Course Catalog - Magnet School Application Process

Applications are now being accepted for the eleven magnet schools offered in Northside ISD.

The District offers eight magnet high schools and three magnet middle schools. All magnet schools are planning open houses. Check the school’s website or contact the school for details.

Applications are available in English and Spanish. 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:

• November 27, 2023: Online application opens
• January 16, 2024: Deadline to submit applications
• January 26, 2024:  Acceptance/waitlist letters mailed
• February 9, 2024: Deadline for families to accept/decline

Magnet Fairs:

• December 4, 2023:  Northside Sports Gym
• December 11, 2023: 
  • Paul Taylor Field House for High School Magnets
  • Northside Activity Center for Middle School Magnets

Middle School Magnet Programs

Fifth-grade students currently have the opportunity to apply for admission to three distinct magnet schools: Hobby Magnet School with a specialization in health science, Jones Magnet School emphasizing STEM subjects, and Zachry Magnet School, which places its focus on global communications, information technology, and cybersecurity.

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.

All middle school magnet schools operate as a school-within-a-school, which allows students to participate in Fine Arts programs like band, choir and orchestra, athletics, and clubs and organizations on the Hobby, Jones, and Zachry 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 both be completed. Anyone needing assistance with an application should contact their elementary school counselor.

Information on virtual information sessions, in-person open houses, and additional details can be found on the Magnet Hub website.

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: is an innovative high school that provides experiences within and beyond the classroom in order to maximize options for students and prepare them for future careers in education.
• Communications Arts High School: promotes rigorous, foundational learning in a personal, supportive environment, developing skills in communication and technology, emphasizing collaborative choices and fluidity between disciplines, creating global citizens and leaders.
• Construction Careers Academy: focuses on the areas of construction technology, construction management, architectural design, applied engineering, and real world experience that will prepare students for studies in higher education and/or a career in a construction-related industry.
• Health Careers High School: focuses on providing students 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 the areas of criminal justice, court systems, behavioral health, EMT, fire science, legal governance, public administration pre-nursing, physical therapy, and speech therapy.
• Northside School of Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (N-SITE): prepares students in the areas of entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, computer programming, industry-standard certifications, mentor programs, and software development.

All high school magnet schools (except for 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, sports, and clubs and organizations on their comprehensive high school’s campus.

All Northside ISD 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.

NISD eighth grade students will have the opportunity to explore the high school magnet programs as part of their coursework in January.

Applications will be available on each school’s website.

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