Interdistrict Magnet Schools
In accordance with Section 10-264l of the Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.), interdistrict magnet schools are designed to reduce racial, ethnic, and economic isolation while offering a specialized and high-quality curriculum where students are enrolled at least half-time. By statute, magnet schools are subject to the same laws and regulations applicable to public schools. Such schools must have a rigorous academic curriculum, enriching theme, and educational philosophy that is competitive and capable of attracting application from students from diverse towns outside of the host town. Interdistrict magnet schools are authorized by statute and must be approved by the Commissioner of Education.
Approved Interdistrict Magnet School Operators
Currently approved interdistrict magnet operators include:
| Sheff Region | Non-Sheff Region |
|---|---|
| Bloomfield Public Schools | Area Cooperative Educational Services |
| Capitol Region Education Council | Bridgeport Public Schools |
| East Hartford Public Schools | Cooperative Educational Services |
| Hartford Public Schools | Danbury Public Schools |
| Goodwin University Education Services | EASTCONN |
| LEARN | |
| New Haven Public Schools | |
| New London Public Schools | |
| Norwalk Public Schools | |
| Stamford Public Schools | |
| Waterbury Public Schools | |
| Windham Public Schools |
View the full list of Interdistrict Magnet Schools
Difference Between Sheff and Non-Sheff
A Sheff magnet school refers to an interdistrict magnet school located in the Sheff region, which includes Hartford and surrounding suburban towns as set forth in the Sheff v. O’Neill litigation. These schools were established to help the State comply with the rulings in the Sheff vs. O’Neill case, and, as a result, are subject to the related stipulated agreements. The final stipulated agreement, the Comprehensive School Choice Plan (CCP), signed in 2022, articulates a complex and detailed strategic blueprint to increase opportunities for integrated, high-quality educational opportunities for Hartford-resident students and students throughout Connecticut through a series of 42 commitments.
A non-Sheff magnet school refers to an interdistrict magnet school that is located outside of the Sheff region. These schools are not subject to the obligations under the Sheff v. O’Neill case and the CCP.
For policies, guidance, program requirements, and communications for Interdistrict Magnet School and School Choice Program operators, visit the Interdistrict Magnet School and School Choice Program Policies and Communications page.
Information for Interdistrict Magnet School Development and Redesign
Interdistrict magnet schools are designed to reduce racial, ethnic, and economic isolation by bringing together students from different communities in high-quality educational settings. These schools offer distinctive, rigorous academic programs organized around specialized themes and educational approaches that attract students from communities outside the host school district. Students must be enrolled in the magnet program for at least half of the school day, and interdistrict magnet schools are subject to the laws and regulations applicable to public schools.
The development of a new interdistrict magnet school or the substantial renovation or redesign of an existing school represents a long-term commitment to educational quality, integration, and student success.
Proposed programs must demonstrate the capacity to:
- Provide a rigorous, high-quality, and innovative academic program;
- Offer a compelling and enriching theme supported by a clearly defined educational philosophy;
- Attract and enroll students from multiple communities;
- Promote a diverse and integrated student body;
- Reduce racial, ethnic, and economic isolation;
- Improve student achievement and educational outcomes;
- Support equitable access and meaningful participation for all students; and
- Demonstrate the organizational, operational, and financial capacity necessary for long-term implementation and sustainability.
Eligible interdistrict magnet school operators include:
- Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs);
- Local and regional Boards of Education;
- The Board of Regents for Higher Education, on behalf of the Connecticut State Community College and the Connecticut State University System;
- The Board of Trustees for the University of Connecticut, on behalf of the university;
- The Board of Governors for an independent institution of higher education, as defined in C.G.S.
- Section 10a-173, or the equivalent of such a board, on behalf of the independent institution of higher education;
- Cooperative arrangements pursuant to C.G.S. Section 1-0-158a; and
- Any other third-party not-for-profit corporation approved by the Commissioner.
Applicants must submit proposals that clearly describe the school’s educational model, instructional program, theme, recruitment strategy, projected enrollment, diversity goals, governance structure, staffing plan, facilities, budget, and implementation timeline. Proposals should also explain how the program will address an identified educational need and contribute to Connecticut’s broader school-choice and integration goals.
The Office of Strategic Planning and Partnerships will review applications based on the requirements established in the application materials, applicable state law, the availability of funding, and the proposal’s potential to provide a sustainable, high-quality, and integrated educational opportunity for students. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval or funding.
Contact
Meliha Korkutović
Magnet Programs and Policy
E-mail: Meliha.Korkutovic@ct.gov
Phone: 860-713-6939