Magnets don't just attract--they transform!

As the district prepares to celebrate Magnet School Month in February, it might be appropriate to step back and answer a few fundamental questions, which is particularly timely since we are also in Metro’s school option application period:

What is a magnet school?

The very first, and single greatest example of public school “choice” are magnet schools, which have been around since the late 1960s. In general, they are visionary and innovative public schools that are open to all students regardless of zone. With 4,340 schools educating and more than 3.5 million students nationwide, each school typically focuses on individually themed curricula. In Nashville, those themes include:

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
• Visual and Performing Arts
• International Baccalaureate and International Studies
• Dual Language Immersion
• Global Media and Mass Communication
• Leadership and Entrepreneurship
• College and Career Preparedness, including Career and Technical Education (CTE)

What are MSAP Magnets?

Magnets attract children of various socio-economic backgrounds and academic achievement levels. In many situations across the country, they are supported by a federal grant known as the Magnet School Assistance Program, or MSAP. The grant funds allow schools to purchase additional technology and classroom resources to support the magnet themes. Funds also help provide the best professional development opportunities possible for teachers, and support widely diverse experiential learning opportunities for students through community partnerships with local businesses and other organizations.

Since 2011, there have been 25 Metro schools that have received MSAP funding, including 14 that are still active with the grant program. A complete list of academic and theme-based magnet options can be found on the MNPS website.

Why Magnet Schools?

Magnet schools do more than boost academics—they help students grow into confident, capable young people ready for the real world.

By learning with classmates from diverse backgrounds and getting hands‑on experiences with local businesses, nonprofits, and community partners, students see how their learning connects to life outside the classroom. They learn important life skills like teamwork, communication, and problem‑solving along the way.

And the best part? These experiences stick. No matter their learning level, students carry what they’ve learned into college, careers, and everyday life.

Magnet schools give every student the chance to discover their strengths and reach their fullest potential.

Find out more about magnet schools and Metro’s school options process here!