Sierra Spalding opened a livestreamed Innovative Programs Showcase from Tates Creek High School on Jan. 10 and invited families to review 32 special and magnet programs and submit applications online.

Julie Gann, associate director of multilingual and gifted and talented services, said the application window is open through Jan. 30 and that families should apply using the district's SchoolMint platform on the Fayette County Public Schools website. "The application window deadline is January 30," Gann said. She also described the district's plan to notify families on Feb. 17 for high school programs, Feb. 18 for middle school and Feb. 19 for elementary placements.

The showcase — which district leaders described as an opportunity for families to speak with program directors, principals and students — will also host an on-site application center at Tates Creek High School during the event so families can submit applications in person. District officials emphasized that many programs use a lottery; Gann said the lottery is not first-come, first-served and that every application is treated equally.

The district provided a transportation guide explaining that not all programs offer door-to-door FCPS busing; instead, many students will use centralized regional stops and families should review the special programs transportation guide for details. For families needing translation or in-person help, district multilingual staff maintain an application support center at 701 East Main Street (open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.).

Parents who testified about their experience described submitting the online application, waiting for lottery results and then accepting placement once notified. One parent said the process can feel stressful but encouraged other families to apply and use tours and open houses to make decisions.

Families seeking program descriptions, tour sign-ups and application links can visit fcps.net/masp. The district asked families to note application and notification dates and to contact their school or the program office with any login or application questions. The showcase concluded with reminders about open houses and school-site tours scheduled in the days after the event.