Applications open for Magnet School enrollment on Nov. 18

With 11, soon to be 12, magnet schools in Northside ISD, students have more opportunities than ever to choose their future.

The District offers eight magnet high schools and three magnet middle schools adding a fourth in the 2024-25 school year. Applications open Nov. 18.

The fourth middle school magnet will be housed at Jordan Middle School. It will specialize in multimedia and design, immersing students in creative industries through hands-on learning and project-based experiences across core and digital literacy subjects.

All magnet schools are planning Open Houses and the District will host two Magnet Fairs in December for families at the Northside Sports Gym and Paul Taylor Field House/Northside Activity Center.

Applications are available in English and Spanish and will be accepted through Jan. 11, 2025. Students can apply to more than one magnet school using the common application.  To access the application or learn more about each magnet school, visit the Magnet Hub website.

Important Dates:

• Application Available – Nov. 18, 2024
• Application Due – Jan. 21, 2025
• Acceptance Letters Emailed – Jan. 31, 2025
• Commitment Letters Due – Feb. 7, 2025

Magnet Fairs:

• Magnet Fair #1 – Monday, Dec. 2, 6:30 to 8 p.m. - Northside Sports Gym
• Magnet Fair #2 – Monday, Dec. 9, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Paul Taylor Field House (High School)
  • Northside Activity Center (Middle School) 

Open Houses: 

View the Magnet Flyer (PDF) or visit school websites for Open House schedules.

High Schools

• Agriculture Science and Technology Academy
• CAST Teach
• Communications Arts HS
• Construction Careers Academy
• Health Careers HS
• Jay Science and Engineering Academy
• Marshall Law and Medical Services
• NSITE

Middle Schools

• Hobby Magnet School 
• Jones Magnet School 
• Jordan Magnet School 
• Zachry Magnet School 

Middle School Magnet Programs

Current fifth graders can apply to attend the STEM-focused Jones Magnet School, health-science-focused Hobby Magnet School, Zachry Magnet School which develops global leaders in cybersecurity, or digital-media-focused Jordan Magnet School.

Each magnet program offers students smaller class sizes, unique and advanced courses, leadership and enrichment experiences, and an early opportunity to earn high school credit.

Our middle school magnet programs operate as a school-within-a-school, which allows students to participate in Fine Arts programs like band, choir, orchestra, athletics, and clubs and organizations on the campuses.

All current fifth graders are eligible to apply. Enrollment is limited at each school and all qualified students will be placed in a lottery. Transportation will be provided for eligible students.  

The application includes short response questions and contact information that must be completed. Anyone needing assistance with an application should contact their elementary school counselor.

High School Magnet Programs   

Current eighth-grade students can apply to attend one of eight high school magnet programs. They are:

• Agriculture Science and Technology Academy: focuses on the fields of Agribusiness, Animal and Plant Sciences, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental and Natural Resources, and Veterinary Medicine.
• CAST Teach: opening in August 2022, CAST Teach presents a unique opportunity to develop and empower its students, so that they in turn, as future educators, have a bigger impact on generations to come. CAST Teach will not only ensure students have a strong foundation in educational practices, but it will also provide experiences in schools side-by-side with mentor educators, coaches, counselors, and librarians.
• Communications Arts High School: promotes rigorous, foundational learning in a personal, supportive environment. Students develop skills in communication and technology, emphasizing collaborative choices and fluidity between disciplines, creating global citizens and leaders. Strands of study include Audio/Video Digital Communications, Animation Design & Multimedia, and Advanced Broadcast Journalism.
• Construction Careers Academy focuses on construction technology, construction management, architectural design, applied engineering, and real-world experience that will prepare students for higher education and/or a career in a construction-related industry.
• Health Careers High School focuses on providing students with a rigorous and comprehensive academic program by exploring health professions and real-world applications of medical knowledge and skills.
• Jay Science and Engineering Academy: provides students with an advanced and rigorous curriculum in all core subjects with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
• Marshall Law and Medical Services Magnet School focuses on criminal justice, court systems, behavioral health, EMT, fire science, legal governance, public administration pre-nursing, and physical therapy.
• Northside School of Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (NSITE) prepares students in entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, computer programming, industry-standard certifications, mentor programs, and software development.

All high school magnet schools (with the exception of Health Careers High School) operate as a school within a school, which allows students to participate in Fine Arts programs like band, choir, and orchestra, as well as sports, clubs, and organizations on the comprehensive high school campus.

All Northside eighth graders are eligible for enrollment. Applications are also being accepted for students outside Northside ISD. Please check with individual programs for application and age requirements. Enrollment is limited at each school. Transportation will be provided for eligible students.

Anyone needing assistance with an application should contact their middle school counselor.