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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 agent 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
Elementary and middle school academies include options such as:
  • 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:

East Central ISD 

Edgewood ISD

Harlandale ISD – HS

Harlandale ISD – Academy

Judson ISD

North East ISD

Northside ISD

San Antonio ISD

South San Antonio ISD

Southside ISD

Southwest ISD

 
RESOURCES:

What are magnet schools?– Magnet.edu

List of Texas school districts and magnet schools 

Magnet and Academy News

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