Dear Families,

I am so excited to announce that the first Magnet and School Choice application window for the 2026-2027 school year will be opening Monday, October 20 at 6 p.m. We have some of the very best Magnet and Choice programs in Hillsborough County Public Schools, and beginning Monday, your child has the opportunity to apply to attend one of them.

The process to apply for a Magnet or Choice school is very simple, but with all our choices, it can be a bit overwhelming. So, my team has put together this newsletter to better explain what a Magnet and Choice school is, the benefits of them, and to highlight a few of our amazing programs.

The application window doesn't close until Sunday, December 7 at 11:59 p.m., so you have plenty of time to find a school that appeals to your student and do some research. By the way, our schools LOVE talking about their programs, so you should absolutely contact the school if you want a tour or a little more information.

Whether your student is interested in advanced academics, like International Baccalaureate or Collegiate Academies, the Arts, STEM, medical programs, environmental science, or tourism and hospitality... They are sure to find a school that fits their needs.

Thank you for choosing Hillsborough County Public Schools for your child's educational journey.

Superintendent Van Ayres

All About The Magnet & School Choice Window

What is a Magnet School?

A Magnet School is a public school that offers specialized courses that draw students from across the district or even beyond. These schools often focus on specific areas such as the Arts, STEM, International Baccalaureate (IB), or technical and career programs.

What is the Magnet & Choice Window?

The Magnet and Choice Window is the period of time in which you can apply for one of our Magnet and Choice Schools. There are several windows during the school year however the first window is typically the most popular. The Magnet and Choice Window is not first-come first-served. A family that applies on the first day has as much chance of being selected via the lottery system as a family that applies on the last day.

It is important to note that a few of our high schools are merit-based, in which students will be selected based on their grades/academics or performances.

How do I get even more information about Magnet and Choice Schools?

Learn more at www.HillsboroughSchools.org/magnet or by calling (813) 272-4692 on weekdays between 7am-4:15pm.

Apply Here!

Join us to Learn More about Magnet Programs & Opportunities!

Check out Magnet School events taking place at individual schools!

New Magnet Programs Opening Next Year!

Chamberlain Technical High School of Innovation and Medicine

Beginning Fall 2026, Chamberlain High School is becoming Chamberlain Technical High School of Innovation and Medicine.

Through three new academies, students will gain hands-on learning, real-world experience, and industry recognized certifications in growing career fields.

Chamberlain Technical School of Innovation & Medicine

Academy of Innovation (Building Construction): Prepares students with the skills and certifications needed for today's in-demand building and construction industries, such as carpentry, HVAC, and plumbing.

Academy of Medicine: Students can explore pathways in:

Sports Medicine (Physical & Occupational Therapy): Learn injury prevention, rehabilitation techniques, and therapeutic exercises for careers as athletic trainers or therapy aides.
Cardiovascular Assisting: Develop skills in heart health, diagnostic testing, and patient monitoring.
Radiology: Gain early exposure to medical imaging, anatomy, and diagnostic tools such as X-rays and MRIs.
Medical Assisting: Train in both clinical and administrative duties, including vital signs, blood draws, and record management.

Academy of Veterinary Science: Offers hands-on experience in animal care, surgical preparation, and veterinary office procedures.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a school tour, please contact Chamberlain's Magnet Lead, Miguel Ruiz, at miguel.ruiz1@hcps.net or chamberlain.high@hcps.net.

You can also visit Chamberlain's website for more information.

Apply Here!

Jefferson High School of Hospitality and Tourism

Jefferson High School, located in the heart of Tampa, is proud to announce exciting changes to its Magnet CTE programs.

Beginning in Fall of 2026, Jefferson will offer seven Magnet Academies designed to provide college-level rigor and real-world preparation in the fields of Hospitality and Tourism - which is a booming business, not just here, but across the world.

Business & Hospitality Academy
Cosmetology Academy
Criminal Justice Academy
Culinary Arts Academy
Law Academy
Maritime, Marine & Environmental Science Academy
Welding Academy

Students who are accepted into Jefferson High's School of Hospitality and Tourism will receive free transportation.

Jefferson High School also offers Cambridge International Courses and a Cambridge Diploma Pathway. Cambridge AICE courses are among the highest and most rigorous courses available. Students who pass a minimum of 7 AICE courses in various subject groups (designated by Cambridge), and complete the Community Service/work hours requirement, can be eligible for the Florida Academic Scholars Award, the highest level of Bright Futures.

Learn more about all Jefferson High School has to offer!

Apply Here!

International Baccalaureate Opportunities

King High School: An IB World School

King High School: Preparing Students for College, Careers, and Life

At King High School, we prepare students to think critically, act globally, and make informed decisions. As an IB World School, we offer the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, a four-year journey of academic excellence, including two years of pre-diploma classes followed by two years of IB coursework.

King IB students enjoy free transportation from anywhere in the district and the opportunity to explore their passions through arts classes and challenging Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These experiences give students a well-rounded education and set them up for success in college, careers, and beyond.

King IB Highlights:

95% average IB Diploma pass rate over the last 10 years
Millions in scholarships are awarded to graduates annually.
Strong IB Retention: Highest number of IB students in grades 9–12
Diverse Community: Students represent 30 languages and cultures

At King High School, students are challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Learn more about King High School: An IB World School.

Apply Here!

