It’s not just for magnet schools anymore. This year, Guilford County will host the first-ever GCS Choice Showcase, happening Saturday, Jan. 24, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center. The event and parking are free.

The Choice Showcase will feature all 54 of the district’s magnet programs and will also include information about the 14 categories of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses available at specific high schools.

“Personalizing learning is a priority in GCS, and one of the ways we do that is through the different classes and learning environments that we offer,” says Dr. Beth Folger, Chief Academic Officer. “Our district has so many wonderful opportunities for students, and we want to make sure that parents are able to learn about all of them, so that they can make informed choices about their child’s education.”

CTE courses differ from magnet programs because they are not application-based and transportation is not provided, except for Weaver Academy courses. Students do apply to magnet programs, and this year the application process for elementary and middle schools will be completely online. Families who need access to a computer can visit the Student Information office at 120 Franklin Blvd. during business hours to complete the application online. The 2015 magnet application period is from Jan. 24 at 9 a.m. to Feb. 20 at 5 p.m.

GCS will also hold additional events to help rising high-schoolers learn about their options. These High Schools Options nights, which began this week, feature the 22 high school programs and allow families to delve deeper into the admissions requirements and application process for these schools. Applications for high school options programs will not be processed online this year.

The remaining High School Options events are from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on these dates:

• Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Reedy Fork Elementary, 4571 Reedy Fork Parkway, Greensboro
• Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Sedgefield Elementary, 2905 Groometown Road, Greensboro
• Thursday, Feb. 5, at Southwest Elementary, 4372 Southwest School Road, High Point

Families are also encouraged to visit the schools that interest them during scheduled open house and Magnet Monday events.