Magnet Schools
A World of Possibilities
Centered on Students
Your child can learn how to study the natural world as a scientist, engineer with mathematics, perform as a musician or create as an artist. Magnet schools give students the opportunity to learn life-long skills within a diverse classroom and through community partnerships. Focused on academic excellence and personal growth, students are empowered to pursue their interests and become successful, knowledgeable global citizens.
Vex robot building at Irwin STEM School
Students making a broadcast in the Croninger TV Studio
Pumpkin chucking at Whitney Young Early Childhood Center
Bunche Montessori students preparing breakfast
New Tech students working on an experiment
Memorial Park students working on NASA Tech Rise Project
Irwin STEM students building Lego robots
Towles students and staff gather in the courtyard for the International Day of Peace
Memorial Park jazz band practicing
What makes a Magnet School Different?
UNIQUE PROGRAMS
Magnet schools offer the standard FWCS curriculum and also focus on one, or several, specialized academic area(s). By focusing on an area of study or a method of learning, students have the opportunity to explore their interests while completing the FWCS curriculum. Magnet schools engage students by encouraging them to pursue their passions and goals while preparing them for a future of excellence.
SCHOOLS WITHOUT BOUNDARIES
Magnet schools do not have specified boundaries as neighborhood schools do. Instead, magnet schools draw from students through the Fort Wayne Community Schools boundaries. Families apply for magnet schools entry through the lottery process. Once a student is enrolled in a magnet school, they continue in the feeder pattern through graduation unless families make a change.
TRANSPORTATION TO MAGNETS
FWCS provides transportation to students attending magnet schools, as long as they live outside the school's No Transportation Zone. This is an exception to the district's policy to only transport students to their geographically assigned school. Bus stops for magnet schools are often located at nearby schools and may not be as close to home as stops for students attending their geographically assigned school.
How do I apply to a Magnet School?
Applications for our Magnet Schools are done through the school choice lottery and are accepted online on the myFWCS Parent Portal.
Specialized Magnet Paths
Communications Magnet
At Croninger Elementary School, children will find caring staff who create an engaging communication- and technology-enriched atmosphere. Croninger inspires, educates and motivates students to become independent, creative and critical thinkers who will thrive in a diverse, evolving, global society. Croninger also features its own TV studio, which students visit weekly to develop effective communication skills.
Montessori & New Tech Magnet
Bunche Montessori Early Childhood Center offers multi-age classrooms for 3- to 6- year-olds. As a Montessori school, the curriculum follows the methods developed by Maria Montessori. The comprehensive, hands-on curriculum incorporates movement, work and learning styles that support the academic and social development of the individual child. Students are free to choose their work based on readiness, interest and curiosity.
Students move to Towles Intermediate School where they continue in multi-age Montessori classrooms from grades 1-5. They then move upstairs to New Tech for grades 6-8 where they learn to collaborate with peers and connect with community partners. They will continue this learning style as they move to New Tech at Wayne High School.
STEAM Magnet
Our STEAM Magnet begins at Whitney Young Early Childhood for pre-K and Kindergarten where students begin their journey of learning
Science
Technology
Engineering
Art and
Mathematics
Students next step is Weisser Park Elementary for grades 1-5 where they can dig deeper into how these areas fit together.
Memorial Park Middle School continues this path for students in grades 6-8 where connections are made by integrating arts, engineering and technology.
STEM Magnet
Irwin STEM Magnet School is committed to developing students to become the innovators of tomorrow through a focus on
Science
Technology
Engineering and
Mathematics
All Irwin students also build skills in critical thinking, character, collaboration, communication, citizenship and creativity.
Feeder Patterns for Magnet Schools
| Communication Magnet |
|---|
|
Grades K - 5 |
|
Grades 6 - 8 |
|
Grades 9 - 12 |
* Not a magnet school
| Montessori & New Tech Magnet |
|---|
|
Bunche Montessori Early Childhood Center Pre-K (age 3) - K |
|
Grades 1 - 5 |
|
Grades 6 - 8 |
|
New Tech at Wayne High School * Grades 9 - 12 |
| STEAM Magnet |
|---|
|
Whitney Young Early Childhood Center Pre-K (age 4) - K |
|
Grades 1 - 5 |
|
Grades 6 - 8 |
|
Grades 9 - 12 |
| STEM Magnet |
|---|
|
Grades K - 5 |
|
Grades 6 - 8 |
|
Grades 9 -12 |