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. For more information click on the links in our "Resources" section.
- Elementary Magnet Schools - The Window to apply for the 2026-27 magnet lottery is now OPEN! You can apply from October 6th through January 2nd. You can apply anytime during the application window by clicking the "Elementary Magnet School Application" button below. You will be notified if you have been accepted or waitlisted after the lottery occurs in January.
- 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.
- The School of Environmental Studies (SES) - The Window to apply for the 2026-27 magnet lottery is now OPEN! You can apply from October 6th through December 19th. You can apply anytime during the application window by clicking the "School of Environmental Studies Magnet Application" button below. You will be notified if you have been accepted or waitlisted after the lottery occurs in December.
- 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 contact Michelle Oberg at (952) 431-8752 to learn more or attend an upcoming informational meeting.
- 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 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.
valley middle school magnet applicationAPPLICATION CLOSED - Applications received after December 12th 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,
District Magnet TOSA
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
-
14100 Co Rd 11, Burnsville, MN 55337
December 2025
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday,
November
30
Monday,
December
1
Tuesday,
December
2
Glacier Hills Elementary School of Arts & Science - Spotlight Event
-
3825 Glacier Dr, Eagan, MN 55123
Glacier Hills Elementary School of Arts & Science - Spotlight Event
-
3825 Glacier Dr, Eagan, MN 55123
Wednesday,
December
3
Thursday,
December
4
Friday,
December
5
Saturday,
December
6
Sunday,
December
7
Monday,
December
8
Tuesday,
December
9
Oak Ridge Elementary School of Leadership, Environmental and Health Sciences - Spotlight Event
-
4350 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd, Eagan, MN 55122
Oak Ridge Elementary School of Leadership, Environmental and Health Sciences - Spotlight Event
-
4350 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd, Eagan, MN 55122
Wednesday,
December
10
Thursday,
December
11
Friday,
December
12
Saturday,
December
13
Sunday,
December
14
Monday,
December
15
Echo Park Elementary School of Leadership, Engineering and Technology - Spotlight Event
-
14100 Co Rd 11, Burnsville, MN 55337
Tuesday,
December
16
Wednesday,
December
17
Thursday,
December
18
Friday,
December
19
Saturday,
December
20
Sunday,
December
21
Monday,
December
22
Tuesday,
December
23
Wednesday,
December
24
Thursday,
December
25
Friday,
December
26
Saturday,
December
27
Sunday,
December
28
Monday,
December
29
Tuesday,
December
30
Wednesday,
December
31
Thursday,
January
1
Friday,
January
2
Saturday,
January
3
Calendar & Category Legend:
- Magnet School Events Magnet School Events