- Alachua County Public Schools will host their annual Magnet Showcase on Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center in Gainesville.
- Applications for magnet programs for the 2026-27 school year will open Dec. 7 and close Jan. 14 and are open to all students regardless of current enrollment or zoning.
Families of students in prekindergarten through ninth grade are invited to explore academic, fine arts, STEM and career and technical magnet opportunities at Alachua County Public Schools’ (ACPS) annual Magnet Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 24.
The Showcase will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center (4870 Celebration Pointe Ave., Gainesville).
According to an ACPS release sent Friday, the event will feature the district’s academic and career technical magnet programs for students in elementary, middle and high school. Representatives from the programs, including current students, will be available to share information about program benefits, the application process and educational opportunities.
Many exhibits will include demonstrations and hands-on activities connected to the programs’ curricula.
“Our academic, fine arts and STEM magnet programs, along with our career and technical academies, give students opportunities to discover their interests, build transferable skills and see possibilities for their future,” said Jeff Brewer, director of curriculum for Magnet Programs, in the release. “These programs connect learning to students’ interests and career goals, and provide opportunities to earn college credit and industry certifications that can reduce future education costs and open doors to further education and employment.”
Last year’s Magnet Showcase attracted about 2,500 people.
Families will have additional opportunities to explore magnet options following the Showcase. Each magnet program will host an open house, and many programs also offer opportunities for prospective students to shadow current students.
“We want every family to understand what’s available, how these programs can transform lives and how supports such as magnet transportation can help their children access these opportunities,” Brewer said.
The application window for magnet programs for the 2026-27 school year will run from Dec. 7 through Jan. 14.
Magnet programs are open to all students, including students who are not currently enrolled in Alachua County Public Schools. Students may apply regardless of where they live or which school they are zoned to attend.
Students who are accepted into a magnet program and live more than two miles from the program site will have access to transportation.
More information about the Magnet Showcase and individual magnet programs is available at alachuaschools.net/magnet or email alachuamagnets@alachuaschools.net.