Manual Admissions Information

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You must turn in an application to Manual to be considered for admission. Students are selected to attend by a competitive process that evaluates achievement test scores, extra-curricular involvement, academic achievement, personal essays, attendance, teacher recommendations, and for VA and J&C, an on-site writing or drawing exercise. YPAS students must also audition.

Please note:

  1. Jefferson County residents are not charged tuition.
  2. Residency in Jefferson County is required for admission.
  3. School bus service is provided free to all accepted students.
  4. Transfer between magnets after enrollment is not permitted.

Manual Admission Dates

  • 10/9/21 - Showcase of Schools (9:00-4:00 at KY International Convention Center)
  • 10/26/21 - Manual 8th Grade Open House
  • 11/1/21 - JCPS online application opens
  • 11/8/21 - Early Review* application packets submission deadline
  • 12/8/21 - Early Review applicants notifications begin
  • 12/15/21 - JCPS online application closes
  • 12/15/21 - Application packet submission deadline 
  • Late February – Applicants notified of admission decision
  • **Early Review is an option for magnet students at Farnsley, Meyzeek, Newburg, Noe and Western Middle Schools who want to apply to Manual and continue in their MST, VA, or YPAS magnet programs.

If you need any assistance with admissions – please contact Michele Bynum at michelle.bynum@jefferson.kyschools.us or 977-5273.

Magnet Specific Application Information

Please click on the magnets below to find out more about the excellence, diversity, and tradition of the magnet programs at duPont Manual High School and what is required to apply for each.

How to Apply:

  • To begin the online application process, create an account by clicking on the following link:
    Link will be available in the fall of 2022
  • Upon account creation, you will have the flexibility to log in and out of your account and access your open application.
  • You will input your completed items (listed below) for the chosen magnet directly into your application on the site, as well as, list your recommenders name and email address.
  • Once all items are completed, you will submit your application.
  • After submitting your application, you may go back in and check to see if your recommendations have been completed. If yes, then your application is complete! If not, you can resend to the recommender. (You may NOT go back in and make any changes to your application at that time.)

High School University Magnet Application

The High School University magnet program seeks students with the potential for high academic achievement. Diversity is evident in both the student body and their courses of study. Students may choose from a wide range of college preparatory offerings in all academic areas.

Please complete the application process by following the steps below. The following items are required to apply to the HSU magnet:

  1. Complete JCPS Options and Magnets Online Application
    The JCPS Options and Magnets Application window to apply opens on November 1, 2021 and closes December 15, 2021. Click here to be taken to the JCPS website.
  2. Submit Packet of Application Materials containing:
    1. Answers to the following questions composed and written by the applicant. For questions 1-3, please limit each response to under 200 words. For questions 4-5, write portfolio quality essay answers using no more than 400 words each.
      1. Why are you applying to HSU instead of one of the other magnets that Manual offers?
      2. Looking at Manual’s extracurricular activities, which activities do you intend to participate in and why? (see list here )
      3. One benefit of the HSU program is that the student schedule has room for a variety of elective courses. Looking at the electives Manual offers, which elective courses interest you the most and why? These include any course not required. See our scheduling guide for possible classes that are offered.
      4. Choose 1 of the following prompts: Describe the biggest challenge you’ve faced and overcome as a student OR Describe a time when you failed and persevered through the situation?
      5. The three pillars of Manual are tradition, diversity, and excellence. Select one of the three pillars and describe how your experiences within that pillar will help enhance Manual?
    2. A completed Activities and Interest survey
      List your most important activities first, especially those that relate to your magnet choice. Be sure to include any leadership positions and record volunteer time in months or years. Please include any work, volunteer, sport, club, awards, recognition, and anything else that helps us know more about you outside of school.
    3. Recommendations -Three total
      1. ONE from a coach, sponsor, or community member who is familiar with the student's involvement outside of the classroom. The Please collect your recommenders email. It will be submitted on your application.
      2. TWO recommendations from middle school teachers who are familiar with the student's academic performance. The Please collect your recommenders email. It will be submitted on your application.
    4. IF YOU ARE A JCPS STUDENT:
      We will obtain your attendance, transcript, school administered test scores and grades from JCPS. You do not need to provide this information with your application. However, if you have taken the ACT or SAT and wish to include your score report, please do so.
    5. IF YOU HAVE NOT ATTENDED A JCPS SCHOOL FOR ANY PART OF THE LAST THREE YEARS, please submit the following with your application:
      • Attendance records for past three years or any non-JCPS years
      • Any standardized test scores, including ACT or SAT if available
      • Transcript grades for past two years
      • Most recent grade report for current year

