San Antonio Region Magnets and Academies
Many San Antonio-area public schools offer school choice In San Antonio through specialized programs that focus on a particular area of study. School Choice In San Antonio Public Schools xThese programs are sometimes called academies or magnet schools. They can be school-wide programs, or they can be a section of a larger public school. Magnet schools and academies are public schools with specialized courses or curricula.
What is a Magnet School?
Because magnet schools bring in students from across various school zone boundaries and regardless of residential zip codes, they are termed “magnets.” Like traditional public schools, magnet schools are accountable to the local school board and the state, and they are held to the same academic standards. Admission to a magnet school program may require an entrance exam, audition, or may be decided by a lottery.
Magnet high schools exist within traditional public school districts, but offer an additional academic focus along with the standard curriculum.
Magnet Program Curriculum
Some magnets, such as the International Baccalaureate (international studies) schools, have a more general focus. Other magnet programs may focus specifically on:
- Career and Technical Education (CTE)
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Fine and Performing Arts
- World Languages (immersion and non-immersion)
Benefits of Attending Magnets
- Magnet schools enhance diversity and desegregation.
- Students in magnet schools tend to score higher on science, reading, and social studies exams than students in regular public schools.
- Magnet school communities encourage family and community involvement.
What is an Academy?
There are two ways school districts will design a focused area of study for students. One is to designate an elementary or middle school as an academy. The other is by opening up the academy within an elementary or middle school. This provides a select number of students the opportunity to study within a focus. In both scenarios, school districts can choose to offer the academy to students within and/or outside of their district boundaries. Some schools might provide transportation to students outside of the district. However, it’s best to contact the school directly to find out what options are available.
Types of Academies
- Leadership
- STEM
- Fine Arts
- Dual Language
- Preparatory
- Advanced Academics
- Multicultural
- Environmental Sciences
Find Out More About Local High School Magnets: Magnets and Academies by District
Searching “Magnet Schools Near Me” online may be confusing; it is recommended that you contact your local school district to find out what types of magnet schools and academies are available.
Below are the magnets and academies links within each San Antonio area school district:
MAGNET AND ACADEMY NEWS
Northside ISD Magnet Offers Criminal Investigation Classes and More
Northside ISD Magnet School Offers Criminal Investigative Classes and More Marshall Law and Medical Services Magnet School offers Northside ISD students preparation for criminal justice,
STEM Programs in NEISD Prepare Dental Students for Careers
Heewon Yang, a student at North East ISD’s Career and Technical Education Center, participates in the school’s dental assistant program. She loves the hands-on learning
South San ISD Offers Middle School Academies
KSAT’s Cool Schools features South San ISD’s four middle school academies. These include the STEM Academy at Dwight Middle School, the Health Science Academy at Zamora
