District 196 families have exciting school choice opportunities! Starting October 6, 2025, the application window opens for students who wish to attend a magnet school in the 2026–27 school year.
What Are Magnet Schools?
Magnet schools are public schools with a special focus or theme, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), environmental studies, leadership, or the arts. They offer innovative, hands-on learning while still teaching our core curriculum in math, science, language arts, and social studies.
District 196 Magnet Schools Include:
- Cedar Park Elementary STEM School, Apple Valley
- Echo Park Elementary School of Leadership, Engineering and Technology, Burnsville
- Glacier Hills Elementary School of Arts and Science, Eagan
- Oak Ridge Elementary School of Leadership, Environmental and Health Sciences, Eagan
- Valley Middle School of STEM, Apple Valley
- School of Environmental Studies, Apple Valley (for students in grades 11–12)
Application Process and Eligibility
The magnet school application is open to all students entering grades K–5, middle school, or grades 11–12. Transportation is provided within the district boundaries for students living more than one mile from the school. Open enrollment students from outside the district are also welcome to apply. Enrollment is determined by a lottery system. Applicants not selected through the lottery may be placed on a waiting list. To learn more, visit www.district196.org/magnetschools