What does it mean to be a Magnet School?

The single largest form of public school “choice,” magnet schools are visionary, innovative and open to all students regardless of zip code. With 4,340 schools educating 3.5 million+ students nationwide, each school typically focuses on individually themed curricula.

Magnet Schools attract children of various socio-economic backgrounds, race and academic achievement levels. They are free and open to anyone; due to high demand, most schools determine student acceptance by a lottery system. Magnet schools comply with all state and city regulations and are accountable to state standards.

It is the soft skills, however, of teamwork, acceptance, innovation and engagement that make magnet schools the vibrant environment it is for developing positive citizen children prepared for future careers and successful community engagement. This real-life preparation has students not only interacting with peers from all backgrounds, but with hands-on experience working with businesses, cultural institutions, universities and community organizations.

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Why did the school change its name?

Each magnet school typically focuses on individually themed curricula. The theme of PS 123K is STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics). Therefore the name of our school is reflective of our magnet theme.

 

How did the school become a magnet school?

Every magnet school applied for this opportunity through Magnet Schools Assistance Program by submitting a proposal that was compiled through a rigorous process.   In the 2016-2017 school year, PS 123K was awarded a magnet program from the US Department of Education as part of 9 grants in the United States of America.  A total of 4 grants were awarded in New York State, and 1 grant awarded in Brooklyn, NY.  PS 123K, along with four other schools in Brooklyn, were honored with this magnet grant.  We are the only school in District 32 to be part of this federally funded magnet program.  

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To learn more about magnet schools visit:  http://magnet.edu/about/what-are-magnet-schools