Magnet Programs

There are nine magnet schools from which families can choose to match their student’s interests and aptitudes. Each school’s theme guides the instructional program that offers unique enrichment opportunities and educational philosophies. Enrollment in a magnet school is by application only and based solely on a student’s interest in the school’s program. A computerized lottery process determines admission.

Transportation is provided to all magnet schools.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Burton Magnet Elementary School
1500 Mathison Street, 27701, 560-3908. Grades K-5
Burton GeoWorld Elementary Magnet School was accepted as an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) school in September 2007.  The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child and offers a framework to meet students’ academic, social, physical, emotional and cultural needs. Students are engaged through a method of instruction that features key questions, reflection and action learning. The program offers a global perspective of society and culture, basic preparation and entrance to the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, and a meaningful understanding of world geography. It features:

• daily instruction in French, Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese 
• global studies
• integrated technology

Club Boulevard Magnet Elementary School
400 W. Club Boulevard, 27704, 560-3918. Grades K-5
Instruction centers around the study of literature, culture, and human interests. Immersion in this rich environment promotes growth of individual creativity, exploration of diverse cultures, development of personal values, and the attainment of basic skills needed to become a responsible citizen in society. It features:

• authentic literature
• integrated arts and science thematic units
• Multiple Intelligences approach

R.N. Harris Elementary School
1520 Cooper Street, 27703, 560-3967. Grades K-5
The Core Knowledge curriculum is a nationally recognized instructional program that follows a very defined series of interesting and challenging topics designed to produce culturally literate students. Integrating the arts further strengthens learning and brings the curriculum to life. It features:

• comprehensive cultural units
• Suzuki violin instruction
• A+ Schools and Multiple Intelligences programs

Morehead Montessori School
909 Cobb Street, 27707, 560-3954. Grades PreK-5
The Montessori model assumes that all children want to learn, and it respects the individual’s style and pace of learning. Montessori classroom communities operate on the principle of freedom within limits, translating into respect for self, others, and the environment. It features:

• independent and self-directed learning
• prepared environment
• multi-age groupings

W. G. Pearson Gifted and Talented Magnet 
3501 Fayetteville Street, 27707, 560-3988.  Grades K-5
The Gifted and Talented (GT) program's instructional philosophy is based on the belief that every child has gifts and talents that need to be valued and nurtured. The Gifted and Talented program serves students of all academic levels, including those who have been identified as academically gifted. Features include:

• Variety of electives and course levels for exploration of interests, acceleration, and rich, in-depth study of the subject
• Foreign language instruction
• Piano lab, theater, computer lab

Watts Montessori Magnet School
700 Watts Street, 27701, 560-3947. Grades PreK-5
The Montessori model assumes that all children want to learn, and it respects the individual’s style and pace of learning. Montessori classroom communities operate on the principle of freedom within limits, translating into respect for self, others, and the environment. It features:

• independent and self-directed learning
• prepared environment
• multi-age groupings

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

W.G. Pearson Magnet Middle School
600 East Umstead Street,  27701,  560.2208. Grade 6-8
Combining a focus on the arts and humanities with a concentration on nurturing the gifts and talents of its students, W.G. Pearson Magnet Middle School provides a wonderful opportunity for students to explore and develop their special interests and talents in core courses, the arts, science and math, in a relatively small middle school setting (350 students).

W. G. Pearson Magnet Middle School  provides a natural link for students from Club Boulevard Humanities Magnet, R. N. Harris Integrated Arts and Core Knowledge Magnet and W. G. Pearson Gifted and Talented Magnet Elementary Schools programs.  Even though preference will be given to these schools, application is open to any rising DPS middle school student.  The program features:

• wide range of elective courses
• small school setting
• gifted & talented philosophy

Shepard International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Magnet School
2401 Dakota Street, 27707, 560-3938. Grades 6-8
A rigorous academic curriculum challenges students to prepare themselves for advanced intellectual pursuits on the high school and college level. The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme promotes academic achievement with active responsible citizenship. The program features:

• foreign language study
• law-related education
• substantial use of technology

Durham School of the Arts
400 N. Duke Street, 27701, 560-3926. Grades 6-12
DSA emphasizes ongoing individual development through rigorous academics and strong visual and performing arts programs. In both academic and art classes, teachers provide a variety of experiences including interdisciplinary projects and units that encourage students to see the connections among different subjects. The school features:

• extensive visual and performing arts electives
• full complement of challenging academic courses
• A+ philosophy