      *Please note – Attendance is part of the application review. If your student has had a significant attendance issue in the last three years, you may include a brief letter/documentation to explain the absences.

    If you have questions, please call 502-977-5273 and ask for Michelle.

Journalism & Communication Magnet Application

Founded in 1984, duPont Manual High School’s Journalism & Communications Magnet is a unique and exciting high school program that has grown in the last decade to become a model of 21st century learning, challenging students to be innovative, enterprising, creative, and well versed in media and technology. J+C students take exciting and instantly applicable communications-related courses under teachers with professional experience. Click here to visit the J+C webpage and learn more about this nationally recognized program.

Please complete the application process by following the steps below. The following items are required to apply to the J+C magnet:

  1. Complete JCPS Options and Magnets Online Application
    The JCPS Options and Magnets Application window to apply opens on November 1, 2021 and closes December 15, 2021. Click here to be taken to the JCPS website.
  2. Submit Packet of Application Materials containing:
    1. A writing portfolio quality essay
      You must respond to the required prompt, and then answer ONE of the other two questions listed below. One of your responses must be an essay (approximately 500 words), and the other must be a short answer (approximately 250 words). For example, you may choose to answer the required prompt with a short answer and another prompt with an essay, or vice versa. Either way, you will only submit two responses.

      Answer this required prompt:
      Why are you applying to the J+C magnet?

      Then answer ONE of these two questions:

      1. Describe a time when you took an unpopular stand.
      2. Explain a belief, idea, or topic that sparked your curiosity enough to investigate further on your own or take action.
    2. A completed Activities and Interest survey
      List your most important activities first, especially those that relate to your magnet choice. Be sure to include any leadership positions and record volunteer time in months or years. Please include any work, volunteer, sport, club, awards, recognition, and anything else that helps us know more about you outside of school.
    3. Recommendations
      TWO recommendations from teachers, one current English teacher and one teacher who is familiar with the student's academic performance, abilities and commitment. Please collect your recommenders email. It will be submitted on your application.
    4. On-Site Writing Session
      More information will follow regarding in-person or virtual writing session. Detailed instructions will be provided at that time. Students will need pencil, paper, and some form of photo identification (school ID, TARC ID, state-issued ID, passport, KY Kingdom season pass, most recent yearbook, etc.)
    5. IF YOU ARE A JCPS STUDENT:
      We will obtain your attendance, transcript, school administered test scores and grades from JCPS. You do not need to provide this information with your application. However, if you have taken the ACT or SAT and wish to include your score report, please do so.
    6. IF YOU HAVE NOT ATTENDED A JCPS SCHOOL FOR ANY PART OF THE LAST THREE YEARS, please submit the following with your application:
      • Attendance records for past three years or any non-JCPS years
      • Any standardized test scores, including ACT or SAT if available
      • Transcript grades for past two years
      • Most recent grade report for current year

      *Please note – Attendance is part of the application review. If your student has had a significant attendance issue in the last three years, you may include a brief letter/documentation to explain the absences.

    If you have questions, please call 502-977-5273 and ask for Michelle.

Math Science Technology Magnet Application

The Math Science Technology Program was created in 1984 and is designed to provide a rigorous curriculum that prepares students to be successful in any academic program at any college in the country. Academic rigor and research is expected of all students through the use of challenging homework, projects, class work, and extracurricular activities that will develop good problem solving and critical-thinking skills. Hard work is expected to be the norm, not the exception of teachers and students alike.

