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.
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. Students may be pulled off of school waitlists until July 15th. For more information click on the links in our "Resources" section.
- Elementary Magnet Schools - The Window to apply for the 2026-27 magnet lottery runs Oct 6th thru Jan 2nd. The online application will be linked below starting on October 6th. You can apply anytime during the application window. You will be notified if you have been accepted or waitlisted after the lottery occurs in January.
- Valley Middle School of STEM (VMSS) - The Window to apply for the 2026-27 magnet lottery runs Oct 6th thru Dec 12th. The online application will be linked below starting on October 6th. You can apply anytime during the application window. You will be notified if you have been accepted or waitlisted after the lottery occurs in December.
- The School of Environmental Studies (SES) - Interested in attending the School of Environmental Studies for the 2025–26 school year? We currently have space available for both 11th and 12th grade students. There is no waitlist — students can apply online now or contact Michelle Oberg at (952) 431-8752 to learn more or attend an upcoming informational meeting.
If you are a current 10th grader interested in applying for the 2026–27 school year, applications will open on October 6th, 2025. We look forward to connecting with you!
- Apple Valley High School - No application necessary. Contact the school directly for registration at 952-431-8200.
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,
Magnet Program Manager
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 Elementary
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
all day
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July 2025
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June
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Monday,
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30
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25
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27
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28
Tuesday,
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29
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30
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31
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1
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Calendar & Category Legend:
- Magnet School Events