✧ Magnet schools = special LAUSD programs with themes (like STEM and arts).
✧ Getting in is all about points — you earn them for waitlists, overcrowded schools, siblings, and more.
✧ Start early! Apply when your kid’s young to stack up those points.
✧ UTK is not magnet but it helps you vibe out the school and might help you down the road.
✧ Gaming the system? It can work, but it’s risky! Accept a spot you’re unsure about and you might lose your waitlist points forever.
✧ Don’t stress - you’re not the only one feeling confused by all this!
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Magnet Program is a voluntary integration initiative offering specialized, theme-based educational programs across K–12 schools. Themes range from STEM and performing arts to humanities and more. The program aims to reduce racial isolation and provide diverse educational opportunities.
In other words, it’s a fancy way of saying LAUSD has special programs that focus on cool stuff - like science, art or language - to mix kids from all backgrounds and give everyone more options than your typical neighborhood school.
Understanding the Magnet Point System
Admission to magnet programs is determined by a points system. The more points your child has, the higher their chances of selection. Here's how points are allocated:
Matriculation (AKA graduating from 5th grade) (12 points): Awarded when a student completes the highest grade at a magnet school and applies to continue in another magnet program at the next level.
Waiting List (4-12 points): Earn 4 points for each year your child remains on a valid magnet waiting list, up to a maximum of 12 points over three consecutive years.
Overcrowded Home School (4 points): If your neighborhood school is designated as overcrowded.
PHBAO School (4 points): If your home school is identified as Predominantly Hispanic, Black, Asian, or Other Non-White.
Sibling (3 points): If a sibling is currently enrolled and will continue at the magnet school you're applying to.
Note: The maximum number of points a student can accumulate is 23.
Example of a 23-Point Magnet Kid:
Imagine a kid named Milo who’s gunning for a spot in that dream middle school magnet program:
4 Points: Milo’s neighborhood school is overcrowded.
4 Points: Milo’s home school is a PHBAO school (Predominantly Hispanic, Black, Asian, or Other Non-Anglo).
3 Points: Milo has a sibling already in the magnet program he’s applying for
12 Points: Milo spent the last three years on a magnet waitlist (and didn’t get in), so he maxed out the 4-points-a-year waitlist bonus.
Total: 4 + 4 + 3 + 12 = 23 points!
Putting it in Perspective for Kindergarteners:
If you start applying for magnet programs when your child is in kindergarten, each year they don’t get in earns you 4 points. Over three years, that adds up to 12 points, the max you can earn for waitlist points.
The Role of Race in Magnet Admissions
The magnet program was established under a court order to address racial isolation in schools. As such, applicants must select one federally identified race/ethnicity category on the application. This information helps LAUSD maintain diversity across its magnet programs.
Start Early: Begin applying when your child is in kindergarten to accumulate waiting list points for middle or high school admissions.
Apply to Oversubscribed Magnets: Consider applying to highly competitive magnet schools where admission is less likely, allowing you to accrue waitlist points without the immediate commitment.
Be Cautious: If your child is accepted into a magnet program and you decline, all accumulated waitlist points are forfeited.
Even if your child is only in magnet for one year (5th grade), they’ll still get the 12 matriculation points when they finish 5th grade. So in theory, you could start in magnet for 5th grade and leave with 12 points.
Because while these tips can help you game the magnet system, it’s a bit like playing the stock market - no guarantees + potential risks:
Applying to competitive magnets just to earn waitlist points? You might miss a spot at a school you actually want if your kid miraculously gets in (then you’re stuck).
Accepting a spot you’re not sure about? If you decline later, you lose all those precious waitlist points you worked so hard to build.
Changing your mind? Once you’re in, it’s trickier to switch back to your neighborhood school - so be sure it’s really what you want!
The Danger of the “5th Grade Magnet Sprint” Strategy
While jumping into a magnet program just for 5th grade can be a sneaky way to snag those 12 points, it comes with some risks:
A Big Gamble: Getting a spot in a magnet program for 5th grade can be tough - they’re often already full, with priority given to kids who’ve been there longer.
Last-Minute Transitions: Switching schools for just one year can be tough on kids - new friends, new teachers, new routines.
Emotional Whiplash: Just as your child settles in, it’s time to jump again for middle school - which is a lot of change in a short time.
What Happens If You Start in Magnet, Then Leave?
If your child leaves a magnet school to go to a non-magnet (like your neighborhood school or a charter):
Bye-bye magnet status - they’re no longer considered a magnet student.
No more magnet points - you lose the chance to keep adding to your waitlist points.
Starting over - if you want to return to a magnet program later, you’ll have to reapply and start building points again.
Matriculation points only - you’ll still get the 12 matriculation points when they finish the highest grade level at their previous magnet school, if they stick it out until then.
Find Your Home School: LAUSD Resident School Identifier
Explore Magnet Programs: LAUSD Choices
Understand the Point System: 5 Ways to Earn Magnet PointsLos Angeles Unified School District
Navigating LAUSD's magnet system can be complex, but with early planning and a strategic approach, you can position your child for success. Every family's journey is different. Stay informed, be proactive + don't hesitate to seek support when needed!
