Schedule meetings with your child's teachers to determine if they would recommend that your child transfer to a magnet school.
Inquire about magnet schools at your child's present school. Ask the school's principal about local magnet schools. Get the schools' names, addresses, phone numbers and website address if available.
Browse the websites to determine the magnet schools' specialization. Many magnet schools emphasize certain areas of study like the arts or sciences. Narrow down your list of potential magnet schools by crossing out schools that don't have curriculum that compliment your child's interests or talents.
Visit the remaining magnet schools with your child. Tour the school with a principal or another school official. Inquire about the school's history, success rates and application processes. Sit in on active classes to get a feel for what your child will be experiencing as a student in the school.
Get the names of parents of current and former students. Call the parents and ask about how the magnet schools' programs affected their children. To get a balanced perspective, it's important to talk to parents who have children currently in the programs, parents of children who have unenrolled and parents of children who have completed the program.
Decide on a magnet school based on your preferences, parent references and your child's approval.
Begin the magnet school application process.