Decatur Public Schools conducts a lottery for students interested in enrolling in any of the district's three magnet programs.  The window to apply for the next school year opens December 1st. Deadline is January 31st.

Each of the magnet school programs offer unique philosophies to draw students from all over the district. Any student living within the District #61 boundaries can apply to a magnet school. Programs range from structured environments in which students wear uniforms to a curriculum that encourages independence. You can read more about each program and watch their program video by clicking on their school logo below.

Key Magnet Dates

• Magnet applications open around December 1 each year for the following school year.
• Parents MUST attend a parent information meeting for your application to be eligible for the lottery. Make sure you sign in when you attend parent meetings!
• Last day to apply to a magnet program: January 31 each year for the following school year.
• Magnet lottery will be held in mid-March.
• Following the lottery, parents will be notified of the lottery results.
• Parents must accept or decline an offered magnet seat by the deadline stated in the offer notification.
• Available seats after the initial lottery will be filled using waitlists.

Each of Decatur Public Schools' three magnet programs offers unique philosophies to draw students from all over the district. Programs range from structured environments in which children wear uniforms to a curriculum that encourages independence.

Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School (K-8) provides a strong STEAM education, emphasizing science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Dansby Magnet School offers a STEAM curriculum including SAM Labs Studio Coding and zSpace (augmented and virtual reality). Students at Dansby Magnet School wear uniforms and the program uses the RCA House System. Dansby provides a challenging learning environment in STEAM, which maximizes individual potential and ensures students are well-equipped to meet the challenges in the world around them. Click the school logo to the left to view a video about Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School.

Johns Hill Magnet School (K-8) has the longest history as a magnet school in Decatur and houses the district’s English as a Second Language program. In addition to the core academic subjects, we integrate the arts in all of our programs. We offer solid programs in foreign language, fine arts, music, and sports. Many students excel in several areas, and most students participate in a variety of activities. There are multiple languages spoken by students who attend Johns Hill and students have opportunities to celebrate cultural diversity. Click the school logo to the left to view a video about Johns Hill Magnet School.

The Montessori Academy for Peace (PreK-8) program is based on the philosophies of Dr. Maria Montessori, world-renowned physician and educator. The Montessori curriculum is designed to encourage respect, responsibility, cooperation, manners, and a sense of community.  The emphasis on reading, math, language, science, geography, and cultural and practical life experiences are encouraged as part of the Montessori environment. Self-discipline, independence, and the development of personal responsibility are also a strong focus of Montessori. Our PreK program is tuition-based and offers full-day, half-day AM, and half-day PM options. Placements in all PreK seats are determined through the lottery process. Click the school logo to the left to view a video about Montessori Academy for Peace.

Applying to a Magnet Program

The magnet application process runs each year from December 1 through January 31, to apply for a seat in a magnet school for the following school year. During this time, families can attend open houses at the schools, plus in-person and virtual informational sessions to learn about the programs and how to apply. Applicants can choose to apply to one, two, or all three of the schools on a single application, by ranking them in preference order. The District’s central office then conducts an electronic lottery in February/March to fill available seats in each magnet school program for the upcoming school year. Parents will be notified by email and/or phone call shortly after. 

How to Apply

Applications are due by January 31 each year for the following school year. Any student living within the District #61 boundaries can apply to a magnet school. Parents of students who already attend a magnet program must submit an application for new siblings entering PreK/Kindergarten or any other grade. The District’s central office runs a lottery each February/March after the deadline closes. Families will be notified soon after the lottery is held if their student received a seat or has been placed on a waitlist. Waitlists DO NOT carry over from year to year — students must reapply the following year if they have not received a seat within a magnet program.

Cost

There is no additional cost to attend a Magnet School (grades K—8) as long as the family lives within the District #61 boundary. The Montessori PreK program is tuition-based.

Eligibility

Magnet Programs are open to any Decatur Public Schools student entering the appropriate grade level. Students must be five years old by September 1 of the upcoming school year to enter Kindergarten.

Transportation

School bus transportation is provided free of charge for families living outside of a one-and-a-half mile radius of the school. Transportation is not currently provided for the Montessori PreK program.