Magnet schools are part of the Clark County School District public school system. Unlike the public schools where students are zoned by address, magnet schools require students to apply or enter a lottery for admission.
The application deadline for all 2021-2022 school year applicants is January 5, 2021.
Interested in a magnet school program for your child? APPLY NOW!
Click on the Apply Now link above to complete a school choice application. Students going into Kindergarten through 10th grade may apply for magnet school admission for the 2021-2022 school year. You may choose from 1 to 3 schools. You must rank your choices (1,2,3) in the order of your preference. The deadline to apply is January 5, 2021.
Magnet school admission is done by lottery. After the lottery applicants will be emailed their results. Applicants may also sign on to their dashboard to view lottery results when made available. Please contact your 1st choice school if you have not received the notification email by March 1, 2021.
The following schools admit students by audition only:
Las Vegas Academy Audition Criteria
Del Sol Academy Audition Criteria
Magnet Schools in Las Vegas
What are Magnet/CTA programs?
Clark County School District (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 address, but transportation may be limited.
The purposes 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.
What are Select Schools?
The five (5) CCSD Select Schools are designed to provide families with additional school choice options. Select Schools offer outstanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs of study, Advanced Placement courses, and other specialized programs. Many CTE programs offer industry certification for students who complete the entire course of study. The focus of CTE is to ensure that all students have access to rigorous, blended college-preparatory and career-oriented programs that lead to marketable skills for the 21st Century.
What grade levels are served?
Students in grades K – 11 are eligible for acceptance into a Magnet, CTA, or Select School. Only some of the high schools accept applications for 11th grade. Any student in grades K–9 who will be living within the boundaries of CCSD may apply for a Magnet, CTA, or Select School program.
Magnet programs begin in Kindergarten to allow time for students to gain an understanding of the purpose of school and to develop interests during the kindergarten year. 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.
Additionally, it is suggested that students do not enter into a CTE program past grade 10 so that they may complete a program of study. Students do not have to reapply annually to Magnet, CTA, or Select Program, provided they are meeting all program and school requirements.
How many schools have Magnet/CTA/Select Programs?
There are currently 45 magnet (33), CTA (7), and Select (5) school campuses including eleven elementary schools, twelve middle schools and twenty-two high schools. At the Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grade levels, there are a set number of seats available. At other grade levels, available seats will depend on how many students have exited the program.
Magnet, CTA, and Select Schools are located throughout the valley. Information on school locations is available using the “school finder” feature on the magnet.ccsd.net website.
Magnet Schools in Vegas | Pros & Cons
Supporters of magnet schools focus on the success made by drawing students out of their assigned school zones, about the level of academic achievement, how magnet schools provide families more choice within the public school system.
Magnet schools also have specialized programs emphasizing a consistent theme or method of teaching, facilitating students’ and teachers’ commitment to the school. This helps students at Magnet schools surpass the achievement they would have made at their zoned schools.
Some critics of magnet schools focus on the inequity of the magnet school in general, how magnet schools often hurt neighboring public schools by taking away their brightest students, how selection processes will often keep children out who could benefit from a magnet school experience, the problems with student diversity that Magnet schools still have, and how magnet schools draw resources away from regular school programs.
The selective admission criteria of magnet schools often acts as an obstacle for students as it’s based on a lottery system and your chance of getting in is just that, a chance.
Magnet Schools in Vegas – How to Apply
Interested in a magnet school program for your child? APPLY NOW!
Click on the Apply Now link above to complete a school choice application. Students going into Kindergarten through 10th grade may apply for magnet school admission for the 2021-2022 school year. You may choose from 1 to 3 schools. You must rank your choices (1,2,3) in the order of your preference. The deadline to apply is January 5, 2021.
Magnet school admission is done by lottery. After the lottery applicants will be emailed their results. Applicants may also sign on to their dashboard to view lottery results when made available. Please contact your 1st choice school if you have not received the notification email by March 1, 2021.
The following schools admit students by audition only:
Las Vegas Academy Audition Criteria
Del Sol Academy Audition Criteria
Las Vegas High School Magnet Programs
Basic Academy of International Studies
Basic Academy of International Studies is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) world school with the Middle Years, Career and Diploma programs. These programs employ highly effective teaching strategies to prepare students with the content, analysis, communication, and reflection skills to be successful in college and their career. Develop skills in automotive, college preparation, early childhood development, entrepreneurship, fashion and design, foods, forensic science, or video production while enjoying the high school experience.
