Magnet Schools
Facts
All About Magnet Schools
1970’s
50 years of specialized programs
There are 4,340 Magnet schools in the USA. With continued funding, more parents will have the opportunity to choose the public Magnet school that best suits their child’s learning needs.
As the single largest form of public school “choice,” Magnet schools are visionary, innovative, and open to all students regardless of zip code. With 4,340 schools educating 3.5 million+ students nationwide, each school typically focuses on individually themed curricula.
Magnet Schools attract children of various socio-economic backgrounds, race, and academic achievement levels. They are free and open to anyone; due to high demand, most schools determine student acceptance by a random selection system. Magnet schools are accountable to state standards and, in many cases, exceed those standards.
3.5 Million Students
1 in 15 students
ONE OUT OF EVERY 15 PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS
in the U.S. attends a Magnet School – that’s nearly 3.5 million students across the country receiving a high-quality, theme-based education.
50 Years of quality
Magnet Schools are the largest form of public school choice. They were originally created in the early 1970’s as a means of voluntarily promoting school integration and improving the quality of America’s educational system through innovative curricula and classroom instruction.
4,340 Magnet Schools
With continued funding, more parents will have the opportunity to choose the public Magnet School that best suits their child’s learning needs.
Magnet History
The first Magnet Schools were modeled after the Bronx School of Science, the Boston Latin School, Chicago’s Lane Tech, and San Francisco’s Lowell High School. These schools offered specialized or advanced curricula to select students.
5 core pillars
Magnet Pillars
Diversity
Innovative Curriculum & Professional Development
Academic Excellence
Leadership
Family & Community Partnerships
standing strong
Magnet Schools in Miami
Watch Magnet Schools Work in miami!
Check out some of the amazing accolades Magnet Schools in Miami have accomplished!
Magnet Schools
Other Key Facts
Learning Skills
Students learn skills that prepare them for college and careers. A large percentage of Magnets report graduation rates of 90 percent or higher, with at least 72 percent of students enrolling in post-secondary education.
Revitalized Schools
Low-performing schools can be revitalized by Magnet programs through specialized curriculum, high-quality instruction, and family and community partnerships that include mentoring, internships, financial support, and field trips.
Higher Retention
Fifty-eight percent of Magnets surveyed reported lower teacher turnover rates than at the district level.
Higher Scores
Sixty percent of Magnet schools reported state math test scores that were higher than those at the district level.
Diversity
Magnet schools were originally created in the 1970’s with the explicit goal of desegregation, and they continue to educate a diverse student body today. Magnets enroll a larger share of black and Hispanic students than traditional public schools and a higher proportion of low-income students.
High Demand
Three out of four Magnet schools uses a random selection system to handle demand from the community.
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Miami-Dade County Public Schools Magnet Schools are constantly showcasing their student accomplishments. What better way to really get to know Magnet programs than to follow us on social media!
Want more?
Magnet Schools accept student applications during the Regular Magnet application period (October 1st – January 15) and during the Off-Cycle Magnet application period starting on April 15th.