Magnet Program

Cheryl Relford
Executive Director, Elementary Schools

A ngie Goff, Secretary
(614) 797-5934 / Fax: (614) 797-5901

The Westerville City School District Magnet Program is a voluntary elementary option offering an instructional program to students in grades 1-5 who have a particular interest and desire to experience education through a focused curriculum. The Magnet Program consists of two different curricular options with an inquiry-based approach to learning. While the Magnet program is open to any WCSD student, there are limited seats available. Students may apply for enrollment in one of the two programs through a lottery.

Both programs emphasize a cooperative learning environment in a small school setting and include instruction in all major subject areas similar to our other elementary schools. These programs will utilize an inquiry-based approach where children will learn critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, communication, and adaptability skills, all of which support our Portrait of a Graduate. Each program offers two classes per grade, grades 1-5 (with the second 5th grade class at Emerson coming in 2024-2025).

The Magnet Lottery Application for the 2023-24 School Year is now closed.

Click for Magnet Application

Hanby Elementary hosts the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) program.

For questions about Hanby's programs, please call Principal Caley Baker at (614) 797-7100 or email her at bakerc2@wcsoh.org.
Or, CLICK HERE to visit Hanby's webpage.

Emerson Elementary hosts the World Cultures and Fine Arts (Grade 1-4) program.

For questions regarding Emerson's programs, please call Principal Chris Poynter at (614) 797-7080 or email him at poynterc@wcsoh.org.
Or, CLICK HERE to visit Emerson's webpage.

Instructional hours at both Hanby and Emerson Elementary Schools are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.

Magnet Program Timeline for 2023 Lottery

Friday, February 10 - Deadline to submit requests to remain at Hanby or Emerson for CURRENT Grades 1-4.
Monday, February 13 - Application available online at 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, February 23 - Magnet Open House
- Hanby, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Emerson, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Monday, March 13 - Application Deadline is 10:00 a.m. New students must have completed enrollment.
On or Before Friday, March 17 - Magnet Lottery
On or Before Friday, March 24 - Lottery notification goes out to families
Monday, April 3 @ 4:00 p.m. - Deadline for families to respond to Magnet invitation.

PLEASE SEE THE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BELOW:

Q: If I have more than one child to enter in the Magnet Lottery, Do I need to submit a separate application for each child? expand content

A: Yes. You will need to submit a separate application for each child.

Q: Will my application be accepted after the March 13, 2023 @ 10:00 a.m. deadline? expand content

A: No.

Q: Do the Magnet Programs teach the same curriculum as the other Westerville City Schools? expand content

A: Yes. The Magnet Programs teach the same district/state mandated curriculum as the other Westerville City Schools. The Magnet approach is in regards to the integration of the specific Magnet focus within the state mandated academic curriculum.

Q: Are siblings of Magnet Program students given priority placement in the Magnet Program? expand content

A: There is no priority placement for siblings

Q: Once a child is accepted into the Magnet Program, is it necessary to reapply each year? expand content

A: No

Q: What procedures are followed if a child is on the waiting list for the Magnet Program? expand content

A: Any available seats will be offered to the next student on the waitlist.

Q: Is transportation provided for students attending the Magnet Program? expand content

A: Yes. Bus transportation is provided for students to and from the Magnet Schools unless the student lives within walking distance of the attending magnet school. Magnet Schools are on an earlier schedule than other elementary schools in Westerville (8:00 a.m.-2:25 p.m.). .

Q: How many Magnet Programs may I apply to? expand content

A: One

Q: How do I know that my application was received? expand content

A: An automated email will be sent to the email address provided in the online application.

Q: Is there a school-age childcare program (YWCA Kids Place) available at the Magnet Schools? expand content

A: We are currently working with YWCA Kids Place for a program to be placed at Hanby beginning in the 2023-2024 school year. Both Hanby & Emerson students will be permitted to enroll though YWCA Kids Place. Westerville City Schools will send a bus to transport Emerson students to Hanby after school. More information can be found at YWCA Kids Place website.

Q: Can my child return to his/her home school after accepting an offer to attend a Magnet Program? expand content

A: It is expected that a student completes at least one year in the Magnet Program. Requests for an earlier return are handled on an individual basis. Also, there is no guarantee that the home school can accept a returning student if space is not available at the home school. Please contact the Principal at your child's Magnet school if you have questions about them returning to their homeschool and leaving the Magnet Program in which they are enrolled.