Special public schools that offer a concentrated curriculum in designated areas of study (for example, fine and performing arts, science and technology, and so forth). Some charter schools and most Governor's Schools are types of magnet schools.

Schools that enroll students from areas outside their normal school boundaries because of a particular area of focus; examples include traditional programs or schools for the arts, languages or sciences.

offer a wide range of distinctive programs, including programs emphasizing academic subjects such as math, science, aerospace technology, language immersion, or humanities; instructional approaches such as basic skills, open classrooms, individualized instruction, Montessori, or enriched curricula; career/vocational education; gifted-talented programs; and the arts. Magnet schools are effective in attracting students from outside the immediate neighborhood, and they appear to be effective in attracting opposite race students.

Public schools offering programs to students with particular interests (such as the arts or technology). Often used as a voluntary method to achieve racial balance.

Public schools designed to draw together students interested in specific subjects such as science or the arts from surrounding school districts or neighborhoods within a district, often with the purpose of voluntarily promoting racial desegregation. Many of Connecticut's magnet schools were created in response to the 1996 Sheff vs. O'Neill court decision, which included interdistrict magnet schools as one of the mechanisms for encouraging desegregation of the public school system.

Magnets offer special curricula, such as math-science, technology and science, performing arts programs, or special instructional approaches, such as academic achievement through application of unique and sometimes accelerated teaching and learning methods.  Magnet Schools Marketable Title   A recognition of ownership and right-to-sell that is clear, reasonably free from risk of litigation over possible defects or challenge and acceptable. It is a title that is good or clear and that can be offered for sale without difficulty.