2024-25 Magnet School Applications

  • Applications to attend a DPS Magnet School will open December 1, 2024 for the 2025-26 school year. Deadline to apply is January 31, 2025.

     
    Decatur Public Schools conducts a lottery for students interested in enrolling in any of the district's three magnet programs.  The window to apply for the next school year opens December 1st. Deadline is January 31st.

    Each of the magnet school programs offer unique philosophies to draw students from all over the district. Any student living within the District #61 boundaries can apply to a magnet school. Programs range from structured environments in which students wear uniforms to a curriculum that encourages independence. You can read more and watch videos about each program below.

    Key Magnet Dates

    • Magnet applications open around December 1 each year for the following school year
    • Last day to apply to a magnet program: January 31 each year for the following school year
    • Magnet lottery will be held in mid-March
    • Following the lottery, parents will be notified of the lottery results
    • Parents have until mid-April to accept or decline a magnet seat

     

Magnet Programs

  • Magnet Schools

    Each of Decatur Public Schools' three magnet programs offers unique philosophies to draw students from all over the district. Programs range from structured environments in which children wear uniforms to a curriculum that encourages independence. 

    American DreamerAmerican Dreamer STEM Academy (K-8) provides a strong STEM education, emphasizing science, technology, engineering, and math. The Academy has been designed to foster innovative thinking through STEM teaching and learning, a passion for inquiry, and compassion for others so students can enrich our world. We provide a challenging learning environment in STEM, which maximizes individual potential and ensures students are well-equipped to meet the challenges in the world around them. American Dreamer STEM Academy guidelines are required to be met by parents, students, and staff. Click the school logo to the left to view a video about American Dreamer STEM Academy.

    Johns HillJohns Hill Magnet School (K-8) has the longest history as a magnet school in Decatur and houses the district’s English as a Second Language program. In addition to the core academic subjects, we integrate the arts in all of our programs. We offer solid programs in foreign language, fine arts, music, and sports. Many students excel in several areas, and most students participate in a variety of activities. There are multiple languages spoken by students who attend Johns Hill and students have opportunities to celebrate cultural diversity. Click the school logo to the left to view a video about Johns Hill Magnet School.

    MontessoriThe Montessori Academy for Peace (PreK-8) program is based on the philosophies of Dr. Maria Montessori, world-renowned physician and educator. The Montessori curriculum is designed to encourage respect, responsibility, cooperation, manners, and a sense of community.  The emphasis on reading, math, language, science, geography, and cultural and practical life experiences are encouraged as part of the Montessori environment. Self-discipline, independence, and the development of personal responsibility are also a strong focus of Montessori. Our PreK program is tuition-based and offers full-day, half-day AM, and half-day PM options. Placements in all PreK seats are determined through the lottery process. Click the school logo to the left to view a video about Montessori Academy for Peace.


    Applying to a Magnet Program

    The magnet application process runs each year from December 1 through January 31, to apply for a seat in a magnet school for the following school year. During this time, families can attend open houses at the schools, plus in-person and virtual informational sessions to learn about the programs and how to apply. Applicants can choose to apply to one, two, or all three of the schools on a single application, by ranking them in preference order. The District’s central office then conducts an electronic lottery in February/March to fill available seats in each magnet school program for the upcoming school year. Parents will be notified by email and/or phone call shortly after. 

    Key Magnet Dates

    • Last day to apply to a magnet program: January 31 each year for the following school year
    • Magnet lottery will be held in mid-March
    • Following the lottery, parents will be notified of the lottery results
    • Parents have until mid-April to accept or decline a magnet seat

    How to Apply

    Applications are due by January 31 each year for the following school year. Any student living within the District #61 boundaries can apply to a magnet school. Parents of students who already attend a magnet program must submit an application for new siblings entering PreK/Kindergarten or any other grade. The District’s central office runs a lottery each February/March after the deadline closes. Families will be notified soon after the lottery is held if their student received a seat or has been placed on a waitlist. Waitlists DO NOT carry over from year to year — students must reapply the following year if they have not received a seat within a magnet program.

    Cost

    There is no additional cost to attend a Magnet School (grades K—8) as long as the family lives within the District #61 boundary. The Montessori PreK program is tuition-based.

    Eligibility

    Magnet Programs are open to any Decatur Public Schools student entering the appropriate grade level. Students must be five years old by September 1 of the upcoming school year to enter Kindergarten.

    Transportation

    School bus transportation is provided free of charge for families living outside of a one-and-a-half mile radius of the school. Transportation is not currently provided for the Montessori PreK program.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    If my child is currently enrolled in a Magnet Program, does he/she need to reapply?

    Current Kindergarten through 7th grade magnet school students (and those in PreK at Montessori Academy for Peace) do not need to reapply to remain in their present magnet school for the next school year. However, parents of current students MUST complete an Intent to Return form each school year to retain your student's seat in their present magnet school for the next school year.

    What about brothers and sisters of current magnet students?

    Parents must submit an application for siblings new to the magnet program, even if an older sibling is a current student. If the current student has a sibling from the same household, the sibling will be given priority preference if space is available.

    How and when will I be notified of my child’s acceptance into a magnet school?

    You will receive an email and/or phone call after the lottery is held to notify you if your student has gotten a seat or been placed on the waitlist.

    What if I miss the application deadline?

    Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

    If my student is accepted into a magnet program, will I still need to register them for the next school year?

    Yes. Magnet applications and Intent to Return forms are not the same as school registration — all students must still be registered for school in the spring/summer before the next school year.