Magnet schools offer students a unique opportunity for in-depth studies in a specific area of interest. Magnet schools attract a wide-range of students, creating richly diverse learning environments. San Diego Unified School District's theme based Magnet options include:
- Communications & Community Leadership
- Creative, Visual & Performing Arts (VAPA)
- Global Citizenship/ PAIDEIA School
- International Studies & International Baccalaureate
- Language Enrichment & Language Continuity
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) & STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics)
See the list of San Diego Unified Magnet Schools.
The primary purpose of a magnet is to reduce minority group isolation and to close the achievement gap. San Diego Unified magnet schools have four purposes:
- Diversity as an aspirational goal
- Improved achievement for all students
- Distinctive curriculum or educational approach
- Attract students from outside assigned neighborhood attendance zones
San Diego Unified holds a district membership in Magnet Schools of America (MSA), the leading source for information on public school magnet programs. MSA provides leadership for innovative instructional programs that promote equity, diversity and academic excellence for all students.