Magnet Program

Magnet programs provide students with a thematic focus, instructional continuity, and opportunities to apply academics to problem solving in real-world experiences. Magnet enrollment choices are made by Skyline students during registration for tenth grade classes.

Four magnet themes
Approximately 100 students per magnet
Specialized learning spaces and equipment
Academic foundation
Real world applications

Why magnets?

Ann Arbor Skyline High School magnet programs provide flexible hands-on learning experiences that empower learners to reach their potential. The theme-based approach promotes many of the factors associated with effective schools, chiefly, innovation in program and practice, staff and curricular coherence, increased parent and community involvement, and greater student engagement, all of which add up to higher student achievement.

What Will the Magnet Programs Look Like?

Magnet programs at Skyline High School will be introduced to all freshman students within the context of their regular academic core classes. This exploration will provide both a chance to better understand the themes and learning environments of the magnets and will also give all students an opportunity to consider their own personal interests so that, whether they select a magnet or not, they will begin to think of the choices and opportunities in their futures.

Magnet program enrollment will begin with the tenth grade year. Students choosing a magnet will be grouped together for two academic classes (Language Arts and Science or Social Science) as well as a theme-based elective class (academic credit for this elective varies by magnet). It will be expected, but not required, that students selecting the magnet programs will continue in their magnet until graduation. The academic courses in each magnet will meet the same curriculum requirements and standards of regular academic classes and have the opportunity to focus that content on complex thinking and problem solving in the themed area. In the senior year, magnet students will culminate their learning experience through an internship or senior project.

The program will offer an interdisciplinary curriculum to engage students in a logical progression of knowledge, skills and application. Magnet programs will foster literacy, imagination, competency, and creativity in a thematic environment conducive to high achievement.

Specialized equipment and learning spaces will provide additional support for innovative curricula and instructional approaches. Technology and real world applications will be infused throughout the curriculum and connected across the academic disciplines.

Magnet programs will provide students with instructional continuity, a focus on complex thinking and applied knowledge, and a chance to sample the real world connection of academics and personal skills to problem solving and achievement. Each magnet program will have partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations.

Four Magnet Themes

Health and Medicine

Students explore global health issues that include medical care, biomedical technology, innovations, research, and preventative health practices. Students partner with practitioners to investigate applications in health, wellness, and medicine. This magnet includes a research and development component.

Design Technology and Environmental Planning

Students explore innovations that change and shape our human design world. They apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, to find practical solutions for real-world issues. Through hands-on, problem-solving activities, students will understand how technology and society affect each other. Utilizing computer design, prototyping, and modeling systems students focus on technological innovations for an environmentally sustainable society.

Communication, Public Policy, and Media

Students engage in inquiry, research and digital media production in the field of public policy. Public policies are the laws, regulations, decisions and actions of government that impact everyone’s lives. Students develop skills in communication in all stages of production from concept to delivery. By examining public policies relating to individual rights, healthy families, cultural diversity and sustainable environments, students develop skills required to be leaders in an interdependent global community.

Marketing, Business, and Information Technology

Students explore the dynamics of business, marketing, and entrepreneurship within a global society. Students study production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They use key technology applications, like information management systems, graphics, and web design to connect local and global markets through business planning, management, marketing, advertising.

Magnet Sequence

9th Grade
Who: Students explore magnet themes as part of course work in their academic classes.
Focus: Magnet exploration

10th Grade
Who: Students who select and enroll in a magnet program
Focus: Topics, Technology and Applications

Magnet themes are investigated with focus on the types and value of accomplishments of professionals associated with the theme. Students develop an understanding of the scope and interconnected nature of topics and careers within the theme.

11th Grade
Who: Students in the magnet program
Focus: Connection, Specialization, and Development

At this level, students will build on prior knowledge and experience and become directly involved in fields associated with their magnet theme. Magnet students will work with professionals and community partners in selected experiences such as workplace observations, training in and use of professional technology, and opportunities for projects or service learning.

12th Grade
Who: Students in the magnet program
Focus: Year of Achievement

In their senior year, magnet students will culminate their experiences and demonstrate their accomplishments through a senior project/thesis and/or internship with a professional partner. These opportunities are built on the skills and knowledge students have developed in their magnet program.

Magnet Program 4-Year Curriculum - Sample

Subject Area	9th Grade	10th Grade	11th Grade	12th Grade
Mathematics	1st Year of Algebra* Geometry or Geometry AC*	Geometry 2nd Year Algebra 2nd Year Algebra AC	2nd Year Algebra Pre-Calculus or Pre-Calculus AC Statistics AP	Pre-Calculus, Calculus or Calculus AP Statistics AP
Science	Biology*	Physical Science	Chemistry or Chemistry AP Physics	Physics or Physics AP Biology AP
English	English 9* World Literature*	English 10 American Literature	English 11 AP English Language and Composition Electives Available	English 12 AP English Language and Composition Electives Available
Social Science	World History*	U.S. History U.S. History AP African American Humanities-AC American Studies	U.S. Gov't/Civics (semester) U.S. Gov't/Politics AP (semester) Economics (semester) Economics AP (semester)	Social Science Elective(s) (Recommended)
Electives or other required courses	Physical Education World Language Visual/Performing/ Applied Arts Health Education Music Other electives (see course handbook)	Physical Education World Language Visual/Performing/ Applied Arts Health Education Music Other electives (see course handbook)	Physical Education World Language Visual/Performing/ Applied Arts Health Education Music Other electives (see course handbook)	Physical Education World Language Visual/Performing/ Applied Arts Health Education Music Other electives (see course handbook)
Magnet Program		Magnet Course I Topics Technology Application	Magnet Course II Connection Specialization Development	Magnet Course III Internship Senior Project

*Magnet Exploration integrated into all academic core classess during the 9th grade
Magnet connected classes in red