Gifted/High Ability Magnets serve students who demonstrate ability to work two years above grade level in academic subjects. These centers offer enriched interdisciplinary academic environments that are exciting, challenging, and encourage students to use creative/critical-thinking skills.
Grades 3-5 are included and the curriculum is adapted for gifted learners with an emphasis on international studies and humanities. Program features second language instruction and multicultural enrichment activities with a global perspective.

 

How do I apply?

Cowan Gifted/High Ability International Humanities Magnet welcomes approximately 15 new students each year. The student body is approximately 90. Bus transportation is provided by LAUSD to any qualifying student who lives more than two miles from the school. The school serves grades 3 - 5. Students must be verified by their neighborhood schools as either high achieving or as identified gifted to meet the criteria.

Each November/December, the Los Angeles Unified School District mails a “Choices” brochure to all public school students. Students at private schools may obtain a “Choices” brochure from their neighborhood public school which lists all of the magnet schools available in LAUSD. A magnet school simply means a public school which offers a specialty, such as arts and theater, science and math, or gifted programs, all intended to encourage families to “integrate” to that school. Magnet schools were first instituted in the 1970’s as a federal integration program.

Families in neighborhoods with overcrowded schools, or with siblings in the magnet will be eligible for additional application points. By filling out an application and stating your preference for a school, your student will accrue points from year to year. All students are selected at random upon acknowledgement of gifted status by the LAUSD magnet office.

If you have questions or need more information regarding the Magnet School, please contact Gary Saunders, Magnet Coordinator

Important Links:

For more information you can also download the Magnet Application FAQ sheet