• Students in Ballet Dance Classroom Four high school students in science classroom working on an experiment Two students in art classroom painting canvas Two female elementary students sitting on ground working with art Two middle school students in STEAM class building a robot small scaled car
  • Magnet Schools and Programs
    Welcome to the Pittsburgh Public Schools Magnet Page!

    Magnet schools and programs allow students to pursue special interests, talents or career goals. Magnet schools are not neighborhood specific, so students who reside anywhere in the Pittsburgh Public School District can apply to attend. City residents receive priority for enrollment at magnet schools, however non-city residents can be admitted if there is available space. Tuition is charged for non-resident students who do not qualify for a tuition waiver. Tuition waivers are only granted to children of Pittsburgh Public Schools employees, in accordance with Board Policy 202 Eligibility of Nonresident Students. 
  • Offerings and Options
    View our guide outlining everything related to enrolling in PPS, explaining the process for applying to a magnet program, and showcasing our unique programs. 

    Learn More on How to Apply
    We'll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to apply. Learn about application process, our magnet lottery, eligibility criteria and lottery weights. 

    Apply Online
    Visit our online portal that allows you to fill out an application, submit necessary documents, and check your application status. 

  •  Important Magnet Information 

    Post-lottery applications for the 2021-22 school year are still being accepted for students to enroll in to magnet programs that do not fill through the lottery, or to be added to waiting lists. Post-lottery applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis for eligible applicants through early September.

    Click here to see which programs have available space for next school year!

    The magnet lottery for applications submitted by the December 18, 2020 deadline ran on March 10, and notification letters were sent via US mail to families on March 12. Following the lottery, we will maintain post-lottery figures online for interested families to explore options. Click on the link above to learn more about post-lottery registration.

  • Explore Magnet Options with PPS. Expect Great Things.

    Once a student enrolls in a magnet school, he/she is expected to remain in the program for at least one school year. Midyear transfers or withdrawals from magnet programs are not granted. The deadline to withdraw is September 15.

    Students in magnet programs must meet the following requirements in order to remain in the school/program. Students who do not meet these requirements may be returned to their assigned school at year’s end.

    • All students must maintain a 90% attendance rate.
    • Students in grades 6-12 may not receive more than one 4-10 day suspension, or more than 6 total days of suspension per year.
    • Students in grades 9-12 must maintain a 2.0 GPA.