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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
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WHAT IS A MAGNET SCHOOL?
Magnet
schools are public schools with themes that
guide the instructional programs, offering
unique enrichment opportunities and educational
philosophies.
They are called magnet schools because
parents and students are 'drawn' to them like a
magnet. The idea of magnet schools started in
the late 1970s as a way of promoting
desegregation by attracting students from
various neighborhoods, and as an incentive to
parents to enroll their children.
Today, as part of the category “Schools
of Choice”, magnet schools provide special
programs such as humanities, math, science or
performing arts.
Magnet Schools of America’s directory
currently lists approximately 4,000 magnet
schools.
IS A MAGNET SCHOOL THE SAME AS A
No.
A magnet school is part of the public school
system and operates under the same public
administration, while receiving the same general
funding as other public schools.
Charter schools have a different
organizational model (i.e. they have a charter
that releases them from the regular school
administration) and their funding is separate
from general public schools.
Private or parochial schools are not part
of the public school system.
DOES A MAGNET SCHOOL STILL TEACH MY
CHILD ALL CORE COURSES LIKE A TRADITIONAL SCHOOL
WOULD?
Yes, a magnet school’s curriculum includes all
traditional subject areas which adhere to the
state’s educational standards.
The same testing standards also apply.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ATTEND A MAGNET
SCHOOL?
There is no charge to attend a local magnet
school.
WILL MY CHILD HAVE TO HAVE A CERTAIN
ACADEMIC LEVEL TO BE ADMITTED TO
No, students will not be tested to be admitted
to the
HOW WILL STUDENTS BE SELECTED TO ATTEND
THE MAGNET SCHOOL?
Magnet schools may use a variety of selection
processes, including first come/first serve
basis, lottery system or application standards.
IS TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED?
Yes, transportation is provided for any magnet
school student residing in the school’s county,
utilizing the same bus system as other public
schools.
ARE UNIFORMS REQUIRED?
Currently there are no plans for uniforms at
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING A
MAGNET SCHOOL?
Research demonstrates that the benefits include
improved student grades and test scores, greater
teacher satisfaction, increased student
motivation, innovative curriculum, increased
parent and community involvement, higher
attendance rates, lower drop out rates and
increased monetary resources for the entire
district.
In addition, magnet schools may access
additional funds or resources through various
grants, partnerships and private donations.
Additional Resources:
http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/magnet-k8/magnetk-8.pdf
http://www.cdaschools.org/search/search_results?d=x&search_term=+schools+of+choice
http://www.magnet.edu/modules/content/?id=1
http://sorensen-cdasd-id.schoolloop.com
http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/magnet-k8/report_pg11.html#sec11
Creating and Sustaining Successful K-8 Magnet
Schools http://www2.ed.gov/print/admins/comm/choice/magnet/report.html#starting |