Magnet Application Process

 1. To be considered for any magnet school/program in the Richland Two School District, your student's home address must be located within the boundaries. Use the zone locator to verify that your student's home address is located within the Richland Two School District.

2. Learn more about our magnet program by browsing this website and scheduling a tour by going to bit.ly/zbtours or clicking the button above. 

3. Attend the Choice Fair Event (124 Risdon Way) to gather program and application information. View the Magnet Calendar and Info Nights by clicking this link.

4. Attend our Longleaf Middle School Magnets Informational Meeting held at 1160 Longreen Parkway, Columbia, SC -- December 10, 2025, at 6:00 pm.

5. Decide on First, Second, and Third Magnet options. If you apply to more than one program, make sure your applications are in order of priority, with 1 being your first choice, 2 your second, and 3 your third. 

6. Apply* here for your program(s) during the Choice I or Choice II application window. 

7. Attend the magnet school/program interviews. You will receive an email about these interviews after you apply for your student.

8. Check back during the parent notification period to view your selection outcome. 

9. Accept or decline any offered seat during the specified window. 

*Acceptance into ZooBot is determined by an interview process.

*This program is a smaller community of students; therefore, students must complete an interview process.

What kind of student is well-suited for the School of Zoological and Botanical Studies?

The ZooBot magnet program is for students who have a passion for the care and conservation of living things and the environment. Students must be motivated and able to learn in collaborative groups. This magnet program integrates ZooBot magnet themes, such as protected lands & water, farming in the 21st century, environmental justice, and environmental advocacy into their core subjects -- Science, English, Social Studies, and Math. Students must be organized and responsible for their assignments and must be willing and ready to be outdoors in various elements, ready to observe, collect data, and learn more about the natural world. ZooBot students attend field studies to learn as scientists with the goal of becoming stewards of the environment.

Choice Program

An opportunity for students to apply to a magnet program outside of their zoned school. 

Richland School District Two students are assigned to schools based on their residential address; they may apply to a magnet school or another school within the district through the Choice program. This program offers parents and students residing in Richland District Two the opportunity to request permission to attend a school other than their zoned school. Parents may apply electronically each November/December or April/May for placement that will take effect the following school year. Only students who are zoned residents for Richland School District Two are eligible to apply and participate in the Richland Two Choice Program. For more detailed information about how to apply and due dates: https://www.richland2.org/departments/academics/academics/magnet-programs

ZooBot Selection Process

ZooBot assesses the whole child to determine if the program is a good fit for a student interested in zoological and botanical studies, as well as animal care and conservation, while experiencing authentic and applicable real-world situations.

Along with the interest criteria, students are invited to be a part of the program based on an interview, a collaboration activity, a writing sample, test scores, and teacher references.  The interview portion of the evaluation is based on a student’s interest in Zoological and Botanical Studies and commitment to scholastic excellence.  Academic ability is evaluated by a combination of information about grades, test scores, teacher recommendations, and a writing sample.

Annual ZooBot Magnet Program Costs: $360 per year

The fees cover the following:

1. 6-7 field studies per year

2. After-school programs

3. Care of classroom pets

4. Magnet operations

5. Other ZooBot-related activities: classroom supplies, gardening supplies, trash pick-up, etc.