the Foreign Language Academy was established to provide an opportunity for more students to become bilingual, bi-literate and bicultural.
• In 1998, the Magnet program was created to offer this opportunity to students outside of the Hillcrest zone.
• Currently, forty-five percent of the students are magnet students and twenty-one percent are in the Vietnamese bilingual program.

Student Expectations

• Must be able to accommodate regular education classes
• Strong commitment to learning
• Excellent behavior
• Completion of class and home work
• Regular attendance
• Come to school on time
• Regularly wear the school uniform

Parent Expectations:

• Active Involvement is a must!
• PTA
• ADDitions Volunteers
• Classroom Support
• Parent will contract with the school

Who is eligible?

• In-coming kindergarten students are welcome to apply
• Students in the aligned area receive transportation; outside area must provide own transportation
• Students entering grades 1 – 5 are not eligible for the lottery. Applications are accepted and interviews/assessments are scheduled in the spring

How are Students Chosen

• Lottery through OCPS School Choice
• Slots will be filled based on available seats in kindergarten in French or Spanish

How do I apply?

Applications for the 2009-2010 school year will be posted on the School Choice website on October 1, 2008. Additional information regarding Magnet Programs will be updated at that time.

Please see our FAQ for frequently asked questions regarding the Magnet Program.

For additional information, please contact Nirsa Gautier or call 407.245.1770 ext. 2245