Magnet Programs
Since opening its first magnet program at Charles R. Drew Elementary school in 1973, choice options have expanded with the establishment of innovative choice programs/schools federally supplemented by the Magnet School’s Assistance Program and the Voluntary Public School Choice Grant (I Choose!). In all, the School Choice & Parental Options office administers a total of 115 choice programs in 95 schools, with an enrollment of almost 43,000 students. In addition, three choice Technical Arts senior high schools seek to challenge students academically while they participate in career training. These schools are administered by the Office of Career and Technical Education.

Magnet programs are schools of choice that offer unique courses of study focusing on students ’ special interests, talents, and abilities.  Miami-Dade County Public Schools has established 300 magnet programs in 109 schools.  In 2008-09, 39,407 students were enrolled in magnet programs. Magnet programs are available to students under the following eight themes of study:

APPLY FOR MAGNET PROGRAMS