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Magnet Schools

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Innovative learning for the 21st century

Beginning Fall 2025 we will have four 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.
 
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.  Students may be pulled off of school waitlists until July 15th.  For more information click on the links in our "Resources" section.
 
  • Elementary Magnet Window - Oct 7th thru Jan 3rd - The Window to apply for the 2025-26 magnet lottery has now closed.  - You may still fill out the application below to be added to the schools waitlist.  If pulled off the waitlist you will receive an email with further directions.  Students can be pulled off of the waitlist up until July 15th.

 

  • Valley Middle School of STEM (VMSS) Window - Oct 7th thru Dec 13th - The Window to apply for the 2025-26 Valley Middle School of STEM magnet lottery has now closed.  You may still fill out the application below to be added to the schools waitlist.  If pulled off the waitlist you will receive an email with further directions.  Students can be pulled off of the waitlist up until July 15th.

 

  • The School of Environmental Studies (SES) - If you are applying for a student in the Class of 2027 (11th grader in 2025-26 school year), you may fill out the application below to be added to the school’s waitlist. If/when your name is pulled off of the waitlist, you will receive an email with further directions. If you are applying for a student in the Class of 2026 (12th grader in 2025-26 school year), we have vacancies and will be in touch soon with next steps. Thank you for your interest! . Would you like to attend SES for the 2024-25 school year? Please contact Michelle Oberg at 952-431-8752 for more information.

 

  • 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.

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Contact

​​​​​​​Tony Eatchel,
Magnet Program Manager

651-423-7810
Tony.Eatchel@district196.org
 

Paul Olson,
Instruction and Achievement Coordinator for STEM Programs

651-423-7911
Paul.Olson@district196.org

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