HENRICO, VA (WWBT) – Parents hoping to send their kids to the Maggie Walker Governor's School need to be aware of a new admission policy in Henrico County. In previous years, the school system chose students based on who had the top composite scores across the county. Next year, officials say they'll take one top student from each of the eleven middle schools in Henrico. Only the remaining spots will be filled the conventional way.
For many kids, Maggie Walker is a dream school.
"She's been working very hard to be the strongest applicant she could be because that school is the one that feels like home to her," said Britta Wolfe of her 13-year old daughter.
But now she's afraid the 8th grader is at a disadvantage when it comes to the 33 spots available in next year's Maggie Walker class. The county is basing some of the admissions process on geography.
Parents said that makes the pool smaller. Instead of vying for one of 33 spots, some kids will fight for only 22 positions available.
Officials told us historically certain schools weren't gaining acceptance. In the last five years, only a handful of students from five schools combined have gotten into Maggie Walker. In that same time period, 141 Moody Middle School students were accepted.
Eric Jones said the new process will add to the diversity the Governor's School seeks in its mission statement.
"You're going to have different backgrounds," said Jones. "You may have different socioeconomic levels. You may have different world experiences."
Parents contend this won't add geographic variety because students may not necessarily attend the school in their home location. The admission consideration goes to what school the student is enrolled in, not where the student lives.
"We just want an equal playing field; the same chance as anybody else, that's all we're asking for," said Wolfe.
School officials said only qualified applicants will be accepted. If there is no eligible student from a particular school, no one from that location will get in. This change only applies to Henrico students, other counties remain the same.
(c) 2010. WWBT, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
So far, there have been no arrests, and police are urging residents to keep those doors locked.
More >>So far, there have been no arrests, and police are urging residents to keep those doors locked.
More >>The cause of the fire is not considered suspicious, and officials believe it was an accident.
More >>The cause of the fire is not considered suspicious, and officials believe it was an accident.
More >>It happened at the store near the intersection of Walmsley Boulevard and Broad Rock Boulevard.
More >>It happened at the store near the intersection of Walmsley Boulevard and Broad Rock Boulevard.
More >>Get the latest forecast from the NBC12 First Alert Weather team.
More >>Get the latest forecast from the NBC12 First Alert Weather team.
More >>Sam Sally says she was coerced by her husband, who has since died, into crossing into ISIS territory while on vacation in Turkey four years ago.
More >>Sam Sally says she was coerced by her husband, who has since died, into crossing into ISIS territory while on vacation in Turkey four years ago.
More >>The deputies were identified as Noel Ramirez and Taylor Lindsey.
More >>The deputies were identified as Noel Ramirez and Taylor Lindsey.
More >>Minnesota woman suspected of killing her husband, then a woman in southwest Florida captured at a South Texas resort.
More >>Minnesota woman suspected of killing her husband, then a woman in southwest Florida captured at a South Texas resort.
More >>"I think it's ridiculous" said the mother of the child, after she was told she couldn't use the term "best friend" by a teacher.
More >>"I think it's ridiculous" said the mother of the child, after she was told she couldn't use the term "best friend" by a teacher.
More >>The family of a Seven Hills student found dead in his van has released another statement.
More >>The family of a Seven Hills student found dead in his van has released another statement.
More >>During a nearly two-week long investigation, 180 people are behind bars, and Louisiana State Police took nearly a quarter of a million dollars worth of drugs off the street in central and northwest Louisiana.
More >>During a nearly two-week long investigation, 180 people are behind bars, and Louisiana State Police took nearly a quarter of a million dollars worth of drugs off the street in central and northwest Louisiana.
More >>Are you in the market for a new child's car seat? If you have an old one, exchange it at Target for a voucher that can be used to purchase a new car seat, booster seat, car seat base, or travel system.
More >>Are you in the market for a new child's car seat? If you have an old one, exchange it at Target for a voucher that can be used to purchase a new car seat, booster seat, car seat base, or travel system.
More >>Reports: Federal regulators plan to fine Wells Fargo as much as $1 billion as early as Friday for abuses tied to its auto lending and mortgage businesses.
More >>Reports: Federal regulators plan to fine Wells Fargo as much as $1 billion as early as Friday for abuses tied to its auto lending and mortgage businesses.
More >>