Magnet Schools Assistance is a Federal grants program administered by the U.S. Department of Education. The program is designed to help desegregate public schools by supporting the elimination, reduction, and prevention of minority group isolation in elementary and secondary schools with substantial numbers of minority group students. The program is defined in the:

Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965

Title V — Promoting Informed Parental Choice and Innovative Programs

Part C — Magnet Schools Assistance

Section 5301 — Findings and Purpose

Types of projects

Magnet schools offer a wide range of distinctive education programs. Some emphasize academic subjects such as math, science, technology, language immersion, visual and performing arts, or humanities. Others use specific instructional approaches, such as Montessori methods, or approaches found in international baccalaureate programs or early college programs.