Hunters Woods Magnet Program

Hunters Woods Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences opened its doors in 1969 and has had five principals through the years. It began as an open school with multi-age grouping and innovative programs, and it remains on the cutting edge of the reform movement in this country.

Hunters Woods is the second magnet school for the arts and sciences in Fairfax County and draws over 250 students from surrounding schools. With over 950 children, the school is also a center for the Gifted and Talented and the Mildly Retarded populations. Students from different programs collaborate on various projects during the school year and throughout the school day.

There are many unique aspects of the school including:

Exemplary school business partnerships with Freddie Mac, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Company, the George Mason University Center for the Performing Arts and the Kennedy Center.

Staff members who serve as clinical faculty for George Mason University's Professional Partnership School.

A Reading Recovery Program for first grade students to enhance at risk learners achievement in reading.

Success By Eight

A combination of multi-age and traditional classroom arrangements.

A conflict mediation program in which students are trained as mediators to enhance peace-making skills.

A mentor/mentee program that serves many students on a weekly basis.

Student leadership opportunities with the Student Council Association, SWAT (Students Workers Applying Technology), closed circuit television station (WHW), school newspaper.

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Information

Frequently Asked Questions about our Magnet Program

What is a magnet school?

A magnet school attracts students from around the county because of its unique programs. At Hunters Woods, the program enhancements include a full-time technology teacher and a full-time science teacher. We also have additional art instruction.

Is the Magnet School a school within a school?

No, the magnet school students are integrated into the community school.

Is there transportation for the students?

Yes. After the Magnet population is identified, there will be locations in each area of the county designated s pick-up sites. This information will be available in late August.

What about SACC, the school aged childcare program?

We have a School Aged Child Care program at Hunters Woods. You need to apply to the Office for Children for slots in this program.

What are the school hours?

Students arrive at 8:35 a.m. and depart at 3:10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Monday hours are 8:35 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. This is subject to change as in every other Fairfax County school. We inform the community of changes before the end of the year.

How do we apply?

The application procedure is advertised each year in January. At that time, an application will be available at all Fairfax County elementary schools and on-line at http://www.fcps.edu. Parents complete the application and submit it to the Office of Elementary Instruction. A verification of the child's academic status and behavior is collected from the child's current school. A random computer lottery is conducted. Parents are notified of lottery results in early April. An informational meeting for Hunters Woods is held in February of each year for interested parents.

Who may apply?

Students in grades 1-6 are eligible to apply for the program. Students currently enrolled in private school are also eligible and may obtain an application at their local elementary school or on the Internet. To be eligible for admission, a child must be on or above grade level in language arts, mathematics, citizenship and study skills. Most elementary students fall within this category. If your child is having difficulty adjusting to school you might want to reconsider applying to a magnet school. Such a transition might prove to be upsetting to a child who is already having problems in school.

Do we need to apply each year?

No. Once you are in the program, you will automatically be registered each year.

Can we apply to both magnet schools?

Yes. You may receive an invitation to attend one or both of the schools.

Are siblings guaranteed a place at the magnet school?

No, but a student will receive additional consideration if a brother or sister is in the program.

How is the program implemented?

There is extensive teacher training in the summer before school starts and during the school year. Specialists work in the classroom and in a lab setting to enhance the Fairfax County programs.

How do center programs work within the magnet school?

Hunters Woods is a center for the Gifted and Talented. Students are transported from neighboring schools to participate in this program. Center students have a differentiated educational program, yet they have similar curriculum in social studies and science. Students in the Center benefit from all of the programs we offer as a magnet school. All teachers plan collaboratively and cooperatively for field trips and for school-wide events, such as creating museums and science experiences. Centers across the county are created to meet the needs of an identified group of students and the integrity of those programs will continue.

Is there an opportunity to visit the magnet schools?

Yes. Hunters Woods will host an information night in February. The specific date will be advertised on the web site. After the lottery is conducted, children and their families will be invited to visit the school for a magnet orientation.

What if my child wants to return to his community school?

Give your child a chance to adjust to the new school, teachers and programs. You always have the option of returning to your community school.

Will the school ever counsel a child out of the program?

If the child is having a difficult time in this new setting, the teacher and administration will keep the parents informed.

Does Hunters Woods have a strong PTA?

Absolutely, there are many volunteers who work at home and within the classroom settings on a daily basis. The PTA at Hunters Woods supports the school through volunteerism and monetary contributions. The PTA is a cornerstone in the maintenance of a strong and vital school community. We also have award-winning partnerships with Freddie Mac, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and George Mason University, Institute of the Arts.

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