Schooling for the Magically Inclined
From Namericanpotter
Contents |
The Basics
Unlike the system used at Hogwarts, American wizarding schools parallel the mundane school systems. In fact, most children able to cast magic go to normal schools before their magical talents manifest. There are two levels of magical education in the United States. First comes a 'primary school' or 'novice' level, in which young wizards spend their middle- and high-school years learning the basics of magical theory and getting a good grasp of their Ruling arcana. During their fifth year, students go through examinations in their respective subjects (called MATs, or Magical Aptitude Tests), much like the O.W.L.s that the British schools use. The scores earned on these examinations are sent to the various collegiate-level schools, who then begin a fierce competition for the potential student over the next year. The student may continue on to a collegiate level facility, or make their own way after graduation. The latter is somewhat frowned upon, but it still occurs from time to time.
Once accepted to a collegiate-level facility, the student spends the next three years learning the upper levels of magical theory and developing their magical prowess in both their ruling and common arcana. Those who wish to start a career in the Department of Magical Activities (the American brother of the British Ministry of Magic) take a second set of examinations called the AMATs (Advanced Magical Aptitude Tests) during their final year, something like the GREs that muggle college graduates take.
Enrollment
As all students learn, there are five Watchtowers that aid mages in channeling magic. What they may not know, however, is the fact that when a mage first writes their name onto the tower, a message travels to each school of Wizardry. In the United States, most schools use computer databases set to gather the names from this process, although older schools may use the quill and scroll method seen in use in Britain.
It is quite common for a newly-Awakened mage to receive a large number of pamphlets detailing the magical schools in their area, and elsewhere, for that matter. Students usually stay in their relative areas for their novice level schooling, then go elsewhere for advanced education.
Topics of Study
Although methods may vary from school to school, the main focus of study is the ten Arcana and thirteen Practices that make up magic as it is known today. Other topics of interest include Magical History, Defensive Magic, and Magical Runes (or, in some schools, various sorts of 'Vulgar' runes).
Collegiate-level courses are often more specialized, including things such as Alchemy, Spirit Etiquette, and Weather-working.
Notable Schools
Novice Level
Alamo Preparatory School - San Antonio, Texas
Archway Academy - St. Louis, Missouri
Bay Preparatory School - Berkeley, California
Peachtree Academy - Atlanta, GA
Westchester Institute for Magical Learning - North Salem, New York
Yakima School for Magical Studies - Yakima, Washington
Advanced Level
Evergreen College
Located in: Seattle, Washington
Founded in: 1850
Headmaster: Victoria Millner, Acanthus
Evergreen College originally started as a place where shamans of the native peoples and European wizards could share ideas. Because of this, it is considered one of the more liberal institutes in the system, pulling in ideas from both modern and aboriginal sources. The school is relatively small, located near the base of Mt. Rainer; on average, 150 students are enrolled there. The school covers two major tracks of scholarly pursuits. One covers the anthropological aspects of magic use, ranging from the native cultures of the world to modern-day applications. The other, which truly picked up steam during the Silicon Revolution, focuses on the fusion of magic and technology; some of the best technomages have come from the college's halls.
Manhattan School for Advanced Wizardry
Located in: New York City, New York
Founded in: 1900
Headmaster: Cornelia Bowers, Mastigos
American College of Metallurgy
Located in: Virginia City, Nevada
Founded in: 1901
Headmaster: Joshua Pale Wolf, Thyrsus
This school, located in the abandoned passages of the Comstock Lode, is considered a trade school of sorts. Founded by a Moros Forge Master soon after the mines were closed, the school focuses primarily on the Matter Arcanum. In particular, the courses cover the various aspects of metallurgy, as well as a lengthy discussion on the history and creation of artifacts. The school has educated a number of expert metalworkers, creating a number of new magical alloys over the years.
Vieux Carré Center of Magical Study
Located in: New Orleans, Louisiana
Founded in: 1735
Headmaster: Emile Dufrense, Moros
The Vieux Carré Center of Magical Study was founded as an American branch of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, and has always had cordial relations with its mother school. Located on a plantation not too far from the city, it still has the antebellum charm that has permeated the school since its inception. At first, the student body was primarily French pure- and mixed-blooded wizards and witches, although in time sleeper-born mages were allowed to enroll. Magic-users of African descent were not technically allowed to enroll until 1890, although a large number of them were often unofficially tutored as part of working as the school's domestic staff. Today, the school still emphasizes French and Creole cultures, and is one of the primary academies dealing with the Death Arcanum in the country. It also houses an exchange program with Beauxbatons, which is quite popular (if not as noteworthy as the program at MSAW). The plantation grounds were heavily damaged during Hurricane Katrina in 2005; however, a massive effort by both current students and alumni got the school up and running within a few months of the storm. Many students of the school have made a point of aiding in the continually ongoing reconstruction in the area when they are able.
Weston Academy of Thaumaturgical Practices
Located in: Boston, Massachusetts
Founded in: 1650
Headmaster: Alexander Tattersall III, Obrimos
The Weston Academy of Thaumaturgical Practices is the oldest school of the magical arts in the United States, founded soon after Boston itself was founded. It was begun by Nathaniel Tattersall, the numerously-great-grandfather of the current headmaster, as a place for colonial wizards to learn that didn't involve sending them back to Britain. The school catered primarily to the male children of pure-blooded families, eventually allowing male half-blooded students and female students of both pure and mixed families after the Revolutionary War ended. However, those of 'lesser birth' (namely, Muggle-born wizards) were not enrolled until the 1880's.
The school itself is located in the Twilight aspect of Harvard University, with a number of Ghost Gates acting as entrance ways. A number of ghosts act as teachers for the more mundane subjects, with wizards and witches covering the magical practices. Rather than focus on particular Arcana, the Weston Academy focuses more on the theory of magic, taking a stronger look at the Practices of magic.
