The Newton County Board of Education is accepting applications for the two new theme schools slated to open this fall. A maximum of 725 slots are available at the elementary school, which will be located at Fairview Elementary. A maximum of 850 slots are available at the new middle school, which will be located at Clements Middle. The application deadline is Feb. 6.

A total of 625 seats are available for elementary students living inside the "super zone." The newly created super zone includes areas where students are zoned to attend Fairview, Ficquett, Palmer-Stone and West Newton elementary schools. An additional 100 seats will be available for students living outside of the super zone.

Attendance for the middle school will be drawn from all four Newton County middle schools.

Public meetings, which have been set for Jan. 8 – Jan. 26, will provide the community with more information on theme schools. All of the meetings will be held at 6 p.m.

The elementary school will pilot programs that integrate research-centered/hands-on projects and critical thinking skills, especially in math and science, and increased reading assignments at home and during the summer break.

In addition to the requirements at the elementary level, the middle school also will offer a comprehensive, interdisciplinary educational program.

Both schools will operate with an emphasis on parental involvement.

Applications are available online at www.newtoncountyschools.org.