Could someone explain what a magnet school is? (university, internships)

[GypsySoul22]

I'm not familiar with the term. I was wondering if someone could provide a link or explanation of this. Thanks.

[nlschr0]

It varies a little for each school district, but basically it is a special program offered at a school to "attract" students.

For example, a high school might offer an engineering or arts magnet program. Students from anywhere in the district can apply to attend this program at the school. They will take basic ed classes with students from the entire school, but they will also enroll in specialized classes with a smaller cohort of other magnet program students, focused on the magnet program. Sometimes these even include internships in the local community, work-study programs, study abroad, college-level classes at a local university, etc. In larger districts, some programs are focused on vocational training, where a student will actually graduate with vocational or technical licensing, or even an Associate's degree, while others are arts or academic based to prepare a student for high-level college courses or professional arts programs.

Simply attending the school usually isn't enough to qualify for entrance into the magnet program classes. Schools offer selective admission with interviews, portfolio assessment, etc or sometimes a lottery program. The best ones are very selective and are difficult to get into. Often, students enter the magnet track in middle or even elementary schools, which automatically funnels them into the programs at high school.

[Toria]

if you Goggle the term "magnet school", you'll find a lot of information, too.