2024-2025 School Year FAQs

What is the magnet program?

Magnet programs are court-ordered voluntary integration opportunities available to students in grades K-12 living within L.A. Unified. Currently there are 332 magnet programs located throughout L.A. Unified.
 

Who can apply to magnet programs?

All students living within the boundaries of L.A. Unified are eligible to apply, including English learners, special education, and gifted/talented students.

What is the difference between magnet and gifted?

The magnet program is a court-ordered voluntary integration program open to all L.A. Unified students. Fifty-six (56) of the 332 magnet programs available are Gifted or Highly Gifted programs. In order to apply to one of these 56 programs, students must first meet the eligibility criteria.

How do I apply for a magnet school?

You may complete the application on-line at eChoices.lausd.net or the Choices Brochure contains the application for the magnet schools and is available the beginning of October.

Can I apply to more than one magnet?

Students may apply for up to three magnet programs. If the applicant is selected to their first choice, choice two and three are not considered. If the applicant is selected into any program of their choice, the student will not be placed on any waiting list. If there is no space available in any of their choices, the student will be placed on the waiting list for their first choice only.

How do I submit the application?

All applications are to be sent via U.S. mail or submitted online. Unfortunately, we cannot be held responsible for lost applications.

What happens if I miss the application deadline?

Parents may submit Late Applications beginning February 1, 2024. If space becomes available the school’s magnet coordinator will contact you. The Late Application does not guarantee placement at the school site.
 

How are students accepted into magnet programs?
 

Students are selected based on the magnet program goal and are randomly accepted into magnet programs based on the number of priority points they accrue. The number of students selected is based on the number of available spaces at a particular school. Any student who sent in an on-time application, but was not selected, is placed on a waiting list for their first choice only.
 

Are students selected on a first-come first-served basis?
 

No. The selection process is random and occurs after the on-time application deadline.
 

Is there guaranteed selection if I apply?
 

No. Applicants are not guaranteed selection.
 

How do I know if my child was selected or not?
 

In December, you will receive a letter confirming receipt of your child’s application. In March, you will be notified by mail or via the parent account as to whether your child was selected or placed on the waiting list.
 

What is my child's status on the waiting list?
 

Your child’s status will depend on the number of openings at the school of application as well as the number

of applicants. You may call the school to inquire about potential selection.
 

When will my child get called from the waiting list?
 

If a space becomes available, calls to students on the waiting list may begin as early as April and continue through the fourth week of the fall semester. Students may also be called during the first two weeks of the spring semester.
 

Do I have to reapply every year?
 

Students who are currently enrolled in a magnet program do not have to reapply unless they want to change schools (this includes promotion to the next school level, such as elementary school to middle school or middle school to high school). If a student remains on a waiting list then the student should reapply.