Magnet Schools
Innovative learning for the 21st century
We have five elementary, one middle and two high school magnet opportunities. 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.
Our Magnet Schools
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.
- Elementary Magnet Window -October 14, 2022 through January 5, 2023 -CLOSED all applications will be added to the schools wailist.
- Valley Middle School of STEM (VMSS) Window - October 14, 2022 through December 5, 2022 - CLOSED all applications will be added to the schools waitlist.
- The School of Environmental Studies (SES) - APPLICATION FOR 2023-24 open October 14, 2022 through December 20, 2022. CLOSED all applications will be added to the schools waitlist. If you are interested in attending yet this year for the 2022-23 school year contact Michelle Oberg at 952-431-8752.
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
Paul Olson,
Teaching and Learning Coordinator for STEM Programs
651-423-7911
Paul.Olson@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
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