Magnet Programs

What are magnet programs?

The Los Angeles Unified magnets are part of a voluntary integration program. The district's magnet schools and centers provide rigorous, high-quality, theme-based instruction designed to facilitate student learning and promote academic achievement. There are 333 magnet programs located throughout the district.

Which magnets are offered at Palms Middle School?

Palms Middle School offers two magnet programs:

• Gifted/High Ability Magnet: Established in 1980, this program serves students who demonstrate the ability or strong potential to work two years above grade level in academic subjects. This program's mission is to provide an academically enriched and socially supportive environment that encourages students with outstanding abilities to reach their full potential. In 2025, the Gifted Magnet was nationally recognized as a Magnet School of Distinction by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools.

  Students enrolled in the Gifted Magnet take honors English, science, and history classes, have access to three different math pathways, and get to choose from a wide variety of elective classes; view the Gifted Magnet's curricular pathway. To enroll in the Gifted Magnet program, students must be identified as eligible. To learn more about Gifted Magnet eligibility, please visit the LAUSD eChoices website and our Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) page.

• Modern Media and Communications Magnet: Established in 2020, this program emphasizes the development of 21st-century multimedia skills. The program's mission is to provide an inclusive environment that supports students in becoming innovative creators and critical consumers of media. This program benefits from partnerships with major film studios in the area. In addition, many of the Modern Media and Communications Magnet teachers have extensive experience in the film and television industry.

  This magnet is designated by LAUSD as a Career Technical Education (CTE) program because it provides a high-quality, industry-relevant career pathway, which continues on at Hamilton High School with its video production CTE program. Within this magnet, students who qualify will be placed into honors academic classes. View the Modern Media and Communications Magnet's curricular pathway.

What is the application process for magnet programs?

There are two application windows available for enrollment during the 2026-2027 school year. On-time applications will be accepted from October 1, 2025 to November 15, 2025. Late applications will be accepted starting February 2, 2026. Mail-in applications can be picked up on-campus and online applications can be submitted through echoices.lausd.net.

In a typical year, Palms has about 140-150 openings in the Gifted Magnet (total capacity about 420) and about 90 to 100 openings in the Modern Media and Communications Magnet (total capacity about 290).

Want to learn more about Palms Middle School, including the magnet programs?

Palms Preview events -- which include an information session, campus tour, and classroom visits -- will be held throughout the school year. Registration for Palms Previews will begin on Monday, September 15, 2025. Once the Palms Preview registration window opens, please register to select your preferred date and time. date and time.

Contact Us

Kelley Girvan, Magnet Coordinator
[email protected]
310-253-7642