School choice fair to help military parents decide Published Nov. 15, 2012 By Nick Stubbs Thunderbolt editor MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Hillsborough County magnet schools fill up quickly, as parents are drawn to the specialized curriculums and unique learning environments offered, which is why MacDill is hosting a school choice and magnet fair designed to help military parents secure spots for their children for the next school year. The fair will be held Nov. 30 at the Brandon Airman & Family Readiness Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. School district representatives will be on hand to explain the magnet program for elementary, middle and high school students in anticipation of the upcoming application period -- Dec. 4 through Jan. 9 for middle and high school students, and Dec. 4 through Feb. 14 for elementary students. Because of the demand for spots in magnet schools, students are chosen through a lottery system, said Nelly Richards, MacDill's school liaison officer. Magnet schools "are very desirable" for many MacDill parents, said Richards, and the upcoming fair will give them the information they need to apply. Among programs available for middle school students are animal science and medical science exploration, to a gifted programs and performing arts. Among choices for high school students are an academy of health professions and architecture, and environmental design. Magnet schools feature smaller classrooms and better student-to-teacher ratios, along with rigorous academic instruction to enable students to discover their talents while being exposed to the latest technology and learning tools, said Richards. For more information, contact the Hillsborough County School Choice Information office at 272-4692, or Nelly Richards at 828-0146, Gayle Cook at 655-9281, or the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 828-0145.