- What Is A Magnet School?
- How Are Children Selected?
- What Programs Are Available To Students?
- What Are The Grades?
- Is There A Fee?
- How Many Children Are In Each Class?
- Is There A Transportation Fee?
- What Is The Required School Day?
- How Secure Is The School?
- How Can I Be Involved With My Child In The School?
- Is There A Food Program?
What Is A Magnet School?
A magnet school is a publicly funded school operated by a local or regional
school district, by a regional educational service center or by cooperative
agreement involving two or more districts. Each magnet school has an
educational theme or focus; students choose to enroll based on their
interests in the school's theme. The performing arts, college preparation,
science, technology and Japanese studies are examples of the wide range of
magnet school themes serving elementary, middle and high school students.
The purpose of interdistrict magnet schools is to reduce, eliminate or
prevent the racial, ethnic or economic isolation of public school students
while offering a high-quality curriculum that supports educational
improvement. Magnet schools offer programs in Grades PK-12.
How Are Children Selected?
Acceptance to MIMS is based on a random lottery system and availability of
space. An application period and lottery will be held on designated dates
during the months of February through April for the upcoming school year.
Available seats will first be filled by children residing in Waterbury and
the participating school districts of Thomaston, Plymouth and Wolcott.
Children residing in other surrounding districts are welcome to apply and may
be accepted in the event that seats are available. Unsuccessful applicants
must reapply each school year.
What Programs Are Available To Students?
MIMS follows the Waterbury Public Schools District curriculums and programs.
We provide opportunities to learn in an atmosphere that fosters the
integration of vigorous academic skills, individual learning styles and
students' cultural and linguistic diversity. In addition, we offer full-day
pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs, Japanese Language and Culture
Curriculum, Science Technology Program, a Multicultural Curriculum and a
Developmental Guidance Program. Students may participate in our Hearing
Impaired program and Before and After School Program.
What Are The Grades?
Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Five.
Is There A Fee?
There is no fee to attend.
How Many Children Are In Each Class?
Pre-Kindergarten classes have a maximum of eighteen students, with one
teacher and one classroom assistant.
Kindergarten classes have a maximum of twenty students, with one teacher and
one classroom assistant.
Grade one has a maximum of twenty-four students.
Grades two and three have a maximum of twenty-five students.
Grades four and five have a maximum of twenty-eight students.
Is There A Transportation Fee?
Students from Waterbury, Thomaston, Terryville/Plymouth and Wolcott are
transported to/from MIMS by their local school districts.
There is no cost to the student.
What Is The Required School Day?
Pre-Kindergarten program runs from 8:35 AM to 2:00 PM.
Kindergarten through Grade 5 runs from 8:35 AM to 2:50 PM.
How Secure Is The School?
MIMS has a secure system in place. All exterior doors
remain locked. Visitors must enter the building via a monitoring system.
How Can I Be Involved With My Child In The School?
Parents are welcome to participate in PTO activities and as classroom
volunteers and field trip chaperones.
Is There A Food Program?
MIMS has a full working kitchen and staff. Breakfast and
lunch are prepared each day from a varied menu. Federal guidelines based on
family income determine the cost (Full, Free, Reduced). Students may decide
to bring a lunch from home.
