By Anna Khan
Magnet schools have specialized programs that focus on a specific area of study. The themes for these schools can be different forms of art, language, and trade. The most common theme for a magnet school is STEM. Magnet schools are an alternative choice to other high school education programs. They are part of the public education system, as opposed to private and charter schools which are overseen by private administrations. However, unlike most public schools, teenagers attend them based on interest and ability as opposed to location. Here are some advantages, and disadvantages of attending a magnet school.
Many children are able to narrow down what they want to do as an adult in high school, or even younger. For students like this, magnet schools are a great opportunity to focus time and energy on things that will help with their career. They also get to interact with peers who have similar interests and can further expand their passion for these subjects. Attending magnet schools also helps with breaking into their chosen field. For example, a student attending a magnet school that specializes in vocational careers may help them get an apprenticeship or into a trade school. It has been shown that employers and admission officers favor applicants who have attended a magnet program that relates to their application because these students have more experience and understanding of the career. It also should be taken into consideration that the educators at magnet schools receive better pay, and equipment is higher quality due to the overall budget for magnet schools tending to be higher than other high schools. Because of this and the tendency for students attending magnet schools to be rather focused on their education, there are far fewer disciplinary incidents. Overall, magnet schools provide a safe and efficient learning environment for students who are more career oriented.
There are also several reasons as to why a magnet school may not be the best fit for every high school student. The average teenager is uncertain about what their academic and professional future looks like. Even students who have a career in mind are still very likely to change their minds. Attending a school that specializes in STEM for example, narrows out the potential of pursuing any other passions they may have. Extracurricular activities are also very important, both for the brain and for admittance into college. Additionally, school is not just about classes and tests. Magnet schools are less likely to have well developed and engaged extracurricular activities. Social environments are also important to brain development, and many kids have felt estranged from their neighbors or friends because they will have an undeniably different high school experience. Magnet schools are known to not provide much opportunity to have a healthy social life. Magnet schools can also be difficult as they are extremely focused, and are not always very accommodating. For example, many magnet schools do not provide transportation. They also often have a zero tolerance policy for any kind of disciplinary issue, which is a very high standard to hold teenagers to. Magnet schools have a very fixed curriculum and often do not cater to students with learning or social disabilities.
Magnet schools are a unique and often wonderful opportunity, but every student is different. While one high schooler might thrive in the more intense environment, another may prefer to have a more traditional educational experience.
Works Cited
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“STEM vs. Humanities: Where’s the Balance?” Www.shmoop.com,
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University, Goodwin. “magnet School Pros and Cons | Goodwin College.” Goodwin
University, 1 Feb. 2018, www.goodwin.edu/enews/magnet-school-pros-and-cons/.