CCSD magnet programs offer learning opportunities related to various themes for interested students. Students from across the district may apply to a magnet program regardless of the region in which they reside, however, transportation will only be provided to students living within the designated transportation boundary for the magnet program. The purpose of magnet programs are to improve student achievement, promote diversity, and create an awareness of career opportunities relative to the fields of study in which students may be interested.
Magnet programs are offered at grades K through 12, with some exceptions. Most secondary magnet programs only accept 9th and 10th grade students because they have programs of study in which a student must participate for a minimum of three years. International Baccalaureate programs occasionally accept students at 11th grade because the program of study requires a minimum of two years participation. Performing Arts programs at Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts and Las Vegas Academy of the Arts occasionally audition 11th and 12th grade students.
Students do not have to reapply annually. Therefore, the majority of seats are allocated to the entry grade levels (K, 6th, and 9th). Seats may open up in other grade levels if current students decide to leave at the end of the school year.
Any student currently residing or planning to reside in Clark County may submit an application to attend a magnet school of their choice. Entry is criteria and interest-based. Students must meet minimum eligibility requirements in order to be considered in the lottery process for STEM-based high school programs. Students must meet audition criteria in order to be considered in the lottery process for performing and visual arts high school programs. If they qualify, are accepted, and choose to enroll, students must attend the magnet school full-time and remain enrolled for the entire school year. Students are not permitted to attend a magnet school part-time to take individual classes.
Transportation is provided for students residing within transportation zones for the school. It is the responsibility of the parent to verify transportation eligibility on the CCSD Transportation website. Transportation zone maps may be viewed here.
It is the intent of CCSD to avoid separating siblings when possible, but there is no guarantee that both siblings will be selected to the same school. The only exception is made for twins/triplets (multiples). If a set of twins/triplets (multiples) apply to the same school and one twin/triplet (multiple) is accepted, the other twin/triplet (multiple), if qualified, will be offered a seat at the same school.
Since many of the afterschool activities are closely related to the regular instructional program, every effort will be made to provide magnet students with these opportunities.
At comprehensive high schools, the magnet students may participate in any sports or activities currently offered at that school. If a student attends a CTA or the Las Vegas Academy, it is the responsibility of the parent and student to check with the student’s zoned school in regard to eligibility for participation in sports and other activities (i.e. football, basketball). Athletes attending a CTA or the Las Vegas Academy are responsible for their own transportation to the zoned school in order to participate in practices, matches, and games.
All CCSD and Nevada Interscholastic Athletic Association (NIAA) rules and regulations apply. Specific information applicable to students in magnet schools is included in the NIAA Handbook, NAC 386.787. CTAs and Las Vegas Academy do not participate in the NIAA athletics but offer many extracurricular activities in which students can participate.
Placement in a magnet program is not guaranteed. All students must submit an application by the annually specified application deadline. The District reserves 25% of the available seats in middle and high school programs for qualifying incoming students who attended a magnet school at the lower level. Those students who are not selected in this 25% will be placed in the general lottery.
Magnet students receive the educational services that the District provides to students in each of its schools.
No application, tuition, or entrance fees are charged for admission. Some schools or programs may require a program fee for enrolled students. Contact individual school sites for information regarding program fees.
The magnet school shall be considered the home school of students who are selected and who are in attendance at the beginning of the school year. Students who are accepted and complete enrollment are expected to attend the magnet school for at least one school year. If a student athlete returns to his/her zoned school or makes any other subsequent changes in enrollment, he/she would be ineligible for the remainder of that school year and for 180 school days in any sport as per NIAA (Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association).