Magnet FAQ

Magnet Schools are public schools that have a central theme, and provide students with choices about the schools they attend.  Magnet Schools offer specialized, focused curriculum, giving students the opportunity to succeed while learning with students of diverse backgrounds who share common interests. 

The NLPS Magnet Program was developed to offer greater educational opportunities for students to advance in a competitive, modern, technologically advanced world.   Parents and their children now have the opportunity to apply for a theme-based course of study for their child to make sure they are fully prepared to meet the demands of an advanced society.  

Our 3 Magnet Pathways are housed on 2 campuses offering comprehensive programs and unique opportunities.

International Education:
International Education prepares students to become active, caring, lifelong learners who demonstrate respect for themselves and others and have the capacity to participate in the world around them.

STEM:
STEM Education is an approach to teaching and learning that integrates the content and skills of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The STEM Academy at BDJMMMSC enables children in grades 6-8 to engage in rigorous tasks by examining and solving real world problems.

ARTS:
The Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Pathway schools offer a comprehensive, integrated educational program, in and through the arts. Rigorous academics are combined with an arts curriculum that includes vocal and instrumental music, visual art, dance, theatre, creative writing, and interdisciplinary arts. Engaging students as confident and active citizens, critical and creative thinkers, and makers and consumers of the arts prepare our students for the college or career of their choice.

Residents of CT are eligible to attend. 

To attend an NLPS’ Magnet School, all new students must submit an application to enter the lottery process.  Applications must be filled out for each child applying, including siblings.  

After Magnet School applications have been submitted and the number of available magnet seats for each school has been determined, a computer-generated, random lottery will be performed to determine selected students and wait list placement.

To submit your application, please visit newlondon.org/apply. 

To view the timeline for applications, please visit: https://www.newlondon.org/magnet

You may submit your application here: https://www.newlondon.org/magnet

Applications may be obtained:

• • at each of the magnet schools
  • online at www.newlondon.org 
  • by calling New London Public Schools at (860) 447-6000
  • by visiting the Board of Education at 134 Williams Street.

Students only need to apply once.  Students do not need to reapply each year.  Only new and returning students must apply to attend.

No, there is no tuition cost for the parent.

Yes. Anyone who is a CT resident is eligible to apply. 

Each school follows a sibling policy. Once a child is accepted, their siblings are automatically accepted as long as spots are available at the school. 

Students living in New London qualify to ride a school bus if they live more than 1 mile from the magnet school they attend.  Students from other Connecticut towns are given the option to ride a school bus from the closest available bus hub.

NLPS follows a district-wide, traditional curriculum, based on Connecticut’s State Standards. These standards define what a student should know and be able to do at each grade level. NLPS Magnet schools will expect students to perform to these levels, but will teach students organized around each school’s theme.

Yes, families are encouraged to visit our Welcome Center at 134 Williams Street. 

If your child wasn't placed at their preferred school, please accept their offer and remain on the waitlist for their school of choice. They will be placed if and when a seat becomes available at their first choice.