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Mission:
Magnet schools and programs are one tool for providing quality educational opportunities for all students, regardless of background, in an environment that enhances students’ educational success, and for encouraging all parents to play active roles in their children's education by increasing the educational choices available to parents and students in the public schools.

Goals of Magnet Schools and Programs:

• Promote educational excellence and offer to students with different interests, talents, and aptitudes, distinct choices that may enhance their educational success;
• Develop innovative instructional practices and promote systemic reform; and
• Promote diversity (includes racial, ethnic, economic, gender, and special needs populations) within schools.

The Office of Magnet Programs provides services to families and schools by:

• Conducting a centralized magnet admissions process;
• Disseminating program and application information to parents and students through a variety of means (including a telephone hotline, newspapers, libraries, school personnel, and the Internet);
• Meeting with parent & community groups to discuss programs and application procedures;
• Organizing the countywide high school magnet fair;
• Supporting schools and staff in the implementation of Policy and Superintendent’s Rule 6400, entitled Magnet Schools Admission, which govern all admission decisions;
• Assisting in the review and preparation of admission criteria for secondary magnet programs; and
• Coordinating efforts with curriculum offices to ensure that magnet programs maintain high standards and rigorous curricula.