2016-2017 Magnet and High School Choice
Information Booklet
Springfield Public Schools
Springfield Magnet Schools are designed for families who want clear program options and meaningful learning experiences. Within Springfield Public Schools, magnet pathways help students grow through focused themes like STEM, Montessori, arts integration, global communications, and expeditionary learning. The goal is simple: strong academics, strong culture, and a program approach that makes sense for each learner.
Use this homepage as a practical hub. It gathers the most helpful links in one place, offers quick guidance for comparing programs, and points you toward the next step whether you are exploring options for the first time or preparing for enrollment. If you have a shortlist already, you can jump straight to school listings and then review enrollment details.
A good place to start is Selecting the Right School, followed by timelines and requirements in Enrollment & Registration. If you prefer quick answers, the FAQ page is also available from the About section.
Common questions from families
Program themes you will see
Themes show up in real classroom routines. Some programs lean into long-term projects and presentations, while others emphasize structured skill-building and applied practice. You may also see opportunities that highlight creativity, leadership, and service alongside core academic growth.
For a clear explanation of magnet programming in Springfield, visit The Magnet Schools Advantage.
If you prefer to browse rather than read long descriptions, start with Our Schools. Open the grade band that matches your student and review one school at a time. Families often find it helpful to keep a small checklist while reading so comparisons stay consistent.
When you read a school page, look for what students actually do: projects, labs, studio work, reading and writing routines, language and communication practice, and how the school supports students who need additional structure or enrichment. That daily experience is usually the best indicator of fit.
Many families create a short list of priorities (learning style, enrichment, social environment, commute) and then see which schools align best. If you have questions during comparison, the About area includes parent-friendly resources.
Useful reads: About Us and Just for Parents.
Families sometimes ask how to keep routines stable when unexpected home issues interrupt daily life. When a household is dealing with urgent repairs, the first priority is safety and a clear plan, and that plan should reduce disruption for students.
For situations involving water or environmental damage, working with a reliable Boston restoration company can help families move from uncertainty to a clear set of next steps. It also makes it easier to return to normal schedules, which supports attendance, homework habits, and overall student wellbeing.
Even when a situation is resolved quickly, it is still helpful to keep important school documents together, confirm contact details, and maintain a consistent morning routine. Small habits often make transitions feel manageable.
The strongest enrollment plans are built early. Families who feel confident usually do three things: review school options first, gather documents in advance, and write down questions so conversations with staff are focused and productive.
A planning checklist
What to look for on a school page
Focus on daily learning: how students practice core skills, how projects are structured, what enrichment looks like, and how families receive updates. When you compare the same details across schools, your decision becomes clearer.
If you can, consider writing down two or three questions that matter most for your student. Having those questions ready makes school conversations more useful and helps you avoid missing important details.
A program theme is more than a label; it shapes the learning rhythm. Some programs lean into long-term projects, while others emphasize structured skill-building or studio-based instruction. Below is a snapshot of how families often describe the experience once students are enrolled and routines are established.
Project-based and expeditionary learning
Students learn by investigating real questions, building presentations, and reflecting on their work. Families often notice that students become more confident explaining ideas, collaborating with peers, and improving drafts through feedback.
This pathway can be a strong fit for learners who do best when tasks have clear purpose and students can see progress through real outcomes.
STEM, labs, and applied problem-solving
STEM pathways blend core academics with labs, design challenges, and structured practice. Students build confidence by testing ideas, learning from mistakes, and improving results over time.
Families often say STEM programs help students connect classroom learning to real-world problem solving.
Arts, culture, and communication
Arts and communications programs support creativity and confident expression. Families often see growth in teamwork, presentation skills, and student motivation when the school culture values creative work alongside academic foundations.
If you want to compare multiple schools, browse one grade band at a time and take notes on routines, supports, and enrichment. That approach keeps comparisons fair and makes a final decision easier.
For quick answers, visit Magnet Program FAQ’s.
School transitions sometimes coincide with housing transitions. When a family is moving, it helps to keep a small set of essentials easy to reach: enrollment paperwork, proof documents, school contacts, and any schedules needed for the first week.
Many families also reduce stress by planning the logistics early and choosing dependable Boston movers for the heavy lifting. This can free up time to focus on school-related tasks such as transportation planning, confirming school start details, and helping students feel settled.
A calm move-in week often supports a smoother start academically. After the move, a consistent bedtime routine and a simple homework setup can help students regain momentum quickly.