Magnet Schools
Innovative learning for the 21st century
Magnet schools are free public schools organized around specialized themes designed to appeal to students' interests and aptitudes. Our magnet school learning environments are designed to successfully educate all students.
We are proud of the innovative learning environment we cultivate in District 196, and another way we engage our students is through our magnet program.
Magnet schools offer parents increased choice in their child’s education by providing a concentrated theme that offers innovative ways to meet students’ learning goals through a particular focus. While giving parents increased choice, our magnet schools still provide the district’s core curriculum in the areas of science, math, language arts and social studies.A note for Magnet families:
If you requested transportation to your new Magnet program, you may notice more cancellations or delays than some other routes. Magnet routes are often longer and serve fewer students, which can make them more affected when driver shortages occur. We want new families to be aware of this so you can plan ahead when needed.To attend our elementary, middle school and the School of Environmental Studies Magnets, parents must fill out an application. A lottery is held for spots at each school and families will be notified of placement after the lottery is completed.
If you requested transportation to your new Magnet program, you may notice more cancellations or delays than some other routes. Magnet routes are often longer and serve fewer students, which can make them more affected when driver shortages occur. We want new families to be aware of this so you can plan ahead when needed.To attend our elementary, middle school and the School of Environmental Studies Magnets, parents must fill out an application. A lottery is held for spots at each school and families will be notified of placement after the lottery is completed.
Application Information!
Selecting a school for your child is an exciting process! We invite families to take a tour of our magnet schools to find the right fit for their student. Please contact your school of choice to schedule a tour. Parents may only apply to one school for the Elementary Magnet Lottery. All late applications (after the window has closed) will automatically be added to the schools waitlist. We stop taking waitlist applications for Elementary and Valley Middle School of STEM on March 31, 2026. For more information click on the links in our "Resources" section.
- Elementary Magnet Schools - CLOSED - The Window to apply for the 2026-27 magnet lottery is now closed! April 1, 2026 is the last day students can be pulled from waitlists for the 2026-27 school year.
- Valley Middle School of STEM (VMSS) - CLOSED - The Window to apply for the 2026-27 magnet lottery is now closed! April 1, 2026 is the last day students can be pulled from waitlists for the 2026-27 school year.
- The School of Environmental Studies (SES) - CLOSED - The Window to apply for the 2026-27 magnet lottery is now closed! You can still apply but will be added to the bottom of our waitlist. To be added to the waitlist for 2026-27 click the "School of Environmental Studies Magnet Application" button below.
- Apple Valley High School - No application necessary. Contact the school directly for registration at 952-431-8200.
Elementary magnet school application (waitlist)APPLICATION CLOSED - April 1, 2026 is the last day students can be pulled from waitlists.
valley middle school magnet application (waitlist)APPLICATION CLOSED - April 1, 2026 is the last day students can be pulled from waitlists.
School of environmental studies Magnet Application (waitlist)APPLICATION CLOSED - Applications received after December 19th will be added to our waitlist.
Our Magnet Schools
K-12 STEM Pathway
District 196 is a national leader in STEM education and incorporates a "STEM For All" philosophy. We established a Pre-K STEM Pathway at our four STEM-focused magnet schools. From an early age, students learn the importances of researching, experimenting, analyzing and critical thinking. We believe the classes offered in this pathway are more than just curriculum, but rather an innovative approach to learning in the 21st century.
Students following the STEM Pathway begin their journey at either Cedar Park Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) School or Echo Park School or Leadership, Engineering and Technology. They continue their learning at Valley Middle School of STEM, followed by an immersive and rigorous educational experience at Apple Valley High School.
Contact
Tony Eatchel,
Educational Technology Support
651-423-7810
Tony.Eatchel@district196.org
Amber Walsh,
PK-5 Magnet and Content Coordinator
651-423-7812
Amber.Walsh@district196.org
RESOURCES
Selecting an Elementary School
Magnet School Enrollment Guidelines for Elementary
Transportation Guidelines for Elemetnary
Magnet School Enrollment Process and Transportation for Valley Middle School of STEM
Magnet School Enrollment Process and Transportation for the School of Environmental Studies
Magnet School Events and Important Dates
May 2026
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