Please complete the application process by following the steps below. The following items are required to apply to the MST magnet:

  1. Complete JCPS Options and Magnets Online Application
    The JCPS Options and Magnets Application window to apply opens on November 1, 2021 and closes December 15, 2021. Click here to be taken to the JCPS website.
  2. Submit Packet of Application Materials containing:
    1. Answers to the following questions composed and written by the applicant. For questions 1-2, please limit each response to under 200 words. For question 3, write a portfolio quality essay using no more than 400 words.
      1. Why are you applying to MST instead of one of the other magnets that Manual offers?
      2. Looking at Manual’s extracurricular activities, which activities do you intend to participate in and why? (see list here)
      3. Choose 1 of the following prompts: Describe the biggest challenge you’ve faced and overcome as a student OR Describe a time when you failed and persevered through the situation?
    2. A completed Activities and Interest survey
      List your most important activities first, especially those that relate to your magnet choice. Be sure to include any leadership positions and record volunteer time in months or years. Please include any work, volunteer, sport, club, awards, recognition, and anything else that helps us know more about you outside of school.
    3. Recommendations
      TWO recommendations from teachers, one math teacher and one science teacher who is familiar with the student's academic performance, abilities and commitment. Please collect your recommenders email. It will be submitted on your application.
    4. IF YOU ARE A JCPS STUDENT:
      We will obtain your attendance, transcript, school administered test scores and grades from JCPS. You do not need to provide this information with your application. However, if you have taken the ACT or SAT and wish to include your score report, please do so.
    5. IF YOU HAVE NOT ATTENDED A JCPS SCHOOL FOR ANY PART OF THE LAST THREE YEARS, please submit the following with your application:
      • Attendance records for past three years or any non-JCPS years
      • Any standardized test scores, including ACT or SAT if available
      • Transcript grades for past two years
      • Most recent grade report for current year

      *Please note – Attendance is part of the application review. If your student has had a significant attendance issue in the last three years, you may include a brief letter/documentation to explain the absences.

    If you have questions, please call 502-977-5273 and ask for Michelle.

Visual Arts Magnet Application

The Visual Art Magnet, created in 1984, provides an outstanding program for artistically gifted students pursuing an art-oriented career. VA offers 19 art classes including AP classes in Art History, Design, Drawing, and 3D Portfolio as well as access to programs at The Speed Art Museum, University of Louisville, and local galleries. During their four years at Manual, students will produce a portfolio of artwork suitable for application to a university or a professional college of art. Many students also graduate from Manual Visual Art and succeed in other non-art related careers that require creative problem solving, high order thinking and analytical skills taught in the Visual Art Magnet.

Please complete the application process by following the steps below. The following items are required to apply to the VA magnet:

