Magnet Program

  • PTSO parent magnet presentation (2023-2024): linked here
     
    January 16-20: Magnet exploration week in core classes
    January 19: Magnet assembly for 9th graders during Skytime
    January 19: Magnet Applications become available online 
    February 2: Magnet Applications due 
    February 6: Magnet Lottery
    February 7: Results Posted
       
    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 the application process in the ninth grade year.
    •     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 Do the Magnet Programs Look Like? 

    Magnet programs at Skyline High School are 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 begins with an application process during the ninth-grade year with the coursework starting during the tenth-grade year.  Students selecting the magnet programs are making a commitment to continue in their magnet until graduation.  The academic courses in each magnet 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 culminate their learning experience through an internship or senior project.

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

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

    Magnet programs 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 has developed partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations.

    Four Magnet Themes

     

    Health and Medicine - Biomedical Sciences

     Students explore concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology and public health. Through activities students examine the processes, structures and interactions of the human body – often playing the role of biomedical professionals. Students explore the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, working collaboratively to investigate and design innovative solutions to the health challenges of the 21st century.  Students conduct biomedical research and have the ability to earn college credit.
    		 Design Technology Engineering & Programming

    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, Media and Public Policy

    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.
    		 Business, Marketing 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 and Enrollment Application

    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 build on prior knowledge and experience and become directly involved in fields associated with their magnet theme. Magnet students 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 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 classes during the 9th grade
    Magnet connected classes in red
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