A magnet school is one that draws talent, either academic or artistic, from the surrounding region, typically a county. Another underlying premise is that by having a competitive entrance process, admittance requires a desire to enter the school. Magnet schools were originally started to end racial segregation, and this continues to some extent today. However, most magnet schools now concentrate on a particular discipline, e.g. Science and Engineering or Fine Arts. While public, magnet schools are primarily designed to cater to more intellectually adept or gifted students.

Magnet schools include elementary, middle, and high school grades, occasionally combining grades in certain classes.