Lanier Middle School is a Vanguard Magnet campus committed to serving Gifted and Talented (G/T) students. Our Vanguard program provides rigorous, engaging learning experiences across the four core academic areas—math, science, English language arts, and social studies.

 

G/T instruction at Lanier is delivered through a cluster model, where G/T-identified students are grouped together in the core subjects and receive instruction alongside their gifted peers. At Lanier, G/T students thrive in self-directed learning, critical thinking, research, and communication, evidenced by innovative projects and performances that showcase their creativity, individuality, and advanced abilities.

 

Our Vanguard classes incorporate opportunities for research and independent study, allowing students to deepen their knowledge and skills as they progress through their middle school experience. Approximately 70% of Lanier’s student body is identified as gifted and talented, actively participating in our Vanguard program. This strong, supportive community fosters a collaborative atmosphere where students are continually challenged and encouraged to reach their full potential.

 

Our Vanguard Magnet program offers families outside our attendance zone the opportunity to apply for a seat at Lanier. Non-zoned families must submit a magnet application through the HISD School Choice Salesforce platform during Phase 1 or Phase 2 of the application process. 

 

Since we receive more applications than available seats, the HISD Office of School Choice conducts a computer-generated lottery to determine placements. The selection is random, ensuring all qualified students have an equal chance of being selected. Because we have an extensive waitlist from phase 1 applications, all phase 2 qualified applications will be placed at the end of the waitlist in the order received. 

 

Students identified as Gifted and Talented (G/T) by HISD in all areas—reading/social studies and math/science—are eligible to participate in the Lanier magnet lottery.

 

• If your child is identified as G/T by HISD, and has remained in HISD, your student is qualified for Lanier
• If your child has been identified as G/T by HISD, but you left the district, email the qualified HISD G/T matrix to jgarza8@houstonisd.org. Documentation should only be emailed once you have applied.
• If your child has been identified as G/T by another district, email all G/T documentation including a qualified matrix, test scores, and letter of acceptance to jgarza8@houstonisd.org. The District G/T committee will evaluate your child’s G/T status with HISD. Documentation should only be emailed once you have applied.
• If your child has not been identified as G/T by HISD or another district, click here to sign up for G/T testing. Students identified as G/T during the 24-25 testing window qualify for placement in the 25-26 Lanier lottery. The deadline to sign up for G/T testing is September 16th. 

 

Lanier Middle School will only be accepting 6th-grade magnet applications for the 25-26 school year. Due to the high volume of magnet applications we receive, Lanier does not accept any other transfers, including IB transfers.