  1. Complete JCPS Options and Magnets Online Application
    The JCPS Options and Magnets Application window to apply opens on November 1, 2021 and closes December 15, 2021. Click here to be taken to the JCPS website.
  2. Submit Packet of Application Materials containing:
    1. A writing portfolio quality essay composed and written by the applicant in response to the following question:
      Many visual artists can recall the exact moment when they knew they would pursue an artistic career. Tell us about your specific moment or experience that inspired you to apply to the Manual Visual Arts magnet and how that moment or experience directs you toward your future goals. Please use the space below and limit your essay to 500 words.
    2. A completed Activities and Interest survey
      List your most important activities first, especially those that relate to your magnet choice. Be sure to include any leadership positions and record volunteer time in months or years. Please include any work, volunteer, sport, club, awards, recognition, and anything else that helps us know more about you outside of school.
    3. Recommendations
      TWO recommendations from teachers, one current art teacher and one teacher who is familiar with the student's academic performance, abilities and commitment. Please collect your recommenders email. It will be submitted on your application.
    4. Art Questionnaire
      A completed Art Questionnaire.
    5. Three Art Exercises
      Three Art Exercises completed by the applicant. Click here to access the Exercises and directions. Complete both Art Exercises, and include them with the application materials. For one of the exercises a 3 by 3 inch piece of black construction paper must be used. A picture of these will be uploaded with your other materials.
    6. Three Art Pieces for Review
      Each applicant will submit a slideshow or pictures of their own three favorite art pieces for review. Art pieces should display the student’s best artwork created during middle school, either in or outside of the art classroom. Some examples are: drawings, paintings, mixed media pieces, textiles, photography, ceramics and sculpture. Artwork drawn from exact observation, rather than copied from a photograph is encouraged. Any cartoons, manga, or anime should be ORIGINAL creations and not copied from another artist’s work. Please include the following information about your pieces: 1) the size of piece and 2) what media it is (include art supplies used to create)
    7. IF YOU ARE A JCPS STUDENT:
      We will obtain your attendance, transcript, school administered test scores and grades from JCPS. You do not need to provide this information with your application. However, if you have taken the ACT or SAT and wish to include your score report, please do so.
    8. IF YOU HAVE NOT ATTENDED A JCPS SCHOOL FOR ANY PART OF THE LAST THREE YEARS, please submit the following with your application:
      • Attendance records for past three years or any non-JCPS years
      • Any standardized test scores, including ACT or SAT if available
      • Transcript grades for past two years
      • Most recent grade report for current year

      *Please note – Attendance is part of the application review. If your student has had a significant attendance issue in the last three years, you may include a brief letter/documentation to explain the absences.

    If you have questions, please call 502-977-5273 and ask for Michelle.

Youth Performing Arts Magnet Application

Youth Performing Arts School at duPont Manual High School is the most comprehensive performing arts high school in Kentucky where students have the distinct opportunity to train, learn, and nurture their talent to become tomorrow's artists. Students are selected to attend by a competitive process that evaluates achievement test scores, academic achievement, personal essays, teacher recommendations, performing arts auditions, and on-site writing prompt. Jefferson County residents are not charged tuition. Residency in Jefferson County is required for admission to the Youth Performing Arts School at duPont Manual High School.

Please complete the application process by following the steps below. The following items are required to apply to the YPAS magnet:

  1. Complete JCPS Options and Magnets Online Application
    The JCPS Options and Magnets Application window to apply opens on November 1, 2021 and closes December 15, 2021. Click here to be taken to the JCPS website.
  2. Submit Packet of Application Materials containing:
    1. Submit the following
      1. Headshot (this can be a school picture or one you take yourself)
      2. Performance resume (you can Google sample resumes for your audition area)
      3. One page essay answering the prompt "YPAS and Manual will challenge you in a multitude of ways. Describe a time where you have overcome a challenge and what you have learned from it. What have you learned about yourself while preparing for your YPAS audition?” (typed )
    2. Recommendations
      You will need two recommendation forms to complete the application process. You can choose a school teacher, private instructor, director, or other community members to complete the recommendation form. Please collect your recommenders email. It will be submitted on your application.
    3. Prepare
      Prepare the audition material for your specific area listed on this page. Be sure to work with a teacher or private instructor so you are fully prepared.
    4. Audition
      Once you submit your application and both recommendations have been received, information about auditions will be emailed to the primary email you list on the application.
    5. IF YOU ARE A JCPS STUDENT:
      We will obtain your attendance, transcript, school administered test scores and grades from JCPS. You do not need to provide this information with your application. However, if you have taken the ACT or SAT and wish to include your score report, please do so.
    6. IF YOU HAVE NOT ATTENDED A JCPS SCHOOL FOR ANY PART OF THE LAST THREE YEARS, please submit the following with your application:
      • Attendance records for past three years or any non-JCPS years
      • Any standardized test scores, including ACT or SAT if available
      • Transcript grades for past two years
      • Most recent grade report for current year

      *Please note – Attendance is part of the application review. If your student has had a significant attendance issue in the last three years, you may include a brief letter/documentation to explain the absences.

    If you have questions, please call 502-977-5273 and ask for Michelle.