Magnet

What is the Magnet Program?

The Magnet Program is a full-time, district-wide gifted education model for middle school students in grades 6–8. It is designed for students who are highly motivated, independent learners ready for a fast-paced and challenging academic environment.

Students in the Magnet Program take all four core subjects, English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, in classrooms composed exclusively of other gifted learners. These courses are taught by teachers with a gifted endorsement from the State of Nevada. The curriculum is accelerated, enriched, and focused on depth, complexity, and higher-level thinking.

Magnet students are fully integrated into their school community and participate in electives, athletics, clubs, and all aspects of campus life.

Where is Magnet Offered?

The Magnet Program is offered at the following middle schools in Washoe County School District:

• Archie Clayton Middle School (Magnet and Magnet–AAP)
• Marce Herz Middle School
• Sky Ranch Middle School
• Darrell C. Swope Middle School

What is Magnet–AAP?

Magnet–AAP (Accelerated Advanced Placement) is offered only at Archie Clayton Middle School. While the program is academically identical to the standard Magnet model, Magnet–AAP includes students who may not be formally identified as GATE but have demonstrated high academic achievement. These students are individually invited to apply based on academic performance and school-based data.

Application Requirements

To be considered for Magnet, a student must: 

• Be identified as GATE by the WCSD GATE Department: Identification page OR personally invited to the Magnet-AAP program at Archie Clayton Middle School.
• Be entering 6th or 7th grade.
• Complete a Magnet application during the open application window.

Students may apply for 6th or 7th grade entry. Students are not newly placed midyear or as 8th graders. Current Magnet students do not need to reapply each year. Students requesting a transfer to a different Magnet site must contact the GATE office and will be placed based on availability.

Admission is based on a matrix of:

• Cognitive assessment scores
• Reading (ELA) achievement
• Math achievement

Not all students who apply will be accepted. Late applications will be placed on a waitlist and accepted as space becomes available.

Enrollment & Commitment

• Current Magnet students do not need to reapply each year.
• New students must complete the Magnet application during the open window to be considered. Students must select a first and second choice Magnet site. Most students are placed at their first-choice location, depending on availability and the order the application was received.
• After the application deadline has passed, families will be notified of school placement decisions following the application window through email and/or mail. At this point, families must return a Magnet Commitment Form by the deadline to confirm enrollment at the offered location.

• Once the commitment form is submitted, you will see a confirmation message on the final screen. You will not receive a separate confirmation email.

• At that point, your child is officially accepted into the Magnet program, no further steps are needed. Congratulations!

• If the commitment form is not submitted, the space may be offered to a student on the waitlist.
• If a family would like to request a transfer between Magnet sites, they must contact the GATE Department directly. Transfers are based on space availability.
• Families should still register students in Infinite Campus when it becomes available, even if it does not show their correct Magnet site. If placed in Magnet, enrollment will be internally transferred to the assigned Magnet site by the school’s secretary (typically around May).
• Note: Families should not submit a School of Choice form for Magnet placement. Placement in the Magnet Program is handled entirely by the GATE Department based on eligibility and application.

   

Transportation

• Transportation is only provided if the student’s zoned school is the same as the Magnet site.
• Students attending a Magnet site outside their zoned area must arrange their own transportation.

What Makes Magnet Unique?

Magnet provides an advanced academic experience with:

• Accelerated coursework in all four core subjects
• Curriculum that exceeds standard middle school expectations
• Integrated project-based learning
• Daily collaboration with like-minded peers
• Preparation for high school honors and AP courses

By the end of 8th grade, most Magnet students are:

• Two years ahead in math (ready for Algebra II)
• One year ahead in science (ready for Chemistry or AP Biology)
• Writing and analyzing at a high school level in ELA and Social Studies

Students attending Hug High School’s GATE Institute may also have access to AP courses in 9th grade.

Magnet Program Expectations

Magnet is a rigorous, fast-paced program. Students are expected to:

• Maintain 90% or better attendance
• Demonstrate respectful, non-disruptive behavior
• Earn passing grades (typically C or higher)
• Complete regular, meaningful homework
• Communicate with teachers about absences or academic needs

Homework & Academic Load

Homework supports deeper learning, and may include:

• Daily reading and math practice
• Long-term writing and research projects
• Classwork completion
• Creative or analytical tasks
• No busywork: assignments are purposeful

Supporting Student-Athletes and Performers

Magnet teachers support students with demanding extracurricular schedules, including athletics, performing arts, and competitive events. With advance communication, teachers can:

• Adjust due dates when appropriate
• Offer flexibility to complete assignments early
• Prioritize essential work
• In some cases, excuse select assignments when conflicts arise

Applications are available each fall through the Program Applications page.

To learn more about other models of GATE service, visit our GATE Models Overview.