Magnet & Montessori

The Rapides Parish School Board offers Magnet and Montessori programs designed to provide families with high-quality educational options that support student achievement and engagement. These programs offer specialized instructional approaches that foster academic growth, critical thinking, and student responsibility within structured learning environments.

Below, you will find information regarding program offerings, eligibility requirements, transportation expectations, and the application process to assist families in making informed enrollment decisions.  Please note that applications will be accepted during the month of February only. 

Please complete the following application if you would like your child to attend one of the RPSB Magnet or Montessori Schools.

Please note: Bolton Academy (PreK-12) accepts applications in January-February. Bolton Academy has a separate application that can be found here. 

Application Guidelines:

• Only one magnet school may be selected per student.

• Students with applications submitted to multiple Magnet or Montessori schools will be removed from the lottery.

• Students who require transportation to and from magnet or Montessori schools/programs must report to designated pickup and drop-off locations. Door-to-door transportation is not available.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Students must be in good standing at their current school.

• Students must have fewer than three major discipline referrals and must not have been expelled.

• Students should have no more than 10 unexcused absences and/or tardies.

Montessori Schools:

• Mabel Brasher Montessori (K-5th)

• Peabody Montessori (K-6th)

• Rosenthal Montessori (K-6th)

There are no academic eligibility requirements for acceptance into a Montessori. Availability will be determined by using the school’s capacity for each grade level. The following priorities will be used to select students: 

• Priority #1 – Siblings of students currently enrolled in the Montessori program 
• Priority #2 –Students who reside in the attendance zone
• Priority #3 – Students who reside outside the attendance zone.

Students in priority #3 will be chosen using a random lottery number system.

Magnet Schools:

• Alexandria Middle Magnet (6th-8th)

• Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet & STAR Academy (6th-8th)

• Bolton Academy (Pre-K-12)

• Carter C Raymond Jr. High STAR Academy (7th Grade)
• Peabody Magnet High School (9th-12th)

Please note: Bolton Academy (PreK-12) has a separate application that can be found here. 

Applicants for our magnet programs must have maintained a minimum 2.5 grade point average during the two previous semesters. Availability will be determined by using the school’s capacity for each grade level.  Upon meeting the academic eligibility requirements, the following priorities will be used to select the students:

• Priority #1 - Siblings of students currently enrolled in a Magnet school
• Priority #2 - Students who have successfully completed a magnet school program during the previous school year.  This priority includes transition grades which involve moving to a new school (8th to 9th)
• Priority #3 – All other applicants will be chosen based on a random number lottery system.

For Peabody Magnet: 

• Applicants for the 9th grade must have passed the spring semester 8th grade LEAP 2025 Assessment with a basic or higher in ELA and math.
• Applicants for the 10th or 11th grade must have passed the EOC LEAP 2025 exams with a score of Basic or higher.
• No 12th grade applications will be accepted.

 Vacancies will be determined by using the school’s capacity for each grade level.  Upon meeting these eligibility requirements, students will be selected according to the following selection priorities:

• Priority #1 - Siblings of students currently enrolled in Peabody Magnet High
• Priority #2 - Students who have successfully completed a Magnet school during the previous school year
• Priority #3 – All other applicants will be chosen based on a random number lottery system.

 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applications must be received no later than 11:59 pm on February 28, 2026. Applicants will receive an approval or denial letter by email to the email address on the application no later than March 20, 2026. Once you have received an approval letter, you must contact the approved school and complete any information that they might need.

Questions should be directed to the selected school administrator or to the Director of Middle, Magnet and Montessori, Mrs. Mollie Fontenot. She can be reached at 318-449-3104.  

Magnet/Montessori Steps

Note: Annual registration is required even if the student has an approved Magnet/Montessori application.

Step 1

If you are enrolling in Rapides Parish for the first time, you must complete new student registration AFTER you have completed the Magnet/Montessori/STAR application. Once you receive an approval letter, you will then complete new student registration to enroll in Rapides Parish.  You will need to register at your home school if you have not received an approval letter for Magnet/Montessori/STAR. 

If you are currently enrolled in Rapides Parish and are going to finish the year at a Rapides Parish School, you just need to apply for Magnet/Montessori/STAR with this application.

Step 2

Once an approval letter/notification is received, you will then contact the school that you have been approved to enroll in and complete any additional requirements that they might have. 

Step 3

Finally, you will complete Annual Registration starting in mid-July.