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What Is a Magnet School?
By
Cece Gilmore
Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.
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Cari Schultz is an Educational Review Board Advisor at Scholarships360, where she reviews content featured on the site. For over 20 years, Cari has worked in college admissions (Baldwin Wallace University, The Ohio State University, University of Kentucky) and as a college counselor (Columbus School for Girls).
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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.
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If a magnet school is attracting you, you came to the right place! (Did you catch the pun there?) First, what is a magnet school? How is a magnet school similar or different from any other type of school? Keep reading our guide to find out!
First, a little history about magnet schools
Magnet schools are not new—they originated in the 1970s as a way to promote desegregation and fight educational inequity for marginalized students. Magnet schools were among the first public schools to bring diverse groups of talented students together for specialized study.
While magnet schools are still in operation to combat racial inequity, they have grown in number across the country, no matter the race or socioeconomic status of the community. Today, magnet high schools are routinely amongst the highest performing in the country. With more than 4,000 schools across the country, parents and students have many options to choose from. Florida is the most progressive state when it comes to magnets, with over 600 schools to serve their state.
What do magnet schools look like today?
Simply put, magnet schools are public schools that offer specialized programs. Magnet schools allow students to focus their study on specific fields. Students still take core classes in language arts, math, science, and special subjects. However, those core classes often overlap with the particular focus of the magnet school. For example, a STEM magnet student might learn music by inventing a digital instrument. An art magnet student might study science by creating a detailed mural of the seven steps of the water cycle.
Who can attend magnet schools?
Usually, magnet schools serve and attract students from multiple districts. See how the name “magnet school” makes sense now? At a typical public school, students are offered enrollment based on the location of their homes. In contrast, most magnet schools exist outside of zoned school boundaries. Some, such as NJ, require that students live in the same county as the magnet school they hope to attend. As publicly funded schools, magnet schools are funded by taxpayers and free for accepted students to attend.
Cost of magnet schools for students and their families
Magnet schools are 100% tuition free for accepted students. In this regard, magnet schools are no different than free public schools. Because magnet schools are public schools, transportation to and from school is usually included. Some districts require that students reside within a certain radius for transportation to be included. As a public school, books and lab fees are also covered.
Funding at magnet schools
Most magnet schools are funded through local and state taxes, as well as grants and donations. In order to acquire and maintain what is necessary for their highly specialized programs, magnet schools often receive additional funding (which is a source of contention in some communities).
Also see: All about charter schools
Curriculum offered at magnet schools
Magnet schools differ from other types of schools in the fact that they usually offer a specialized curriculum. Teachers and classrooms are equipped to teach not only the core subjects, but also the specialized focus of the particular magnet school.
A few examples of what type of curriculums magnet schools may follow include:
- A focus on the performing arts
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
- World language programs
The type of curriculum that a magnet school follows is completely up to the magnet school itself. Therefore, it is best to inquire about the magnet school you are interested in about its curriculum and practices.
Related: All about parochial schools
Admission at magnet schools
The admissions process of magnet schools differs based on the specific magnet school and district. However, a small percentage of magnet schools require academic tests or other testing requirements. Therefore, there may be a rigorous process based on grades, tests or even auditions.
However, there may also be a lottery system. Meaning, there may be a random draw to select students due to the great number of students who want to attend magnet schools.
Pros and cons of magnet schools
The pros and cons of magnet schools vary depending on who you ask. The pros and cons also depend on the specific magnet school in question. This is because every magnet school is unique and different from others.
Many parents turn to magnet schools to find an alternative to public schools that will benefit their child’s needs. However, in contrast, many individuals feel that magnet schools may hinder the improvement of failing public schools.
The following are a few of the most popular pros and cons of magnet schools.
| Pros | Cons |
| Diverse learning environmentsSmaller classes to facilitate learningAcademic success is a top priorityAllows students to focus on a specialty Provides families with an additional educational option | Curriculum options may be too narrow and specialized for someTypically fewer extracurriculars offeredApplication process can be rigorous Transportation may be required |
Don’t miss: What is a Montessori school?
Frequently asked questions about magnet schools
Who can attend a magnet school?
Are magnet schools only for high school students?
Do I have to pay tuition for magnet school?
