Today, we answer the age old question… what is the difference between a charter and a magnet school?

There are three major differences:

  1. The enrollment process.
    • Charter schools use a lottery system.
    • Magnet schools regulate who attends the school.
  2. Who operates the school.
    • Charter schools are operated by independent governing bodies, companies or nonprofits.
    • Magnet schools are operated by the local district.
  3. The curriculum taught in each school.
    • Charter schools are held to same standards as traditional district schools.
    • Magnet schools curriculum is determined by theme of the school (STEM*, CTE**, Fine Arts, etc.)

*Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
**Career/Technical Education

Check out this pdf for more differences between two choices: