Everything You Need to Know About Magnet Schools

Magnet schools are secondary "schools of choice" within the public high school system. Unlike charter or private schools, magnet schools operate under the same district but offer specialized programs — they focus on areas such as science and technology (STEM), the arts, global studies, leadership, or world languages.

Students still follow the standard curriculum in a magnet school, but instruction is enhanced with hands-on projects, and the learning environment is tailored to each program’s theme. A child interested in engineering, for example, might study core math and science subjects alongside real-world applications.

Why should I send my child to magnet schools near me?

• If your child already shows interest in a subject — like robotics, healthcare, or language — magnet schools can deepen that interest.
• Students get to participate in labs, performances, team projects, and real-world challenges that mirror professional environments.
• Because magnet schools pull students from across an entire district, the student population is often more culturally and socioeconomically diverse than a typical neighborhood school. This can broaden your child’s perspectives and help them build social awareness.
• Many magnet programs were created to expand access to high-quality education across racial and economic lines. They continue to prioritize inclusion and academic advancement for all students, regardless of background.
• While not all schools do this, some magnet programs limit enrollment, which can mean more personalized instruction and more time for teachers to focus on individual student progress.
• In some districts, attending one magnet school can improve your child’s chances of getting into another down the line.

How can I help my child get into magnet schools near me?

You need to apply directly, and each program has its own requirements and deadlines.

Some programs require eligibility screening. For example, an arts-focused magnet may ask for a portfolio or audition, while a STEM program may request academic records or test results. Schools will list exactly what’s required — make sure to read everything carefully.

If the magnet school assesses math skills as part of the application and your child struggles with concepts like equations or word problems, now is the time to find a tutor who can help them strengthen those areas before testing.

Can I hire a tutor to help my child get accepted into magnet schools near me?

Yes, absolutely. A tutor can help your child prepare for the academic requirements and entrance assessments many magnet programs use.

For example, PALS Learning Center in Piscataway offers Magnet School Prep Classes that target the key subjects often covered in magnet school entrance exams: math, reading comprehension, writing, and logical reasoning.

The program is designed specifically for students applying to top-tier Middlesex County magnet schools such as Edison Academy for Engineering and Woodbridge Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences. Call +1 732 777 7997 if you are interested.

About the Author

For 16 years, PALS Learning Center Piscataway has been a distinguished local education center providing tailored after-school enrichment programs for kindergarten to Grade 12 students. Our curriculum encompasses a variety of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Reading, Writing, Advanced Placement (AP) Science, and preparatory classes for Magnet/Academy School admissions, PSAT 8, NJSLA, and SAT exams. Our courses are meticulously structured for progressive learning, covering topics such as Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and additional subjects. Serving families in Piscataway and Edison and nearby areas, we provide both in-person and online classes, and we are committed to empowering children to reach their highest academic potential.

For over 15 years, PALS has been a renowned local education center providing comprehensive after-school enrichment programs tailored to each student. Offering tutoring from Kindergarten to Grade 12, our curriculum covers English, Math, Reading.