Magnet school lottery in New Haven

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- It's an important day for some parents in New Haven. The magnet school lottery was held this morning.
           
For students, it represents an opportunity to get into some of the most sought after schools in the city.

Hundreds of parents packed into the Board of Education room anxiously waiting to see what a computer would do. More than 5,000 applied for magnet schools, but only 2,400 will get in.

"We take all those names, put them in a computer bin and the computer pulls names out and accepts kids into those schools," said Garth Harries, Asst. Superintendent.

For parents whose kids have special interests or talents, a matching magnet school can make a huge difference.

"My daughter's in dance," said Liz Nuzzo, of North Branford. "Loves dance, and this school is great for that."

"How big a deal is getting in," asked News 8's Kent Pierce.

"For her, huge. It'll be a real letdown if she doesn't get in," Nuzzo said.

Once the computer printed out its results, Nuzzo found out her daughter got in, even though she lives in North Branford.

New Haven resident Jerry Nash applied for a school right in his neighborhood.

"I'm hoping to get my kid into one of the best schools in New Haven," Nash said. "She deserves it and we live in the neighborhood, so I'm hoping that the system is fair and the lottery works out in our favor."