Getting Started with SAS Programs
SAS Programs Made Easy is part four of the series How to LAUSD: The Complete Guide to LAUSD School Selection. It covers the often overlooked program known as Schools for Advanced Studies or SAS for short. Read this post to learn just how and why you should apply for such a program.
Use How to LAUSD: Glossary for any unfamiliar vocabulary.
This first section is for those of you who only want a quick overview of SAS programs:
SAS Programs 101
If you’re looking for a general idea about SAS programs, here are the four important things to note.
Looking to dive deeper into SAS programs? Keep reading:
SAS Programs Overview
Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS) is a Gifted/Talented Program (GATE) Program with proven evidence of high performance in an identified area.
SAS Programs were created to provide specialized and individualized education and support to fully develop each child’s potential. These programs receive their SAS designation for the high quality of their GATE (Gifted & Talented Education) implementation.
Currently, LA Unified has over 100 SAS programs with more being added each year.
SAS Programs: Benefits
SAS programs are often overlooked by families with preschool-age children. Many parents of four-year-olds might not know their child’s academic potential yet or be hesitant to apply to programs that seemingly promote high academic rigor at a young age.
Here is why you might want to reconsider:
I. Access to desirable schools with special accreditation
SAS programs offer a chance to attend schools with a special designation due to the high quality of their GATE implementation and teacher training. Applying to SAS programs is a creative way to gain entry into desirable schools with teachers trained in differentiated instruction.
ll. Potential fit for student’s future growth
Applications to SAS programs are due nine months before the beginning of the school year. Young learners can show tremendous growth in the time leading up to the next school year. It’s worth applying to these programs now and reevaluating if and when being accepted into one.
lll. Regular classroom with individualized study
Students in SAS programs are incorporated into the traditional classroom and enjoy the same benefits and amenities as other students. Cluster grouping and differentiated Instruction are done for both SAS and non-SAS students within the same classroom.
Even in middle and high school, SAS students are incorporated into Honors level tracks within the regular classroom rather than separated out.
IV. Specialized training for teachers
Teachers in SAS Programs are required to receive annual GATE training that benefits all students, in addition to their regular teacher training.
V. Low-risk application
Applicants are accepted to one SAS program at a time and will have the freedom to jump from offer to offer as desired. Also, rejecting a program does not affect the chances of getting accepted into other SAS programs.
VI. Permit program without a yearly application
Unlike other intra-District permits (such as for work or childcare) SAS applicants do not need to apply for a yearly SAS permit. In addition, SAS program participants who are not identified as gifted in 2nd grade will not lose their SAS designation. SAS eligibility will only be evaluated/reevaluated when entering elementary, middle, and high school.
SAS Programs: Drawbacks
l. Programs are limited and not distributed evenly
SAS Programs are not equally distributed around LA Unified. Some areas will offer multiple options while others will have limited offerings. In addition, with only about 110 active SAS programs, there are simply fewer options to choose from.
Want to know if there are SAS programs in your area? Visit MakeTimeforMom’s Schools for Advanced Studies in LA Unified Map to find out.
ll. Popular programs can be harder to get Into
SAS programs provide enrollment priority to eligible SAS applicants who live within the school’s boundaries. This makes it harder for outside applicants to get into the more popular SAS programs.
III. Diversity may be lacking
The diversity at SAS schools is largely determined by the makeup of the local neighborhood, unlike Magnet and Independent Charter Schools, for example. While some SAS programs are diverse, others struggle to diversify their school population due to the limited number of permits available to non-residents.
IV. SAS Programs are not exclusive
Some might be disappointed with SAS schools after enrollment. As SAS students are enrolled in traditional classrooms and do not receive additional resources or special programming, it might feel like just any other school. In truth, the quality of each SAS program is only as good as the school’s administration and its teachers. Don’t count on a SAS designation as a guarantee for higher quality education.
V. No Transportation is provided
No transportation is provided unless it’s required by a student’s IEP or Under the Every Student Succeeds Act.
SAS Programs Eligibility
- All LAUSD residents are eligible to apply.
- Priority is given to eligible applicants who live within each SAS school’s boundaries.
- Applicants must meet the criteria for SAS program acceptance. Eligibility varies depending on the applicant’s grade, their home address, and if they meet program-specific eligibility criteria.
For more information on eligibility visit the Additional Information section of this post.
SAS Programs Application Process
Here are the steps for applying to these programs:
*Ensure that you submit the eligibility forms yourself or that it is being submitted by a teacher (if the child is already attending an LAUSD school) before the deadline. A notification of eligibility will be sent on the e-Choices platform during the year you apply.
**Contact schools applied to during the Late Application window. Some schools will require teachers to submit Eligibility forms while others will allow parents or caregivers to do so directly.
Additional Information
General
For specific information regarding eligibility, admittance priority, and the selection process visit e-Choice’s SAS Home page.
Eligibility Forms
These are the eligibility forms teachers will be required to fill out and send on behalf of SAS applicants:
Verification of Eligibility for Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS Kindergarten)
Locate a SAS Program
Visit e-Choices for an alphabetical list or view MakeTimeForMom’s Schools for Advanced Studies in LA Unified Map to locate SAS programs near you.
Still have unanswered questions? Set up a 15-minute consultation at maketimeformomblog@gmail.com.
After learning more about Charters and SAS programs, it’s time to explore the third program offered on e-Choices -Multilingual Multicultural Programs (MMP) or more commonly referred to as Dual Language Programs. Read more about them in How to LAUSD, Part 5: Dual Language Programs.
Questions or corrections? e-mail them to maketimeformomblog@gmail.com
All the information shared here was accurate, to the best of my knowledge, at the time of writing this guide. However, information gets updated frequently and guidelines change. The MakeTimeForMom is not responsible for actions taken as a result of information shared in this guide. Please visit LAUSD e-choices for the most up-to-date information available for school selection in the Los Angeles Unified School District.