ABOUT OUR MAGNET PROGRAM

Who We Are

At Crestdale Middle School, students in our Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Program experience the joy of learning through the arts while gaining independence and self-discovery. Young artists work together to produce high-quality performances, publications, and exhibitions that reflect their understanding of the arts, develop their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and enhance their self-esteem. Excellence in the arts is considered an integrated, natural extension of the academic program. Participants receive specialized instruction in a variety of areas. Students learn to express themselves through visual arts and performing arts.

Key Dates for the 2022-2023 School Choice Lottery

Enrollment & Application Period for Round I:

Enrollment Period|December 6, 2021-January 7, 2022

Application Period | December 6, 2021 - January 21, 2022

Internal Processing/Finalizing of Lottery | Late January 2022

Notification of Acceptance | February 2022

Schools Process Wait List | March 2022

FAQ

How do I enroll for the magnet? To apply, students must be enrolled in CMS first. Once enrolled, the student will receive a PIN number. Families will use that PIN number to apply to a magnet program of their choice.

-Lottery Information

-Click HERE for FAQs concerning CMS magnet programming.

What if my child rides the bus to school - can my child still get transportation to your Crestdale? As long as your home address lies within the Green Transportation Zone, CMS guarantees transportation to Crestdale magnet students.

*See map below for current GREEN transportation zone; families are encouraged to contact the CMS transportation office at 980-343-6715 for the most accurate information regarding transportation zones.

What is the focus of Crestdale's magnet program & in what experiences do students participate? Crestdale hosts a partial-magnet for the arts. Students may choose between a variety of arts courses. Students may choose to explore the arts or participate in a singular focus. Additionally, all Crestdale students may join in a myriad of additional experiences, including sports and service & special interest clubs. Families are invited to view our materials within this website to learn more about the arts at Crestdale!
What is required of a magnet student at Crestdale? To maintain their magnet seats from year to year, Crestdale magnet students are required to take at least 1 arts elective class and meet basic performance standards throughout the course of a year. A student may request to take several arts courses, scheduling permitting. (Students register for classes in the Spring with their counselors. Exact dates vary between schools.) Band & orchestra do require prior experience for students wishing to join in grades 7 & 8.
My student is already assigned to Crestdale. Can they still join the magnet OR do they need to join the magnet in order to access magnet courses in the arts? All Crestdale students have access to our arts programming, regardless of enrollment status. Students assigned to Crestdale based on home address do not need to apply to the magnet to participate in the arts.
Do prospective magnet students need to participate in an audition/interview? No, there is no audition/interview process required to join our magnet program.
My child is a magnet student at Crestdale. Where would my child go to high school? Crestdale magnet students have three options when transitioning to 9th Grade.

Option 1 - All magnet students have a seat ready for them at Northwest School of the Arts (NWSA) for 9th Grade. Prior to joining NWSA, students must successfully complete the NWSA audition process in their 8th Grade year. (Action required - Students may reach out to NWSA or Crestdale for guidance on this process.)

Option 2 - A magnet student may choose to apply for a different magnet program in CMS. (Action required - families must reapply to the Magnet Lottery.)

Option 3 - Magnet students may choose to attend their assigned high schools based on their home addresses. (No action required - students who do not successfully complete the audition process for NWSA or who do not apply for a different magnet program will be placed automatically at their assigned high school.)

My child is attending Crestdale through the Title I reassignment program. What is the difference? Since your child is not a magnet student, he/she is not required to take an arts elective. Your student is guaranteed transportation to Crestdale as long as your home address remains in the assignment zone associated with your child's original middle school.
We are moving to CMS midyear. Is it still possible to join Crestdale's magnet program? Families newly enrolled to CMS mid-year have 10 days to request a reassignment to a different school other than their neighborhood school. Placement at Crestdale depends on space within our magnet program. Please contact the CMS Magnet program if you would like to pursue this option. 980-343-5030

Chorus

Students learn proper vocal production and technique, including music reading skills, sight-singing skills, and performance skills. Chorus also offers opportunities for students to develop team building and leadership skills.

Piano

Students will learn the proper position and technique of playing the piano. Students will utilize instruments in our piano lab to learn the techniques and skills needed to practice and perform various pieces appropriate for their skill level.

Visual Arts

Students express themselves creatively through drawing, graphic design, sculpting, painting, and ceramic sculpture to develop art skills and concepts. Students explore composition, technique, the elements & principles of design, and attention-to-detail.

Dance

Students study, research, critique, choreograph, and perform in a variety of dance-based learning experiences. Styles may include jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and modern techniques.

Drama

Students study, write, research, critique, create, design, perform and participate in a variety of theater-based learning experiences. The courses include instruction in performance and design techniques, style, historical motifs and genres - creating performance-based experiences while using appropriate technology and media. The school participates in NCTC and produces two annual performances, including a school musical.

Band

Band courses offer instruction on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments with a focus on the skills necessary for long-term student success. Fundamentals include proper posture and playing position, development of characteristic tone quality and training in music literacy. Students participate in Solo & Ensemble and produce two performances annually.

Orchestra & Guitar

Crestdale offers instruction on violin, viola, cello, guitar and string bass instruments with a focus on the skills necessary for long-term success. Fundamentals include proper posture and playing position, development of characteristic tone quality and training in music literacy. Instruction offers continued focus on the refinement of tone quality, technique, aural skills and music literacy. Students participate in Solo & Ensemble and produce two performances annually.