The Leadership and Law Preparatory Academy (LLPA) at Canyon Springs High School was established in 2003 as a Program-Within-a-School Magnet in North Las Vegas, Nevada. The LLPA offers a unique blend of traditional high school experience, 21st century skill acquisition, and civic leadership training. The LLPA offers majors in Law, Global Leadership, Business Leadership, or Military Leadership. LLPA instruction is designed to refine a 21st century skill set in students. The LLPA is monitored by an advisory board of professionals and representatives from the local higher education institutions, ensuring that the curriculum and programs offered are relevant, pertinent, and current. Visit for more information.
With three award-winning magnet programs, Clark attracts a diverse pool of students from all across the valley in addition to serving the local community. Programs include the Academy of Math, Science, the Arts, and Technology (AMSAT), The Academy of Finance (AOF), and the Teach Academy. Clark students are given the opportunity to study in a uniquely cosmopolitan location ripe with opportunities both inside the classroom and out.
Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts
The Del Sol Academy of The Performing Arts (DSA) offer its students a well-rounded education in conjunction with individualized artistic development. The school is a comprehensive high school grades 9 thru 12l with a performing arts magnet program, bringing together the best elements of high school and the creative arts. DSA students are a unique blend of performers, artists, creators, athletes and scholars.
The magnet academies at Desert Pines High School feature specialized courses focusing on a variety of career and technical education pathways: Animation, Culinary Arts, Photography, Radio Production (the only program of its kind in the state of Nevada), Sports & Entertainment Marketing, Video Production, and a new program for students interested in a medical career, Community Health Science.
Eldorado HS offers exciting opportunities in the Academy of Video Game Technology and Animation. The rich tradition of rigorous academics and sound extra-curricular activities at Eldorado provide students an incredible framework for achievement. Eldorado is dedicated to providing a safe learning environment that promotes academic excellence, character development, and responsible citizenry. Digital Game students take courses geared towards video game design, and digital game development. Animation students learn to create a variety of traditional and computer generated images.
Las Vegas Academy of the Arts (LVA) was established 25 years ago with the objective of integrating rigorous academics with the Performing and Visual Arts. The purpose of LVA is to provide an exceptional academic and arts environment and to foster a love for learning through diverse and engaging artistic experiences that offer an alternative approach to those students whose imaginations and creative skills dominate their learning processes. The LVA approach offers original curriculum that centers on the core STEAM curriculum goals, but delivers lessons in an artistic manner. The positive results of this innovative curriculum are evidenced in every classroom, every theatre, every studio, every rehearsal, every community event, and in LVA’s 97% retention and 100% graduation rates.
Established in 1954, Rancho High School (RHS) is the second oldest high school in Las Vegas, and is home to two magnet academies: Pre-Medical and Aviation. The Pre-Medical program focuses on fundamental principles of medicine, basic medical procedures and equipment operations to prepare students for a career in the medical field. The District’s only Aviation Academy has two programs: Aerospace Engineering and Private Pilot. Private Pilot students choose to earn their FAA Private Pilot’s Certificate or participate in our Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) course. Aerospace Engineering prepares students to students focus on either Aerospace Engineering (AE) or Aviation Maintenance (AMT) to work toward their FAA AMT Certification.
Spring Valley’s IB Program is designed to develop students who are inquiring and independent thinkers. In addition to challenging academics, IB also seeks to foster strong emotional and social characteristics, so that students are equipped to become productive citizens in a rapidly changing world.
Valley High School Magnet programs offer award-winning innovative experiences for all students who are interested in college, careers and more. These programs are strongly supported by the Las Vegas community in the way of scholarships, field trips, paid internships, curriculum, training, certifications, and much more. Programs include the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, International Baccalaureate and Military Science, Technology and Emergency Management.
Las Vegas Middle School Magnet Programs
The STEAM Academy at Bridger Middle School
The STEAM Academy at Jim Bridger Middle School provides a project-based learning environment centered around critical thinking, collaboration, communication, technology, and innovation. The elective based magnet curriculum includes aviation and aerospace, biomedicine, robotics, informational technology, and the fine arts. The aviation and aerospace emphasis is placed on engineering, space exploration, astronomy, and basic piloting skills. The biomedicine students explore anatomy and physiology, genetic diseases and pathology. Robotics students study engineering and design by building, programming and operating robots. Informational technology students learn the fundamentals of coding, app development, website building, animation, and broadcast journalism. The stellar fine arts department concentrates on Band, Mariachi and Visual Arts.
Mahlon Brown Academy of International Studies
The IB Middle Years Programme at Brown Academy provides a framework of learning which encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers. The MYP emphasizes intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make connections between their studies in traditional subjects and to the real world. The student is at the center, developing into an internationally minded person through the IB Learner Profile. Eight MYP subjects are required to provide rigorous, well-rounded knowledge, skills, and attitudes tailored for the 21st century. The IB MYP fosters the development of skills for communication, intercultural understanding and global engagement, qualities that are essential for life in today’s world.
