Thank you for your interest in Cedar Rapids Community School District Magnet Schools. A magnet school is a theme-based school providing parent choice in the type of learning environment they want for their child(ren). They are built on the foundation of the magnet school pillars: diversity, innovative curriculum and professional development, academic excellence, high quality instructional systems, and family and community partnerships. Magnet Schools use state and district standards but vary the delivery of instruction by teaching the standards within a theme. The Cedar Rapids Community School district has five magnet schools of choice.
If you are a parent/guardian of a student who is already enrolled at Cedar River Academy at Taylor, Johnson STEAM Academy, Kenwood Leadership Academy, McKinley STEAM Academy or Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy and/or currently live in these schools' resident attendance zone, you DO NOT need to apply for the lottery.
If you are a parent/guardian of a student who does not live in a magnet school resident attendance zone, enrollment for your student is via the magnet school lottery. The lottery is a computer generated, random process used to select and accept students who live outside of the magnet resident zone. Students who live in the magnet resident zone do not need to enter the lottery to enroll. All CRCSD students are eligible to apply for the magnet school lottery. Students applying for placement in a magnet program must enter the lottery by completing an online application. In addition, applicants from outside of the Cedar Rapids Community School District may apply and must also complete and submit Open Enrollment paperwork by March 1st. (Submitting Open Enrollment paperwork does not bind you to attending a school in the CRCSD.)
Choosing a magnet school is an exciting process. We highly encourage you to research and visit the magnet school(s) you are interested in. After you determine what magnet school(s) meet your child(ren)'s needs, you will need to identify a first choice for a magnet seed. To better serve all students, families have the option to identify a second magnet (and a third magnet in elementary). Only select the magnet school(s) you only want your child(ren) to be considered for.
.All efforts will be made to place students based on their preferences, however it is important to remember that this may not be possible given the level of interest in the magnet schools. It is also important to remember that students who live in a magnet resident attendance zone are guaranteed a seat in that school.