How to Find Magnet Schools

To find magnet schools, start by speaking to the administrators of your child's current school. Speaking to friends and coworkers who send their children to magnet schools is another option. Internet searches and looking in the yellow pages can also assist you in finding the right magnet schools for your child.

1. Set up a meeting with your child's current school. Let your child's school principal and teachers know that you are interested in sending your child to a magnet school. Educators are the best resources for gathering information about educational settings and resources.

2. Explain your child's talents and interests. Your child's teachers will already have an idea of his or her capacities. Having a conversation with them will give you some ideas about which type of school is best for your child. Magnet schools often have a specialty, such as a vocational, academic or artistic focus. Discussing your child's interests will help pinpoint the best magnet school.

3. Conduct an Internet search. Once you've received recommendations from your child's teachers, look up the website information of the schools online. Investigate the information on each magnet school to determine if it is the right fit for your child.

4. Expand your search for public magnet schools by speaking to others. Friends, neighbors and community members may be sending their children to magnet schools. Ask them for school recommendations.

5.  Look in the yellow pages. Open the phone book to the schools section and call the various magnet schools listed. Ask them to send you information in the mail or for links to their websites.

6. Set up appointments to visit your top school choices. Get a feel for the school environment by walking around the campus with your child. Meet the faculty and ask questions about their teaching philosophy.