Magnet Schools of America

Magnet Schools are public elementary and secondary public schools of choice.  Magnet Schools plan and develop programs using local, state, and federal funds, specifically the Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP).  Other federal grants associated with Magnet Schools are:  Title I, Voluntary Public School Choice, Advanced Placement, and Smaller Learning Community grants.  MSAP supports LEA’s to develop new and/or significantly revised magnet schools that provides students with a valuable educational and personal experience, prepares them to function in a diverse society, and helps to eliminate, reduce or prevent long-standing patterns of racial isolation.  Magnet schools serve as models for school improvement and “turnaround schools” for students in low performing schools, and provide students an opportunity to succeed academically while learning in a racially diverse environment.

What are the Benefits of Magnet Schools?

Specific benefits in Magnet Schools include: improved academic achievement; diverse student enrollments; innovative curriculum; specialized teaching staff; higher attendance rates, graduation rates, and lower drop-out rates.  Magnet schools boast more parental and community involvement, more personalization through theme-based education, and specialized programs, providing a sense of a safer environment for learning.  Teachers are “highly qualified” through specific theme-based training and professional development.