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Magnet Schools

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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.
 
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.  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!  You can still apply but will be added to the bottom of our waitlist. To be added to the waitlist fill out the application below by clicking the "Elementary Magnet School Application" button below. 
     
  • Valley Middle School of STEM (VMSS) - 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 fill out the application below by clicking the "Valley Middle School Magnet Application" button below.
     
  • 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.
    • Interested in attending the School of Environmental Studies for the 2025–26 school year? We currently have space available for 11th grade students. There is no waitlist contact Michelle Oberg at (952) 431-8752 to learn more or attend an upcoming informational meeting. 
       
  • Apple Valley High School - No application necessary.  Contact the school directly for registration at 952-431-8200.

Elementary magnet school application (waitlist)APPLICATION CLOSED - Applications received after January 2nd will be added to our waitlist.

valley middle school magnet application (waitlist)APPLICATION CLOSED - Applications received after December 12th will be added to our waitlist.

 

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.

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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

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