Magnet schools and programs offer specialized curriculum or themes—such as STEM, fine arts, international studies, or career and technical education—that provide unique learning experiences beyond the standard school offerings. Magnet programs give students the opportunity to explore their interests, build real-world skills, and prepare for college and careers.
HISD offers magnet programming at 118 schools, giving families a wide range of high-quality options to choose from. Campuses offering magnet programming fall under 1 of 3 school types:
- Separate and Unique School (SUS) - These schools do not have any students zoned to the campus. This means all students must apply to attend.
- School Wide Program (SWP) - All non-zoned students must apply to these schools. Zoned students do not need to apply given the full school participates in the programming.
- School Within a School (SWS) - Zoned and non-zoned students must apply to access this specialty programming. Zoned students do not need to apply to their zoned school to access the general education program.
Students who are accepted into a magnet school may be eligible for free transportation if they live at least two miles from their school and live within Houston ISD boundaries. To learn more regarding transportation, click here
Magnet programs are identified in each of the sections below.
