FAQ
What is the timeline for the on-time LACES application?
The on-time application opens each year at the beginning of October and close in November. Please access the Choices website for exact dates. Applications are due by the due date (online at http://echoices.lausd.net or paper applications at LAUSD schools). Applicants will receive a confirmation letter in December and will be notified in March if they are selected or placed on a waitlist.
Does it help to turn in the application early?
All on-time applications are treated the same. You can edit your application up until the due date.
How does the Magnet priority point system work?
LAUSD assigns magnet priority points to each applicant. There are 5 ways to obtain magnet points. You can read about that here. Then, students are randomly selected based on the number of points they have. The number of students accepted is based on the need to maintain a racially balanced enrollment as well as available spaces. As an integration magnet program, LACES must maintain a racial breakdown of 70% PHBAO (Predominantly Hispanic, Black, Asian, Other) students and 30% OW (White) students.
Where can I learn more about how students are selected for LAUSD Magnet schools?
To find out more about how students are selected for LAUSD Magnet schools, please choose “How are students selected?” on the Choices Magnet homepage.
How do late applications work?
The late application period typically opens in February. They are placed on the waitlist after the on-time application in the order they are received.
My student is designated gifted, does this factor into LACES admissions?
If I give a contribution or do volunteer work, does that give my child a better chance of getting into the school?
How can I visit LACES?
LACES holds an annual open house in the fall during the on-time application window. Please check our website in September for more information. You can also view our fall 2023 virtual open house here.
How do I find out if my address automatically qualifies for transportation to LACES?
To find out if your address automatically qualifies for transportation access LACES radius map and type in your address in the search field on the left hand side marked by the magnifying glass.
Where can I find bus information?
You can find bus information here. Once there enter LACES in the School Name field to see list of stops or call (800) LA-BUSES (800) 522-8737.
Does LACES have a feeder school?
Yes. Currently, 5th grade students who matriculate from Mid-City’s Prescott School for Enriched Sciences and apply for LACES via the Choices application are automatically selected.
What is a Center for Enriched Studies?
LACES was one of the first magnet schools in LAUSD when magnet programs were begun in the late 1970s. The first magnet schools were designed to reduce racial isolation by offering a choice to parents. As a Center for Enriched Studies, it strives to provide students with a unique educational experience by addressing the needs of the whole child to ensure college and career readiness. It does this in terms of its structure and pedagogical approach. LACES is structured as a multi-level spanned school with a wide variety of electives. Pedagogically, LACES takes a humanistic approach to all subject areas. Humanism is understood to be marked by the following five tenets: (1) student choice; (2) engagement to foster self-directed learning; (3) importance of self-evaluation; (4) the belief that feeling and knowledge are both integral to the learning process and cannot be separated; (5) the knowledge that learning must have a safe environment both physically and emotionally.