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Independent School District provides parents with a wide variety of choice in public education through its Magnet programs. In Magnet schools, students develop their special talents while enhancing their learning. Unlike private schools, Magnet schools do not require tuition and are instead based on a lottery system or testing for admission. Vanguard Magnets are schools with curricula designed to serve gifted and talented students pulled from throughout the district. Vanguard Neighborhood programs serve gifted children in the schools to which they're zoned.

If you are a parent or guardian interested in enrolling your child in a Magnet program, it is best to start the process in fall of the prior enrollment year. During this time you can attend informational meetings and tour the schools. Application deadlines are usually in early January and notification of admission is sent in spring.

Any student may apply. Residents within the Houston Independent School District attendance boundaries are considered first; out of district students are considered beginning the first Monday in June, if space is still available. You may apply to as many Magnet programs as you like and up to three Vanguard programs. To learn more about attendance boundaries, visit www.tea.state.tx.us.