When it comes to education in the United States, we are becoming more competitive. It is no longer enough to have a high school diploma on its own. To reach success, many students today will plan to attend a college or university. And with students testing at younger and younger ages, it is important to have a quality program at the middle and high school levels.

As a parent, you want the best for your child. You want to see them have access to all the opportunities in the world, and you already know that education is key. Now you may be wondering about the type of school you should choose for their high school education. Perhaps you’ve heard the term “magnet school,” but you’re not really sure what it means. Does a magnet school look good for college? Do the benefits of a magnet school outweigh those of a traditional public school?

Read on, as we break down all of the benefits of choosing a magnet school for your growing child or teen.

What is a Magnet School?

Let’s start with the basics: What is a magnet school? A magnet school is a type of public school that has a concentrated or theme-based curriculum focus. This allows students to focus on specific talents or areas that interest them, while also studying core subjects like language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and languages.

Magnet schools boast diversity—they are not part of the public school system, and anyone in the greater area can apply. They also boast a quality and challenging curriculum for students. The level of academic achievement is often higher in magnet school settings. This is because magnet schools in the U.S. are developed around a core set of principles, and held to certain standards, as set forth by the Magnet Schools of America organization. The standards demonstrated at Connecticut River Academy, for example, include the following:

• Self and global awareness
• Respect for the importance of diversity in the community of life
• The impact of individual and social actions and decisions on the community of life

What are the Benefits of Magnet School?

Magnet schools have many benefits for teens. The pillars mentioned above provide a solid foundation that will prepare students for college and real-world experiences down the road. Magnet school helps students, particularly high schoolers, develop and hone their talents and interests. It prepares them for college by allowing them to think about their career aspirations while in high school. It also provides them with a challenging curriculum that might mirror their college schedule.

Let’s explore some more of the advantages of magnet school as you decide whether this is the right type of school for your growing learner:

1. Foster a Passion for Learning

Not only do magnet schools help high school students develop and shape their interests and passion areas, but they also give students the opportunity to learn in experiential and hands-on settings. Connecticut River Academy, for example, is a sustainability-themed early college magnet high school. With a theme like this, science, innovation, and technology are at the forefront of the educational experience. This encourages students to explore the subjects that they find fascinating. It will also help them get an idea of what they would like to pursue in a postsecondary education.

2. Learn and Grow Outside the Classroom

We know that education does not stop once a student steps out of the classroom. Magnet school students participate in after school enrichment programs, clubs, and athletics. These programs help enhance the learning experience and help build that college resume. Colleges are looking for well-rounded students, not just those who excel in academics.

3. Earn College Credit in High School

With an early college magnet school like Connecticut River Academy, students get a jump-start on their college career. In addition to the traditional high school courses and the specialized classes that focus on science and technology, students have the opportunity to take college level courses at Goodwin University. They may earn more than 35 transferable college credits – all while still enrolled in high school. And since magnet schools are tuition-free, that translates to one full year of college credit for free!

4. Guidance with the College Admissions Process

Early college magnet schools are dedicated to preparing students for their future endeavors in higher education. At Connecticut River Academy, the process is streamlined so that young scholars have a distinct pathway to their dream professions.

Students are given a checklist of courses to get started, a college application checklist, and an array of higher education resources to help teens reach their goals. In addition to a smaller student-teacher ratio, allowing more personalized attention, there is an entire team of student counselors who have specialized skills to help guide your child.

5. Develop Skills Needed in College

Students who attend an early college magnet school are preparing for their college careers. Educators of magnet schools know that the best way to get students ready for college is to immerse them in a college environment. This helps them understand the structure and demands of college-level courses prior to officially starting college. Students at Connecticut River Academy may interact with Goodwin University faculty and peers. More challenging coursework, along with a college atmosphere, means students may explore focused pathways within their subjects of interest for the future.

With an early college magnet education, your young learner will flourish. Students are encouraged and provided more support, guidance, and preparation for their future college careers than any other type of public school. If you would like to learn more about the academic excellence awaiting at Connecticut River Academy, register here for a free, virtual informational session.