Cashman Middle School Academy of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering
Cashman Middle School Academy of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering (AMSE) is a cutting-edge program that addresses the interests of middle school students, while incorporating the national standards in math, science, and technology. The program provides students with an integrated engineering, science, and mathematics curriculum in extended blocks. Cashman’s program provides project-based learning – a hands-on approach – that is exciting and fun for highly motivated students. The program is rigorous in all classes; students start with high school content in sixth grade. Students learn and practice the engineering design process through a variety of challenges, which end with a culminating capstone project at the end of each year.
Robert O. Gibson Middle School Leadership Academy
The Leadership Academy at Gibson Middle School helps to expand student’s academic success, personal growth, and social development in preparation for college, careers, and life. The Leadership Academy uses the real world as a classroom in which students develop as leaders who take initiative, solve problems, work as a team, and demonstrate their abilities while addressing real community needs.
Kenny C. Guinn Middle School STEM Academy provides students the opportunity to apply their in-depth knowledge to real world applications and to develop critical thinking skills. Students will consolidate their academic knowledge into culminating projects to analyze, reason, and conclude viable approaches and solutions to complex problems. Through rigorous classroom experiences, our highly motivated, diverse student population will utilize digital technology, communication tools, and networks to access, apply, and evaluate information based on the STEM principles of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Hyde Park Academy of Science and Mathematics
Hyde Park Academy of Science and Mathematics offers a specialized Pre-AP program for academically talented and high-achieving students. The program serves students requiring a demanding and challenging curriculum in all content areas. Advanced Placement strategies are incorporated into the instructional methodology, providing two-year acceleration of content and instruction in all curricular areas. Performance-based learning enables our students to apply newly acquired concepts and ideas to real-life situations.
Walter Johnson Junior High School
Walter Johnson Junior High School, Academy of International Studies, is an International Baccalaureate World School that inspires students to develop, achieve, and fulfill their unique potential through challenging, creative, and innovative learning opportunities. Johnson offers a variety of classes that include design classes in advanced science and technology, VEX robotics, and video production. Other classes include Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, visual and performing arts. Johnson has championship sports teams as well as diverse clubs and activities.
K.O. Knudson Middle School Academy of Creative Arts and Technology
K.O. Knudson Middle School Academy of Creative Arts and Technology offers students the opportunity to pursue multiple courses of artistic study to discover their passions. Since 1997, KO Knudson has offered its students a unique middle school experience, with access to rigorous academic instruction that infuses arts-integration. Featuring nationally recognized performing and media arts programs, the Encore Department is the heart of the magnet program at KO Knudson’s Academy of Creative Arts & Technology.
Lied STEM Academy is a brand new, innovative, newly remodeled wall-to-wall STEM magnet school like no other focusing on architecture, robotics and computer science. We offer discovery, collaboration, hands-on learning and creativity through courses in design, architecture, robotics, and computer science to solve real world problems. Our campus provides a student-centered learning environment complete with collaboration pods and technology at our students fingertips.
Roy Martin Middle School, in partnership with the International Baccalaureate Organization and our community, will develop through a rigorous, technology-rich curriculum inquiring, caring and life-long learners, who help create a better and more peaceful world.
Mike O’Callaghan i³ Learn Academy
Students in the Mike O’Callaghan i3 Learn Academy are immersed in STEM activities and lessons in a blended learning environment, allowing for a more personalized learning experience. Sixth grade students begin with 9 week exploration courses in Computer Science, Video Game Technology, Web Design, and Video Production. At the conclusion of the sixth grade year, students select a focus area and then have the opportunity to develop their chosen interest over the course of grades seven and eight.
Thurman White Academy of the Performing Arts
Thurman White Academy offers opportunities for students to find a passion, explore, and develop special talents and abilities at each grade level in all areas of the arts. At White Academy, the belief is that talent is nurtured and developed over time through the experiences students have both in and out of the classroom. White’s programs of Band, Choir, Dance, Theater, Orchestra, Visual Arts, and Media Arts are progressive, challenging, and most importantly, fun. It is for the creative, enthusiastic, and dedicated student.
Las Vegas Elementary School Magnet Programs
Walter Bracken STEAM Academy is an award-winning elementary school located in the Clark County School District. Selected 2013 National Blue Ribbon School, 2017 Top Elementary Magnet School in America, Nevada Governor Designated STEM School and consecutive Title 1 Distinguished School’s recipient; Bracken has been the leader in advancing the STEAM theme. Teachers provide students with a hands-on, enrichment-based curriculum. Exploration classes promote student engagement and choice within the STEAM theme. Other highlights include STEAM labs, student gardens, one-to-one iPads, and an on-campus student bank.
