Nebraska Magnet Schools
Magnet schools are free, publicly-funded schools that operate within Nebraska’s public school districts and specialize in theme-based curricula. Magnet schools are designed to attract diverse student populations and offer specialized educational approaches.
Program Type: Free public schools with specialized themes
Tuition: $0 – Completely FREE. No tuition charged; funded through public school dollars.
Availability: Nebraska magnet schools operate primarily in the Omaha and Lincoln areas
Specialized Themes
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
- Arts (performing arts, visual arts, music)
- Language Immersion (Spanish, French, Mandarin, etc.)
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Montessori
- Other specialized educational approaches
Examples of Omaha Public Schools Magnet Centers
- Fullerton Magnet Center
- Spring Lake Magnet Center
- Multiple magnet middle schools
- Various elementary magnet programs
Enrollment
- Generally first-come, first-served or lottery-based if demand exceeds capacity
- May prioritize students within the district
- Application procedures vary by school and district
Who Can Attend
- Typically open to students within the school district
- Some magnet schools may accept students from other districts
- Check with individual schools for specific enrollment criteria
Benefits of Magnet Schools
- Free public school option with specialized curriculum
- Themed education aligned with student interests
- Often smaller learning communities within larger districts
- Diverse student populations by design
- Access to specialized equipment and resources (science labs, art studios, music facilities)
How to Apply: Contact your local school district (Omaha Public Schools or Lincoln Public Schools) for information about magnet school options, application procedures, and enrollment deadlines.
Contact Omaha Public Schools: Visit the OPS website for magnet school directory and enrollment information
Contact Lincoln Public Schools: Visit the LPS website for magnet program information
For other Nebraska School Choice Programs: Refer to our Nebraska State Summary.