ACADEMY OF BIOMEDICAL CAREERS
The Academy of Biomedical Careers (ABC) aims to introduce students to a variety of health care professions. Students receive comprehensive instruction to prepare them for entry-level healthcare careers or college. ABC contains a curriculum that spans ninth through twelfth grades and includes opportunities for internships that will enhance students’ skills. American Senior High partners with various local post-secondary learning facilities to provide additional learning/skill building opportunities. The program is aligned with academic, employment, and workplace standards. The ABC earned the coveted distinction of being a model program from the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC).
Frequently Asked Questions
Application Process Questions
What is the fastest way to apply? Online. Not only is your application instantly processed, but you can print a copy of your selections for your records.
What do I need to apply online? If you are registered on the Parent Portal via www.dadeschools.net, simply login to the Parent Portal and follow the link to the magnet application link. If you are not registered, but your child is already a student at a Miami-Dade County Public School, follow the directions listed for first time users.
How does the application process work? In all schools, except the Visual Performing Arts (VPA) magnet schools, the selection process is done by a random selection of the eligible applicants. VPA magnet schools require auditions and students are selected as a result of their auditions.
How many school/program selections can I make? You may make up to five (5) selections at 5 different schools. You cannot select more than one strand at any single school.
Can I change my selections after I process my application online or submit my paper application? No. Once your application has been processed and the school has declared your child eligible or ineligible, no changes or replacement selections will be accepted or processed.
Can I send in a paper application and apply online? No. Only one application (online or printed) will be accepted. Any duplicate applications will not be processed.
What if I want to appeal a change of strand? Or select a different school? All selections are final. No change of strands or change of selected schools will be accepted, so it is important to make your selections carefully before submitting your application online or in printed form.
How can I be sure that my online application was received? Will I get a confirmation number?: You are offered the option to print your selections when you submit an application online. Printed applications submitted through the mail do not get a confirmation or receipt.
Will all my choice schools know I’m applying to other schools? No. Each school only sees the portion of the application that applies to their school.
I don’t reside in Miami-Dade County, am I still eligible to apply? Yes, everyone is eligible to apply for a Magnet program regardless of where they reside.
How do I know my application is being processed with no problems? If you submit your application online, you can review the status of your application at any time via the Student Portal on www.dadeschools.net. In the case of paper applications, (as long as the Student ID number is included), you will also have the ability to review the status via the Student Portal; however, a two to three week delay may occur prior to the application status being available online. If a Student ID number is not noted on the application, you will have to contact the school selected directly.
Changing Magnet School/Program Questions
If we applied at more than one magnet school, can my child be selected to attend more than one school? Yes. You may be selected to multiple schools during the random selection process. It will then be your choice which school you choose for your child to attend.
If my child doesn’t like the magnet program, can I transfer him to a different magnet program at another school? No. Once you have agreed to attend a magnet program, the only school you may choose to transfer your child to, is your official home school of record.
Deadline Questions
What is the deadline for applying and completing the individual school requirements? January 15. Any application received after that date will not be accepted. In addition, if you fail to complete individual school requirements by the January 15 deadline, your application will be voided.
New Students to M-DCPS Questions
What if I am a private school parent or my child is entering school for the first time? You will need to print out and complete the paper application available at www.miamimagnets.org. Just note “No ID” in the area that asks for your student’s ID; a temporary ID will be assigned to your child and the application will be processed.
Requirement Questions
Are there other requirements to apply? Yes, individual schools have different requirements, such as recommendations, specific subjects students must have completed prior to applying, auditions, interviews, or minimum grades.
PLEASE NOTE: The schools will NOT contact you; you must contact them, as they do not have the resources to contact each applicant.
Where do I send the individual school requirements? All individual school requirements MUST be sent directly to the school. Items attached to the application mailed to the district magnet school office will be discarded.
Selection Process
Are there any exceptions to the random selection process? Per Board Policy 2370, the following priorities are applied in the random selection process:
1) students of active duty military families who have provided proof to individual schools they are applying to 2) younger siblings of students currently attending the school they applied to and if they will be in attendance for a minimum of one concurrent year. Please note that in order for these priorities to be applied in the selection process, students must apply and meet all entrance requirements by the application deadline of January 15.
When will I be notified that my child was accepted into the magnet program I applied to? Parents are notified of the results of the random selection process on or about March 15. If you have any questions on the results, you must contact the individual schools directly.
How will I be notified that my child was chosen in the random selection? Each school notifies parents of the results of the random selection process, or audition results (Visual Performing Arts magnet schools) with a letter sent via US Mail. Letters are mailed to the official residence listed on your child’s records for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. If you have any questions, you must contact the schools directly for information.
PLEASE NOTE: The district magnet school office cannot answer any questions regarding individual school programs or random selection results. The district magnet school office only serves as the application processing center.
Transportation
Will my child get transportation if selected? It depends on where you live and the transportation available for the specific school. You must contact the individual school directly to find out if transportation is available for you.
If transportation is not provided can I transfer my child to a closer magnet school? No. It is VERY important that you contact the individual schools to see whether transportation is available from your neighborhood to the selected school PRIOR to applying to the school.
Trouble Shooting Issues
Who do I contact if I have a problem applying? If your problem is system–related (online application issues), or specifically related to the actual application, you will need to contact 305-995-1922. If your question is related to a specific school program or school, you need to contact the individual school.
If there is a change of address during the application process do I have to apply again? No, however any correspondence sent to you will only go to the official residence listed on your child’s records for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Any address changes you note on the application cannot be placed into effect from the district office. They can only be made at your child’s present school.