Tustin Memorial Academy Announces Enrollment Procedures

Tustin Memorial Academy, the Tustin Unified School District's K-5 magnet school open to all elementary students, will continue its lottery procedures for open enrollment for the 2010-11 school year. The school offers two separate education programs – a fundamental education program for grades K-5 and a full-time Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program for grades 1-5.

Tustin Memorial uses a lottery system to enroll new students. Parents will be able to fill out lottery interest cards at the school, beginning Feb. 17 through March 12. All interest cards are due to the school by 3 p.m. March 12.

Interest cards will be randomly selected on March 15 at 3 p.m. Parents will be notified if their child will receive an enrollment packet. Children who are not enrolled will be placed on a waiting list.

Tustin Memorial is holding tours for parents who are interested in enrolling their children at the school for the next school year. Tours covering all grade levels will be held Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 8:45 a.m. and Thursday, March 4 at 8:45 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Parents will be able to meet with Principal Cindy Agopian and teachers at all grade levels, visit classrooms, tour the campus and receive other information. Each tour will last more than an hour, including a question and answer period.

Tustin Memorial Academy is entering its 16th year as a magnet school for fundamental and GATE education. The fundamental school concept places an emphasis on phonics-based literacy, hands-on technology lab instruction and performance-based student groupings for language arts and mathematics. Lessons featuring the Meet the Masters art and music programs are also included.

The GATE program offers a differentiated curriculum that promotes opportunities for study

in greater depth and complexity, development of advanced skills through research and technology, growth in creativity and curiosity, and an appreciation for learning. Students enrolling in the GATE Magnet program must have a GATE verification letter prior to enrollment.

Additionally, Tustin Memorial Academy encourages strong parental involvement with a collaborative relationship between staff and parents. Parents are asked to sign a commitment agreement that clearly states responsibilities of students and parents. Parental responsibilities include overseeing homework, volunteering at the school, and ensuring that their children uphold standards of behavior and adhere to the uniform dress code.

The school is located at 12712 Browning Ave. For additional information or to arrange a school tour, call (714) 730-7546.