What are Magnet Programs?
The L.A. Unified magnet schools/centers are a voluntary integration program that provide rigorous, high-quality, theme-based instruction designed to facilitate student learning and promote academic achievement. Established in 1977, the magnet programs within our District have been one of the most successful in the nation. Currently, there are 312 magnet programs located throughout the District. The approximate number of seats available in 2020-2021 and the number of applications submitted in 2019-2020 to each magnet school/center can be found under each school’s name.
Some magnet programs occupy entire school sites (Full School Magnets), while others are magnet centers located on residential school campuses with access to activities and experiences shared with the host school. Please see the Magnet school list to determine the program(s) that fit your child’s needs. Each of the magnet programs falls within one of eight instructional themes: Business, Communication Arts, Centers for Enriched Studies, Gifted and Highly Gifted, Liberal Arts, Public Service, Science/Technology/Engineering/Math or Visual and Performing Arts.
All District students, including English learners, standard English learners, students with disabilities, and gifted/talented are encouraged to apply.
What are the goals of the instructional program?
Magnet programs embrace the interests of all students by focusing on thematic instruction and personalized learning. Magnet programs provide pathways that prepare students to pursue innovative careers in our evolving global economy.
Magnet programs were established through an integration court-order to address the Five Harms of Racial Isolation: Low Academic Achievement, Low Self-Esteem, Lack of Access to Post-Secondary Opportunities, Interracial Hostility and Intolerance and Overcrowded Conditions. They are in alignment with L.A. Unified’s goals: 100 percent graduation, proficiency for all, 100 percent attendance, parent, community and student engagement, school safety, and building a solid foundation for early learners.
Who is eligible?
Students who are in grades K-12 and live within the L.A. Unified boundary are eligible to apply for magnet programs. The Magnet school list includes available grade levels for each program.
Only Gifted and Highly Gifted Magnets require specific eligibility criteria for selection. All applicants for Gifted and Highly Gifted Magnets must be identified or verified, and submit a magnet application.
How are students selected?
The student selection process for magnet programs is based on the Magnet Priority Point System and the Court-Ordered reduction of the Harms of Racial Isolation. Once the application is submitted, the information is verified by the District’s Information Technology Division (ITD) and students are assigned points based on 5 criteria (see Magnet Priority Point System below). The sum of these points is utilized in the fair and computerized selection process.
It is the Parents’/Guardians’ responsibility to verify the student’s address, grade and ethnicity with the current LAUSD school of attendance prior to the application deadline.
Magnet priority points are only applicable to the magnet program. There are no points given for submitting an invalid (residing outside the district, applying to an incorrect grade level, etc.) or late application. Students who apply for the same grade twice will not earn waiting list points for the previous year.
Is there transportation?
Transportation is available to some magnet programs. BEFORE MAKING YOUR SELECTION, contact the school or Transportation Services to determine if the magnet program offers transportation and if the closest pick-up/drop-off point is a reasonable distance from your home. For information about existing bus routes, contact Transportation Services Division at 1-800-LABUSES or (213) 580-2900.
District-paid transportation MAY be provided for ELEMENTARY (K-5/6) applicants if they reside outside a two-mile radius of the magnet program. District-paid transportation MAY be provided for SECONDARY (6-12) applicants if they reside outside a five-mile radius of the magnet program. Students attending the following span schools have a two-mile eligibility radius: Arroyo Seco, Lake Balboa, Sherman Oaks CES, Western Ave and Westside Global Awareness.
Students with disabilities enrolling in a Magnet Program may also have access to transportation. Magnet programs may offer school to school transportation for eligible students.
NOTE: The maximum one-way riding time guideline for all students (grades Kindergarten through 12) is 90 minutes. This applies to all bus routes.
Click here for more transportation information
Who can I contact for more information?
Please contact the Choices Support Line at (213) 241-4177 if you have questions about the Magnet Program.