What is a Magnet School or Program?
Magnet Schools or Magnet Programs within a school are special learning opportunities that are added to the regular academic classes. Each magnet program has a particular theme, such as: Visual and Performing Arts, Science, Pre-Engineering, Medical Science, Business or Global Studies.  The U.S. Department of Education is currently funding Global Studies Magnet Programs as Dooley Elementary, Lindsey Middle School, Jordan High School and Poly High School Pacific Rim Academy.

How are magnet programs funded?
Magnet programs are initially funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education but once the grant funding period ends, schools continue to offer the programs by using a variety of funding resources.

What is a Special Program?
A special program is a program that also has a special theme or curriculum, ranging from gifted and/or high achieving enrichment programs to those that are very similar to magnet programs the only difference is that they were not originally funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

Who can go to a Magnet School or a school offering a Special Program?
Any student living within the boundaries of the Long Beach Unified School District may apply to a magnet or special program. Acceptance into these programs however, depends on space and district transportation is not given. While a few of the programs are for gifted/high achieving students, most of the programs do not have any testing or other entrance criteria. The goal is to include, not exclude students wanting to enter these programs.

Where are the Magnet Schools and Special Programs Located?
Magnet Schools and Special Programs are located throughout the Long Beach Unified School District. Please see a list of all magnet and special programs on our website.

How do parents find out more information about these unique programs?
Every January, the School Choice Office hosts the Education Celebration, which is an event where every school is represented at a school choice fair. Parents can meet the school staff, find out about the different magnet programs and arrange a tour of the school. This event attracts thousands of parents every year, even those whose children are still infants. It is strongly recommended that parents attend this event as well as call or e-mail the School Choice Office for a district map and list of magnet programs. The School Choice Office staff is always happy to speak to parents and answer questions.

What if there’s no room in the school or program that I choose?
In neighborhoods where there are many children, some of the magnet schools fill up very quickly. The neighborhood children have first choice in attending that school, with remaining spaces going to those who have submitted a School Transfer Application to enter that school. Those applications are chosen by random lottery, for fairness. The best way to ensure entrance to a magnet program is to put in several School Transfer Applications. This increases the chance of being accepted. The School Transfer Application is very easy to fill out and can be picked up at any school office.