Parent FAQs

How are students selected for the magnet program? 

Students submit an electronic application for the magnet program(s) they would like to be a part of. An acceptance panel of educators evaluates students based on their grades, their score on the PSAT, their teacher recommendations, and the student’s answers on the magnet application. 

Are siblings of Magnet program students given priority placement in the Magnet Program? 

There is no priority placement for siblings. 

What happens when my student is accepted to a Magnet program? 

They will be invited to the spring Magnet Commitment Night of the school(s) to which they were accepted. They then will formally commit to one of those programs. 

What happens if my child is accepted to all 3 programs? 

Your child then has a choice to make on which of the three programs they would like to commit to and attend. The experience is very similar to the college admissions process. Students apply to many schools and choose one to attend. 

What happens when my student commits to their chosen Magnet program? 

Your student will then become an Adairsville Tiger, a Cass Colonel, or a Woodland Wildcat in all regards. They will participate in sports, fine arts, and clubs the same as a traditional high school student of that school. The Magnet Coordinator of your student’s chosen school and your student’s current middle school counselor will communicate to assure that your student’s information is transferred to the magnet school that your student chooses to attend. 

Once my student is accepted and commits to their chosen Magnet program, is it necessary for them to reapply every year? 

No. Students will continue in the magnet program until they graduate as long as they adhere to the academic and disciplinary expectations set by their magnet contract. 

What unique experiences will my child receive as part of the magnet program?

In each of the magnet programs, your child will receive a much more tailored high school experience than a traditional one. Your child will have specialized courses available to take in their areas of interest, a magnet counselor, coordinator and clerk for additional support, study abroad opportunities in their field of study, and many more individual supports and opportunities offered at each school.

How is the magnet program different from a traditional high school enrollment?

Magnet students take more rigorous classes that make them better prepared for a post-secondary education. Along with that rigor, they also receive much more support for them to succeed at those higher levels. They are presented more hands-on and real-world experiences as well as opportunities to work with experts in their preferred field of study.

Can my student still be in a club or sport and be a part of the Magnet program?

Absolutely. Colleges want to see students who are involved in more than just academics, so it is strongly encouraged that students participate in clubs and sports.

 Will my student spend all of their time outside of school studying? 

No. Although Magnet students certainly need to have strong time management skills and a commitment to studying in order to find success in their rigorous courses, their experience is purposefully built to give them opportunities to experience elective courses, clubs, and sports. It is highly encouraged that students participate in extracurricular activities, and program coordinators work to support that initiative. 

What support will my student receive to be successful in the rigorous Magnet courses they will take?

Beyond the teacher support that every student—Magnet or otherwise—will be given at Cass High School, Magnet students will also have the support of a dedicated Magnet Coordinator, Magnet Clerk, and Magnet Counselor. These individuals frequently check in on students to ensure social, mental, and emotional health. Magnet students are also provided a dedicated space for study and collaboration where they can relax and destress. Furthermore, Magnet students have direct access to the principal, who is actively involved in their high school experience from beginning to end.

Are there any specific requirements for graduation within the magnet program that are different from Georgia high school requirements?

Students enrolled in a Magnet program have a different course sequencing than non-Magnet students. In order to make students as competitive as possible for top-tier colleges, all academic courses that Magnet students take will be of the honors or AP level. Students enrolled in the Center for Advanced International Studies are required to take at least nine AP courses and a minimum of four World Language classes (three of which must be in the same language). Magnet students will also be given the opportunity to partake in unique and original research that they are passionate about, all while interning with a company that coincides with their research and interests. 

What is the Seal of Biliteracy and what are the requirements to earn it?

The Georgia Seal of Biliteracy is a seal that students can earn on their diploma upon graduation. The purpose of the seal is to encourage students to study foreign languages, thus growing these programs in Georgia schools, and to certify attainment of bilingualism to future employers and higher education institutions. The seal also provided universities with a method to recognize and give academic credit to applicants seeking admission. The requirements are as follows:

• Completion of all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher in those classes
• Proficiency in one or more languages other than English, demonstrated by passing a foreign language advanced placement examination with a score of 4 or higher or on an equivalent summative exam approved by the Department of Education (such as the STAMP4s)

What does the Magnet program do to assure that my student becomes bilingual?

One of the main goals of the Center for Advanced International Studies is to graduate students as bilingual. This means that they are taught in immersive style settings in their World Language classrooms, that they are given extension opportunities that will deepen their knowledge of the language, and that they are evaluated through a proficiency exam to determine eligibility for the Seal of Biliteracy. This is one reason why Magnet students are required to take at least three courses in one language—the deeper a student goes with a given language, the greater their chance of bilingualism. 

What is the International Skills Diploma Seal and what are the requirements to earn it?

The International Skills Diploma Seal is awarded to graduating high school students who complete an international education curriculum and engage in extracurricular activities and experiences that foster the achievement of global competencies. It is a signal to employers and higher education institutions that a student is prepared to participate in the global economy. The requirements are as follows:

• At least 3 credits in the same world language and/or ESOL
• At least 4 credits in courses determined to have an international focus (e.g., world history, world literature, human geography)
• At least 4 extracurricular activities and experiences with global themes and/or in global contexts (e.g., exchange programs, international and language clubs, travel abroad)
• 20 hours of community service involving a global/cross-cultural public service project
• Capstone presentation on the knowledge gained in the courses and activities listed above

As a parent, what is required of me if my child is in the Magnet program?

There is nothing required of a parent whose child is in a BCSS Magnet program. There are opportunities for parent involvement, however, such as the Magnet Parent Foundation, and parents will be able to be involved in fundraisers, serve as chaperones for study abroad programs and help prepare for special events. However, these are not expectations placed on a magnet parent, only opportunities if desired.

Is there a monetary commitment for my student to join the Magnet program?

No. There are activities that Magnet students participate in that cost money, such as travel abroad, field trips, college visits, and AP courses. However, scholarships and other financial assistance is available for all Magnet students. 

Is my student required to travel internationally to be a part of the program?

No. For the Center for Advanced International Studies, travel abroad is vitally important as it is the most impactful way for students to learn about culture and language. As this is the focus of our program, we highly encourage students to travel abroad or participate in an exchange program. However, it is not required. 

If my student chooses to travel internationally, does the school fund the trip?

The school does not pay for travel abroad. However, the Cass High Magnet Parent Foundation works very hard to generate funds to scholarship students abroad, and any student who needs financial assistance to travel will be aided as much as possible by the school through fundraisers. 

How do you integrate technology into the Magnet program classes?

All BCSS students are provided with a laptop and technology is integrated into every classroom in the form of Flipgrid, Quizlet, Teams, and other learning platforms. A specific technological resource that the Magnet program will provide students is our Language Lab. The Language Lab will feature an 18-foot LED video wall that will allow students to dial into classrooms around the world to communicate with students from different countries. The Language Lab will also feature first class language software that allows students to focus on their world language listening and speaking skills. Breakout room and MICC (clear touch)