Embedded Files
By Vanessa Robertson
Learning Targets:
Students will be able to define magnet schools.
Students will be able to describe the admission process of magnet schools.
What is a Magnet School?
What is a Magnet School?
According to Goodwin University, Magnet Schools were first created during the Civil Rights Movement. The goal being a way for children to study something outside of their typical studies.
A Magnet School is within a small category of schools within the public school system that highlights specific areas of study or a specific teaching method. Even though they differ from the average public school they are still regulated by the public school system sets them apart from charter schools. In the United States alone there are over 4,300 Magnet Schools educating over 3.5 million young individuals.
Magnet Schools are created to attract kids from various districts with specialized programs created in order to accomadate students interests and future career goals. There is not a single set foundation in a magnet school. Though there is no set foundation Magnet Schools tend to focus on the following:
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Fine and Performing Arts
International Baccalaureate (International Studies)
Career and Technical Education
World Languages
Admission Process
The admission process for Magnet Schools varies around the country. There are many ways to get accepted into magnet schools but not all the admission processes are the same. Some revolve around lottery processes, grades, testing, auditions, interviews, or portfolios along with application fees but not referring to all Magnet Schools. Some also can attend just by simply living in the district of the given magnet school. Waiting lists are extremely relevant when it comes to the admission process because the number of students applying exceeds the number of available spaces.
Why are Magnet Schools Preferred?
Many families and their students seek out Magnet Schools for their diverse offerings. The specialized curriculums, themes, and environments provide a deeply personalized experience for the students. These curriculums and environments aid in the advancement of development in both mental and educational areas, providing expanse experiences and outcomes long-term.
For early education opportunities, the specialized curriculums can include the Montessori or Reggio Emilia methods (Goodwin University, 2017) which are highly sought after by parents seeking more freedom in education and learning methods for their children. In middle and high school Magnet Schools, the career-based curriculum and daily schedule structures build students' routines, confidence, and understanding of expectations in college and beyond.
Further variables which attract families to Magnet Schools include the geographic and demographic status placing no impact on student admission into the programs. There are no biases placed on ethnic, social, racial, or economic statuses (Goodwin University, 2017) of students or their families. This broadens the access to more students, as well as increases social awareness within the schools. This diversity, equity and inclusion builds invaluable skills used in personal, educational, and professional areas of life inlcuding teamwork skills and understanding of cultures.
Multiple Choice Questions:
What is not a way to be admitted to a Magnet School?
a. application fees
b. essays
c. living in the district
D. portfolios
What is an Early Education method used in Magnet Schools?
a. fending for yourself
b. Gubernatorial method
c. Montessori
d. none of the above
ANSWERS:
ANSWERS:
B. ESSAYS
C. Montessori
References
References
Ballou, D., Goldring, E., & Liu, K. (2006). Magnet schools and student achievement. New York: National Center for the Study of Privatization in Education, Teachers College, Columbia University. As of June, 18, 2007.
Goodwin University. (2017). Magnet School vs. Public School: What's the Difference? Goodwin Univeristy ENEWS. Retreived March 13, 2023 from https://www.goodwin.edu/enews/magnet-school-vs-public-school/.
Judson, E. (2014). Effects of transferring to STEM-focused charter and magnet schools on student achievement. The Journal of Educational Research., 107(4), 255.
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