What are Magnet Programs?
The Los Angeles 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 333 magnet programs located throughout the District. The approximate number of seats available
in 2024-2025 and the number of applications submitted in 2023-2024 to each magnet school/center can be found under each school’s name. All District
students, including English learners, standard English learners, students with disabilities, and gifted/talented are encouraged to apply.
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 Magnet list to review the magnet school/center
information in this brochure and 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.
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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Unified boundary are eligible to apply for magnet programs. Applicants must be residents of Los Angeles Unified at the time of application and while enrolled in the magnet program. The index of programs 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.
Magnet Programs are Court-Ordered programs that require parents to mark ONE federally identified ethnicity/race category on the application.
Select the option next to the ethnicity or race that best describes the child for which you are applying. You may fill in the “Multi-ethnic” response
to indicate the applicant is identified as more than one ethnicity/race but your application WILL NOT be processed unless you choose one of the
federally identified ethnicity/race categories.
How are students selected?
The on-time 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. See Magnet Application Guidelines for late application process.
It is the Parents’/Guardians’ responsibility to verify the student’s address, grade and ethnicity with the current Los Angeles Unified 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. Routes and pick-up/drop-off locations have been established for the 2024-2025 school year. No new stops will be added. 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 one-mile radius of the magnet program. District-paid transportation MAY be provided for SECONDARY (6-12) applicants if they reside outside a three-mile radius of the magnet program. Students attending the following span schools have a one-mile eligibility radius: Arroyo Seco, Laurel, Lake Balboa, Sherman Oaks CES, Western Ave and Westside.
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 or eChoices@lausd.net if you have questions about the Magnet Program.