Magnet schools are theme-based, public educational institutions that offer students the opportunity to choose a learning environment that best suits their interests and academic needs. These schools are built upon five key pillars: diversity, innovative curriculum and professional development, academic excellence, leadership, and family and community partnerships. While adhering to state and Cedar Rapids Community School District educational standards, magnet schools deliver instruction through specialized themes, allowing students to engage in subjects such as STEAM, arts, leadership, or business, among others.

As a school of choice, magnet schools provide families with the flexibility to select an educational path that aligns with their child’s unique strengths and passions. This system fosters a more personalized and engaging learning experience, allowing students to explore topics they are truly interested in, which can enhance motivation and academic success. By offering specialized programs, magnet schools support students’ educational growth and encourage them to develop critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills that will benefit them throughout their academic and professional careers.

Why Magnet Schools?

Magnet schools provide students with the unique opportunity to engage in specialized, theme-based education catering to their interests and talents. By offering an innovative approach to learning, these schools create an enriching environment where students can explore subjects in greater depth, leading to heightened academic achievement and personal growth. Parents and students are drawn to magnet schools because of the specialized curriculums, diverse learning environments, and the chance to join a community that fosters collaboration and exploration. This choice empowers families to pursue educational experiences that align with their child’s passion and potential, ensuring a more tailored and engaging educational journey.

Impact of Magnet Schools?

Magnet schools have a significant, positive impact on both students and the broader community. By promoting diversity, they bring together students from various backgrounds, creating an inclusive and rich cultural environment where all students can learn from each other. These schools focus on academic excellence, ensuring that students not only receive high-quality instruction but are also encouraged to achieve at the highest levels. The specialized curriculum allows students to dive deeply into subjects like STEAM, the arts, or leadership, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Magnet schools also equip students with leadership skills and a sense of community through strong family and community partnerships, which helps prepare them for future success both in higher education and their careers.

Options of Magnet Schools?

Magnet schools offer a variety of options for students, each focusing on different themes that cater to a wide range of interests. From science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) programs to arts and humanities, business, leadership, and more, students have the opportunity to select a school that aligns with their passions and strengths. This variety ensures that each child can pursue an educational path that inspires and challenges them. These schools also offer flexible learning environments, where students can develop both academic and social skills in a way that feels engaging and motivating. Families are given the choice to select the school that best meets their child’s educational and developmental needs, providing a more personalized approach to learning.

FAQ

Magnet Schools Spotlights

Elementary Grade Level

Cedar River Academy at Taylor Elementary

Focuses on sustainability theme.
This magnet school focuses on a sustainability theme, offering an innovative curriculum that emphasizes environmental stewardship, green-focused technologies, and conservation practices. In hand, students engage in learning experiences that empower them to become future leaders in creating a more sustainable world.
720 7th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
319-558-2477

Johnson STEAM Academy

Focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics
A STEAM theme with an emphasis on the arts
This magnet school specializes in a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum, with a unique emphasis on the arts, offering students the opportunity to explore creativity alongside technical subjects. By integrating artistic expression into literacy, social studies, science, and technology learning, the school fosters both innovation and artistic development, preparing students for diverse future careers.
355 18th St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA
319-558-2174

Kenwood Leadership Academy

Focuses on a leadership theme with the Leader in Me programming
This magnet school focuses on leadership development through the “Leader in Me” program, empowering students to cultivate essential leadership skills such as responsibility, communication, and teamwork. By integrating these principles into the curriculum, the school nurtures confident, proactive leaders who are prepared to succeed in both academic and personal endeavors.
3700 E Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA
319-558-2273

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Middle School Grade Level

McKinley STEAM Academy

STEAM theme with an emphasis on medical sciences and the arts
This magnet school offers a STEAM-focused curriculum with a unique emphasis on medical sciences and the arts, providing students with hands-on learning experiences in both healthcare and creative disciplines. By blending these fields, the school encourages students to explore innovative solutions at the intersection of medicine, technology, and artistic expression.
620 10th St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA
319-558-2348

Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy

Business and leadership theme with the Leader in Me programming
This magnet school specializes in business and leadership, incorporating the “Leader in Me” program to develop essential skills such as entrepreneurship, decision-making, and teamwork. By integrating leadership training with business principles, the school empowers students to become confident, visionary leaders prepared for success in the global economy.
300 13th St NW, Cedar Rapids, IA
319-558-2153

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High School Grade Level

City View Community High School

Community impact
This magnet school focuses on community impact, offering a curriculum designed to inspire students to engage with and contribute to their local and global communities. Through service-learning projects and hands-on experiences, the school fosters a sense of social responsibility and empowers students to make a positive difference in the world around them.
501 1st St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
319-558-2153

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Locations