How many Magnet Schools are there?

Hillsborough County Public Schools features 42 national and global award-winning Magnet Schools that boast 80+ programs for students.

How long is the app window?

The first application window for the 2023-2024 school year opens November 1^st at 5pm and closes December 15^th 2023 at 11:59pm.

When are the results released?

Results should be made available to families in late January 2024 or early February 2024. There will be a brief time during which an offer must be accepted before it expires.

Does it matter how early I apply?

• It does not matter when your application is submitted if it is submitted between the open/close times of the application window. There is no first come/first served process for applications.
• The application window only collects applications from families who apply. Computers sort through all applications after the window closes and then offers go out in January 2024.

What if I do not get an offer in January/February 2024?

There are many factors that may result in your student not receiving an offer to a Magnet School. Your application remains active and rolls into the next application window with no need to make changes during that next window (unless you want to).

Can I change my application?

Yes, you can make changes to schools on your application at any time during the application window. 

Is it all a lottery?

The lottery selection process is used for Elementary and Middle Magnet Schools; the Magnet High School process is criteria-based.

How many schools can I put on my application?

You can apply up to:

• 3 Elementary Magnet Schools
• 5 Middle Magnet Schools
• 5 High School Magnet Programs

On any level, you may only apply to up to 2 International Baccalaureate (IB) Magnet programs.

Can I apply to a Charter School?

No.  Charter Schools are not part of the Hillsborough County Public Schools application process nor are they part of the Magnet School community.

Can I apply to both a Magnet School and a Choice Attractor Program at the same time? How many offers can I get?

You may apply to both a Magnet and a non-Magnet (Choice Attractor) school option—provided there is space at the non-Magnet school option.  You may receive offers to both, one, or neither option depending on the application process (lottery, criteria).

Are the schools I put on my application ranked?

Magnet Schools and non-Magnet school options are NOT ranked on the application—you can receive an offer to any school (or no school) listed on your application.  Thus, in Elementary and Middle Magnet School, applications list only schools to which you want an offer, since only ONE offer may be given; High School applications may receive more than one offer.

What if I cannot find a Magnet School/Program or non-Magnet school on the application?

If you are applying to a Magnet School or non-Magnet school and it is not listed on the application, that means that the school is full and no longer has seats available for applications.  For Magnet Schools, ALL programs will be open during this first window, though certain grades may not be open due to them being full to capacity.

Explain the transportation situation for Magnet and non-Magnet.

For the most part, Magnet Schools receive transportation; non-Magnet schools on the non-Magnet school option part of the application do not—unless it is your attendance area (neighborhood) school. More information on the level of transportation available for a school will be found when you apply and your address is identified by the application.

How does the transportation situation apply to IB?

You may apply to up to 2 IB Magnet Programs. Only one IB program is associated with your address, however.  That one IB program would be the only IB that would provide transportation.  It is your choice to include that IB program on your application or not.

Do you have events that give me more information on Magnet Schools?

You can find a list of all virtual Magnet events at www.HillsboroughSchools.org/Magnet

How can I get help with my application?

For help with application questions, contact 813-272-4692 

If my child has an IEP, does this affect his/her application?

Every student is unique, so in cases such as these it is best to call the Magnet/Choice Helpline at 813-272-4692. 

Can Magnet students take virtual school classes?

Yes, virtual school coursework can be taken while a student is enrolled in a Magnet School.  This may not necessarily apply to those high school students in International Baccalaureate, Collegiate Academy, or others.

Can I apply to a Magnet School or non-Magnet school if I don't live in Hillsborough County?

Yes, but transportation is not provided by the school district.

Is there a sibling guarantee?

An additional weighting is provided to the applications of siblings on the elementary and middle school levels only.  The sibling must be applying to a school where his/her brother/sister is already enrolled for the application year.  This additional weight does not amount to a guarantee, however.