It's that time of year! And I'm not talking about "visions of sugar plums dancing in my head" or "the city sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style". Nope, what I am talking about is the decision many families are trying to make right now---where their son or daughter is going to school next year.

This is no easy decision. Unlike when I was a kid (my parents had two choices--the neighborhood public school or a private school) parents today have many choices. Indianapolis is rich in quality public schools, private schools, parochial schools, and now public charter schools.

Of course, I am going to be partial to IPS since I am an elected school board member. I am also a parent (both my children attended Rousseau McClellan, School #91 Montessori and Broad Ripple High School), a lifelong Indianapolis resident (I attended both School #84 and Broad Ripple High School), and a taxpayer (like you, half of my property taxes support the public schools and public charter schools).

IPS offers more educational choices than any other public school system in Indiana. For over twenty-five years, the IPS magnet and option programs have provided many innovative educational choices for the families of Indianapolis. I personally invite all families to visit our schools and see what we have to offer-- I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised at what you find.

In order to be considered for an IPS magnet or option program you must apply. The application deadline is December 15, 2006. Applications are available at all IPS schools or on-line at www.magnet.ips.k12.in.us. Students applying for middle school and high school programs should return the application to his/her counselor for completion of teacher recommendations.

All applications received by the initial deadline will be considered in the lottery selection process. Families new to IPS will also need to register their child. For more information about registration or the application process, please call 226-4670.

Below is just a small sampling of the special programs IPS offers. Feel free to contact the schools for further information or to set up a tour.

Joseph Bingham School #84 - Center for Inquiry

International Baccalaureate Primary Grades and Middle Years Program

440 E. 57th Street     226-4284     www.302.ips.k12.in.us

Kindergarten-8th grade     Principal: Chris Collier

Rousseau McClellan School #91 - Montessori

5111 Evanston Ave.     226-4291     www.391.ips.k12.in.us

Kindergarten-8th Grade     Principal: Margaret Higgs

Mary E. Nicholson School #70 - Performing and Visual Arts

510 E. 46th Street     226-4270     www.70.ips.k12.in.us

Kindergarten-6th Grade     Principal: David Newman

Shortridge Middle School - Math/Science Magnet - Performing and Visual Arts Magnet

3401 N. Meridian Street     226-2810     www.514.ips.k12.in.us

7th-8th Grade     Principal: Linda Davis

Broad Ripple High School - Center for Humanities, and Performing and Visual Arts

1115 Broad Ripple Ave.     693-5722     www.717.ips.k12.in.us

Magnet Director: Sandy Reiberg     Principal: Greg Allen