Q. What are magnet programs?
A. Magnet programs offer a theme or focus that is designed to give students an opportunity to explore a special interest, gift, talent or skill. A magnet school may feature one or more magnet program.

Q. Do I have to apply for a magnet program?
A. No. It's up to each family to decide whether to go to their neighborhood school, apply for one of the District's many magnet program offerings or opt for another of Duval County's Choice programs.

Q. Why do we have magnet programs?
A. Magnet programs were started during the 1991-1992 school year as a voluntary desegregation plan. Today, Duval County's magnet programs are the centerpiece of the District's School Choice Program and promote diversity in our schools.

Q.What is a Dreams Begin Here magnet school?
A. The Dreams Begin Here magnet schools refer to the 10 new magnet programs that are being started in 2008 as a result of the District's Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant award of $10.9 million.

Q. What is an Inspirations magnet school?
A. The Inspirations schools are seven magnet programs located mostly in the downtown area. They are funded by a $9 million grant from the federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program that the district received in 2004.

Q. When do I have to decide?
A. The application season is January and February, with applications due on February 29, 2008. Applications received by the deadline are processed in the lottery and have the best chance of being selected. Applications received after the deadline are placed if and when space becomes available. You do not receive special consideration for early application submission.

Q. How do I apply?
A. You may submit a paper or electronic application to the Magnet Program office on or before February 29, 2008.

Q. How do I get an application?
A. Each student currently enrolled in a Duval County Public School in Grades Pre-K - 10 receives a preprinted application in the mail in early January. Additionally, applications are available at the Magnet Office, located in the School Board Administration Building on Prudential Drive and here, on our Web site. You may also apply online here.

Q. Does a magnet student give up the chance to get a traditional education?
A. No. Every student receives instruction in all subject areas that are required for promotion and/or graduation. In fact, in many cases, the magnet theme is integrated into the core curriculum.

Q. Is a magnet school better than the non-magnet school that's close to my home?
A. No. Magnet programs offer something different, but they are not designed to be better than any other school in the District.

Q. Am I guaranteed to get in if I apply?
A. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees. Admission is determined by a lottery that is based on the number of openings and the number of applications received for a school or program.

Q. What is the advantage of attending a magnet school?
A. Students are able to participate in the program theme and meet other students from different areas of the city.

Q. Can anyone apply to a magnet school?
A. Yes! With very few exceptions, all of Duval County's magnet programs are "open admissions." This means that all students may apply and have a chance to be selected through the magnet lottery.