Magnet School Program
Quick Links:
Magnet schools in RISD offer specialized courses
View Magnet School Eligibility Requirements
Learn about the application process
Learn about the selection process
Reasons for revocation
Find all the important dates and application links
Send us an email for further assistance or questions
Magnet School Overview
Magnet schools in Richardson ISD provide specialized programs, themes, and courses designed to engage students with unique, interest-based pathways. These campuses attract learners from across the district who seek focused opportunities in areas such as advanced math and science, technology, leadership, the arts, and law. Unlike neighborhood schools that serve students based on residential zones, magnet schools are chosen by families for their distinctive programming and use an application and lottery process for admission.
Magnet Admission/Eligibility Requirements:
Grade levels:
Elementary (K-6), Junior High (7-8), and Richardson High School (9-12)
Attendance
At least 90%.
Behavior
No more than 3 referrals. No suspensions or expulsions.
Elementary Academics
KN – An overall score of 2 for core subject areas. 1st and 2nd grade – Score of 3 or 4. 3rd to 6th grade – An 80 average in Math, Reading/Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, no failures
Secondary Academics
At least an 80 average in core subjects; no failures in any subject.
Application Process
Selection Process
- Elementary is by eligibility and random selection.
- Junior High is by eligibility, scores from student responses, in-person interviews for Theatre & Visual Arts at West, and random selection.
- Magnet applicants are required to submit two written responses and one video response for each program of interest. The maximum possible score is 5, with points distributed as follows:
- Written Response to Question 1: 1 Point
- Written Response to Question 2: 1 Point
- Video Response*: 3 Points (*Students should use the two questions as prompts for the content of their video response.)
- Richardson High School is by eligibility for each magnet, then magnet teachers select students from interviews and responses to questions. Status emailed before Spring Break.
- Students who are not selected but eligible and qualifying may remain in the pool until space is available or until the school year starts.
Revocation
Eligibility requirements must be maintained throughout the application school year and while attending the magnet.
Violation of eligibility requirements could result in immediate revocation and potential ineligibility for future magnet applications.
Apply
Looking to apply? Magnet School application opens on Nov. 1.
Elementary Application
- Open Dec. 1, 9pm to Feb 28, 2026
Junior High Application
- Open Nov 5, 9pm to Dec 1, 11:59pm
High School Application
- Open Jan 13, 9pm to Jan 31, 11:59pm