Magnet Programs

Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts

The Waller Mill Fine Arts Magnet School provides students in grades 1-5 with enriched instruction in choral music, exploratory instrumental music, drama, visual arts and dance. Young artists work together to prepare performances and create exhibitions that display their appreciation of the arts while advancing critical thinking, problem-solving and enhanced self-esteem. Excellence in the arts is both a natural extension of the academic program and an integral part of the core curriculum.

• Elementary Magnet Program Overview
• Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts Program Details

  Eligibility

  Current Waller Mill Elementary students will attend the magnet unless opted out by their parents or guardians. The remaining slots may be applied for by other YCSD elementary students and York County residents who are currently enrolled in private schools through the Out-of-Zone application process. Non-county residents may attend on a tuition-basis.

  Out-of-Zone Application Process

  The division's Out-of-Zone Application is accepted beginning February 1 through June 1 for the upcoming school year. Completed applications should be submitted to the Student Services Department at the School Board Office or sent online. Approval of applications will be based on the student's good standing and space availability in the grade level of the requested school. Approved magnet school students do not need to re-apply for out-of-zone placement each school year.

  Curriculum Connections

  The Waller Mill Fine Arts Magnet integrates the fine arts into core academic areas (e.g., history: a study of the music and art of a particular time period as a reflection of the culture and society of that era). The interdisciplinary focus of the arts/academics program provides students with traditional core instructional hours and prepares students for Standards of Learning tests. Reading and technology skills are also enhanced by the arts and continue to develop through interdisciplinary strategies.

  Drama

  • Original script writing
  • Student-generated full-length musicals
  • Improvisational story development
  • Drama character development

  Music

  Instrumental:

  • Rhythm and pitch
  • Instrumental technique
  • Percussion instruments
  • Strings and Recorder
  • Song writing

  Choral:

  • Song composition
  • Artwork in response to music
  • Festival Arts Festival (May)
  • Music theory and techniques
  • Skill development
  • Music history

  Visual Arts

  • Artist studies
  • Art technology & Media techniques
  • Potter’s wheel
  • Sculpture

  Dance

  • Development of movement
  • Dance technique
  • Multicultural exploration
  • Energy and motion

  Enriching Experiences

  • Performances
  • Traveling Troupes
  • Exhibitions
  • Career Connections
  • Live performance field trips
  • Visiting Artists
  • Integration of Fine Arts (artists, singers, composers, performers, illustrators) to the core curriculum

  For more information: Shari Vandygriff, Principal

• Application
• Frequently Asked Questions

Yorktown Elementary Math, Science, Technology

The Yorktown Elementary Magnet School provides students in grades 1-5 with enriched instructional opportunities with an emphasis on scientific inquiry, mathematical problem solving, and the engineering design process. Topics are designed to encourage critical thinking and prepare students for globally relevant careers. As young mathematicians and scientists expand their learning horizons, they develop collaborative problem-solving skills and an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Students complete rigorous learning modules through the nationally recognized STEM program, Project Lead the Way.

• Elementary Magnet Program Overview
• Yorktown Elementary Math, Science, Technology Program Details

  Eligibility

  Current Yorktown Elementary students will attend the magnet school unless opted out by their parents or guardians. The remaining slots may be applied for by other YCSD elementary students and York County residents who are currently enrolled in private schools through the Out-of-Zone application process. Non-county residents may attend on a tuition-basis.

  Out-of-Zone Application Process

  The division's Out-of-Zone Application is accepted beginning February 1 through June 1 for the upcoming school year. Completed applications should be submitted to the Student Services Department at the School Board Office or sent online. Approval of applications will be based on the student's good standing and space availability in the grade level of the requested school. Approved magnet school students do not need to re-apply for out-of-zone placement each school year.

  Curriculum Connections

  The Math, Science & Technology Magnet integrates math and science into the other academic areas of English, reading and history through the use of technology and multi-disciplinary activities. This integrated approach exposes students to traditional courses, such as physical education, music, art and library, with the addition of a STEM lab using the nationally recognized Project Lead the Way program.

  STEM

  • Nationally recognized program, Project Lead the Way
  • Integration across the curriculum
  • STEM design challenges and scheduled instruction in Makerspace
  • STEM Resource Class
  • Technology integration
  • Focus on the engineering design process

  Math and Science

  • Star Lab Planetarium
  • Classroom hands-on investigation
  • Monarch Initiative
  • Student Bayport Credit Union branch
  • Number talks
  • Financial Literacy Lessons
  • Entrepreneur club
  • Environmental Science Exploration

  Technology

  • Robotics
  • E-Missions
  • Technology Application Lessons
  • Coding/Programing Robotics (Code & Go Mice, Dash & Dot, BeeBots, Sphero, Ozobot, VEX, EV3 Lego, Parrot Drones, Hummingbird)
  • Digital Breakout
  • Virtual Reality

  Partnerships

  • Virginia Institute of Marine Science
  • NASA
  • Virginia Air and Space Museum
  • Virginia Living Museum
  • Jefferson National Accelerator Facility
  • BayPort Credit Union
  • Waterman’s Museum

  For more information: Meagan Gavin, Principal

• Application
• Frequently Asked Questions

Queens Lake Middle School Arts Magnet

The Middle School Arts Magnet (mSAM) serves students in grades 6-8, offering enriched instruction across a variety of arts electives. These learning experiences encourage students to work both independently and collaboratively, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence. The arts electives are thoughtfully designed as a natural extension of the middle school academic program. Students enrolled in mSAM participate in at least two arts electives, allowing them to explore their creativity while developing discipline and artistic skills.

In addition to their arts coursework, mSAM students are enrolled in the core academic classes—English, history, mathematics, and science—at Queens Lake Middle School (QLMS), based on grade level. This balanced approach ensures students receive a rigorous academic foundation while benefiting from a rich, arts-focused educational experience.

• Middle School Arts Magnet Program Overview
• Middle School Arts Magnet Program Details

  Out-of-Zone Application Process

  Students residing out of the QLMS attendance zone can apply to attend QLMS mSAM through the division's out-of-zone application process. These applications are accepted beginning February 1 through June 1 for the upcoming school year. Completed applications should be submitted to the Student Services Department at the School Board Office or sent online. After the June 1 out-of-zone application deadline, Queens Lake Middle School staff will reach out to parents/guardians to provide additional magnet school application requirements. Approved magnet school students do not need to re-apply for out-of-zone placement each school year.

  Additional Information

  • Students accepted to mSAM will be enrolled at Queens Lake Middle School as their home school.
  • Parents of students zoned for Grafton Middle, Tabb Middle and Yorktown Middle are responsible for transportation to/from QLMS.
  • Enrollment in the Middle School Arts Magnet does not guarantee acceptance into the School of the Arts (SOA) in grade 9.
  • Applicants who do not currently meet the eligibility criteria may choose to re-apply for admission the following school year.

  mSAM Electives

  • Theatre Arts
  • Dance Arts
  • Musical Stage Production
  • Music Technology I & II
  • Beginning Chorus 6 & Advanced Chorus
  • Scenic Design
  • Beginning Band 6; Intermediate Band & Advanced Band

  For more information: Robert Covington, Ed.D., Assistant Principal

• Application

Other Programs

• School of the Arts
• York River Academy
• Virtual Learning