Admissions Policy

Magnet programs/schools broaden public school choice, stem declining enrollment, mitigate overcrowding, help comply with Federal and State-mandated public school choice provisions, accommodate parent/student interest, improve the quality of education, and promote diverse student enrollments. Magnet programs/schools are unique educational programs operating within the District, for which additional resources and/or ancillary services may be provided in order to help make such educational experiences available to students beyond a single attendance boundary area.

Magnet programs/schools encourage academic excellence in basic areas of study as well as intensive educational experiences in areas in which students demonstrate unusual talent, interest, and/or aspiration. In addition, magnet programs/schools offer students a chance to acquire or develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary to pursue post-secondary aspirations in highly specialized areas of interest. Another goal of magnet programs/schools is to recruit students whose unique language needs or abilities, socio-economic circumstances, race, ethnicity, gender, and exceptional education needs are underrepresented in the magnet program/school.

Magnet programs/schools are classified under a broad definition of school choice in which an application/random selection or audition process is used to select and admit students. Application to magnet programs/schools is voluntary and no other transfer provisions, other than the admission processes in this policy, may be used to access magnet programs/schools.

The overarching purpose of magnet programs/schools is to provide an optional educational environment for students that is/are pedagogically and/or geographically distinct from what is offered in their assigned home school. In addition to unique curricular offerings, magnet programs/schools may be also be conceptually-based, under such models as commuter schools, professional development/laboratory schools, single gender schools, etc. Prior to October 1st of each year, the Superintendent will transmit to the School Board the list of all magnet programs/schools that are operational in the District and to which this policy applies.

Click for complete School Board Policy on Magnet Programs