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ALBANY, GA -- Thousands of Americans are expected for events across the country marking National School Choice Week, which begins today.

Parents, teachers, and leading policymakers will demand that children have access to the most effective education possible.

So what educational choices does Dougherty County have to offer?

R.D. Harter says Dougherty County schools are ahead of the curve when it comes to school choice.

"We’re glad to celebrate National School Choice Week in the Dougherty County School System and we have so many choice options for parents and students," said Harter.

Those options include international baccalaureate, charter programs, gifted programs, and magnet schools.

The magnet school program began in 1982 and allows students to concentrate one area of interest – such as engineering, medical arts, or law enforcement – while still learning the basics.

Vinson Davis is principal of Radium Springs Middle Magnet School, which offers a concentration in performing arts.

"The sooner we can get kids engaged and involved in things that are beyond those core academic content areas, then the more round of an education we’ll be able to give them," said Davis.

Acceptance in a magnet school is not guaranteed – there is an application process that may include a written test or an audition.

Parent involvement is key.

"In many of the contracts, most of the contracts, is a requirement that parents donate so many hours of their time to volunteer in the school," said Harter.

School officials say that while magnet schools like Radium Springs Middle offer parents more educational choices for their children, they also provide students with a valuable head start in the area of study they choose.

"By the time they get to high school, kids who have been in those centers in middle school and elementary school should be way ahead of kids from other counties," added Davis.

Most schools have a waiting list, so it’s best for parents to start early.

"Talk to the principals," said Harter. "Find out about the requirements for parents involved in magnets. Find out the requirements for your children, the students, and see if you can make the commitment."

If you think a magnet school may be the right choice for you and your child, Magnet Mall Mania will be held on February 19^th at the Albany Mall.