Kit Carson International Academy
Kit Carson is an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme school. Students will benefit from the globally rich curriculum that is challenging and yet fun for students. The emphasis at Kit Carson Academy is inquiry-based instruction, Creative Arts, and Technology. Students will learn science and social studies concepts integrated within Nevada Academic Content Standards, learn a second language, have access to a variety of reading materials, and use the latest technology to research topics in which they are interested. In addition, Kit Carson provides students an opportunity to explore the world through music, art, and dance.
Roger D. Gehring Academy of Science and Technology
Roger Gehring Academy of Science and Technology empowers its school community by inspiring life-long learners through an innovative, STEM focused, blended learning curriculum. We engage students in an academically rigorous curriculum that integrates technology with inquiry, creative expression, and problem solving. Students participate in interdisciplinary, hands-on projects which incorporate standards-based learning in the school created community gardens, tortoise habitat, and science and engineering labs. Roger D. Gehring Academy of Science and Technology is a diversity-focused elementary magnet school that strengthens the entry to exit outcomes for families of all racial and socio-economic backgrounds.
Gilbert Academy of Creative Arts
Students at Gilbert Academy of Creative Arts engage in an innovative and challenging instructional program designed to develop critical thinking skills while enhancing each child’s creativity. Gilbert’s distinctive school model integrates art, drama, movement, music, and broadcast communication into the Nevada Academic Content Standards so that learning becomes a multi-media and multi-modal experience. Gilbert serves as a prototype for arts-integration schools across the nation. Our teachers are trained in arts-integration strategies and methods by Kennedy Center teaching artists, and are able to provide classroom and school-wide experiences that bring the arts to the forefront of academic content areas.
Lomie G. Heard, A Marzano Academy
Lomie G. Heard Elementary School, A Marzano Academy, gives students the opportunity to pursue educational projects that most interest them. The academy provides students with a solid foundation in reading, writing, and math, while also providing enhanced instruction in computer science and robotics.
Mabel Hoggard Math and Science Magnet School
Mabel Hoggard Math and Science Magnet School was the first elementary magnet school in the state of Nevada. Hoggard’s mission is to challenge and empower all students by providing an enriched education with an emphasis on science, mathematics, and technology. Some of the highlights from the program include advanced math classes, additional science instruction beyond what is provided in the classroom, and a robust garden and animal lab. Hoggard is nationally certified by Magnet Schools of America and has received numerous awards including several garden awards.
Jo Mackey Academy of Leadership and Global Communication
Jo Mackey Academy is an elementary magnet school with a dual theme of Leadership and Global Communication. Skills essential to lead in a global society are fostered via the 3 C’s: Character, Citizenship, and Communication. Character development is cultivated using experiences that focus on the acquisition of desirable character attributes necessary for 21st century leaders. Citizenship is modeled through school-wide service-learning projects. Communication skills acquired by means of technology innovation prepare students to network globally.
McCaw STEAM Academy (MSA) is a five star elementary school located in downtown Henderson. MSA is a Governor’s designated STEM school, Title 1 Distinguished School, Magnet School of Excellence, and was awarded top New and Emerging Magnet School in the Nation for 2017-2018 school year. McCaw offers an educational option for students and families who would like to pursue their interests and aptitude in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Sandy Searles Miller Academy of International Studies
Sandy Searles Miller Academy is a globally recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme with a STEAM focus. As an IB school, Miller provides Spanish instruction to all students. Students are involved in their learning through inquiry and discovery in an internationally relevant and rigorous program of study. Students are engaged in authentic real-world integrated experiences that guide student-centered learning.
Clarence Piggott Academy of International Studies
Piggott Academy of International Studies is an authorized IB World School. Piggott promotes student learning through inquiry and discovery, with a focus on developing 21st century skills. Students are challenged to think for themselves and take responsibility for their learning as they explore local and global issues. Highlights include challenging academics, Spanish language instruction, technology classes, engineering lab, extended school day, intramural sports and clubs, affordable before and after school care all within a welcoming school community that emphasizes character development. Piggott Academy is located just outside of Summerlin, in the Peccole Ranch Community.
Shelia R. Tarr Academy of International Studies
At Sheila Tarr Academy, students will be engaged in authentic real world integrated experiences that guide student-centered learning through the inquiry based process. As students take action upon their learning experiences, they become not only more active in their school, but also the community. Tarr Academy will offer each of its students the opportunity for instruction in Spanish along with other dynamic learning experiences that focus on Environmental Studies and Renewable Energy. Tarr has three school-wide gardens, school-sponsored activities; including sports, overnight field trips, and technology available to guide students become 21-st Century learners.
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