Meet Anna Earle. Anna graduated from King High School's IB Program in 2025 and received full Bright Futures thanks her outstanding grades and SAT scores. She was offered merit at FSU, UCF, USF and has chosen USF to continue her educational journey.

Anna says King's IB Program absolutely set her up for success.

Lincoln Elementary Magnet: An IB World School

From engaging academics to exciting clubs and after-school programs, Lincoln offers students endless opportunities to learn, explore, and grow.

Learn more about Lincoln Elementary Magnet: An IB World School.

Apply Here!

"Spanish is also offered kindergarten through fifth grade. So, when our students leave fifth grade and go to middle school they have six years of Spanish that allow them to feel successful and confident when they start foreign language in middle school."

Lockhart Elementary Magnet for Creative Science

Lockhart Elementary Magnet School for Creative Science engages students in a rigorous Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics program. In Lockhart's Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Lab, students explore various areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics using the nationally-recognized PLTW Launch Program. PLTW interdisciplinary modules bring learning to life for students at Lockhart. Students are empowered to adopt a design-thinking mindset through compelling activities, projects, and problems that build upon each other and relate to the world around them. As students engage in hands-on activities within engineering modules, they become creative and collaborative problem solvers, ready to take on any challenge.

For example: Sustainability Exercise at Lockhart

Kindergarten - Exploring plants with all five senses

1st grade - Composting with care. Turning scraps into soil

2nd grade - Planting pollinator gardens and observing butterfly life cycles

3rd grade - Growing leafy greens in water-based hydroponic systems

4th grade - Investigating aquaponics, where fish and flora live together

5th grade - Engineering raised beds with budget, beauty, and sustainability in mind

Find out more about Lockhart Elementary Magnet

Apply Here!

Dowdell Middle Magnet for Environmental Studies & Animal Sciences

Dowdell Middle Magnet Program immerses students in Animal and Environmental Sciences, empowering them to become future stewards of our planet!

Dowdell Middle Magnet makes learning unforgettable by connecting classrooms to the real world. Through the Go W.I.L.D. Magnet program, students dive into environmental and agricultural sciences - kayaking Florida's waters, caring for animals in their land lab, and cultivating their school garden.

Dowdell has partnered with the University of Florida to implement the Florida Youth Naturalist Program, which expands hands-on learning opportunities and connects students with real-world conservation efforts.

On a recent field trip to Suncoast Youth Conservation Center in Apollo Beach, students kayaked and studied animals in their natural habitats and discussed the impact of mangroves in protecting our shorelines.

Please check out our website for more about our amazing school community!

Click here for our latest newsletter to see all that's going on at Dowdell Middle Magnet!

Apply Here!

Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy

Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy (GPA) is a distinguished A-rated school that is dedicated to developing confident, dynamic, educated young women. It is a Magnet School with small classes, hosting approximately 500 girls in grades 6-8.

At Ferrell, learning is not restricted to the classroom. Saturday School and After-School Enrichment Academies are offered Tuesday through Friday to allow girls to explore and nurture their interests and talents.

Ferrell Girls Prep Academy is a Cambridge Lower Secondary School. Cambridge Lower Secondary is a three-year program for students ages 11-14 that builds skills in English, Math, and Science. It includes structured curriculum, teacher support, and external assessments called Checkpoint tests that provide a benchmark of student performance. The program also focuses on developing skills like critical thinking, global perspectives, and creativity.

Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy:

A-rated school by the Florida Department of Education for more than 10 years
GPA offers 8 different high school credit classes
98% of GPA's students passed the Algebra and Geometry end-of-course exams
GPA's 1:1 iPad initiative program was recognized as an Apple Program of Distinction
GPA is a Magnet Schools of America School of Distinction

Learn more about Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy Here!

Apply Here!

Franklin Boys Preparatory Academy Middle Magnet School

Franklin Boys Preparatory Academy molds boys into young men of distinction who will achieve greatness.

Franklin is proud to be a Cambridge Lower Secondary school, where they focus on making scholars career and college ready for an ever-changing economic climate. Teachers are specially trained on how boys learn best, and Franklin uses those strategies to deliver dynamic, high-interest lessons.

Franklin prides itself on its house system where a superior mentorship program shapes men of focus on academics and good moral character. Franklin is distinguished as being a Purple Star campus which strongly supports military in service.

Learn more about Franklin Boys Preparatory Academy.

Apply Here!

Stewart Middle Magnet: NASA Explorer School

Stewart Middle Magnet is proud to be a NASA Explorer School and premier STEM Magnet, offering students hands-on learning in engineering, robotics, programming, artificial intelligence, and an intensive flight and space program.

Each STEM branch is supported by dedicated clubs that foster deeper exploration and collaboration. As a Project Lead the Way school, our teachers receive specialized training to deliver high-quality, real-world STEM instruction. Students can earn up to 10 high school credits and benefit from a double-accelerated math track starting in 6th grade, allowing them to complete Algebra and Geometry before entering high school.

Learn more about Stewart Middle Magnet Here!

Apply Here!

Hillsborough Virtual School

Hillsborough Virtual School is a wonderful option for families looking for a virtual educational pathway. Whether it's full-time, part-time, or credit recovery - there are classes for your student!

Teachers for Hillsborough Virtual School are right here in our community and they are very responsive. Personalized service is definitely a perk with Hillsborough Virtual School.

Learn more about Hillsborough Virtual School, and sign up for classes, here.

Apply Here!