ACPS Magnet Showcase to be held on October 24
Press release from Alachua County Public Schools
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Families of students in prekindergarten through 9th grade are invited to learn more about the many educational opportunities available to them in Alachua County Public Schools at the district’s upcoming Magnet Showcase.
The Showcase will include all of the district’s academic and career tech magnet programs in elementary through high school. Representatives from those programs, including students, will share information about the benefits of the program, the application process, and more. Many of the exhibits will also include demonstrations and hands-on activities related to the program’s curriculum.
“Our academic, fine arts, and STEM magnet programs, along with our career and technical academies, give students opportunities to discover their interests, build transferable skills, and see possibilities for their future,” said Jeff Brewer, Director of Curriculum – Magnet Programs. “These programs connect learning to students’ interests and career goals and provide opportunities to earn college credit and industry certifications that can reduce future education costs and open doors to further education and employment.”
The Showcase will be held Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alachua County Sports and Event Center at 4870 Celebration Pointe Avenue in Gainesville. Last year’s event attracted about 2500 people.
Families will have additional opportunities to explore their magnet options after the Showcase. Each magnet will be hosting an open house, and many also offer shadowing opportunities.
“We want every family to understand what’s available, how these programs can transform lives, and how supports such as magnet transportation can help their children access these opportunities,” said Brewer.
The window to apply for a magnet program for the 2026-27 school year will run from December 7 through January 14.
Magnet programs are open to any student (including those not currently enrolled in the district), regardless of where they live and what school they are zoned to attend. Students who are accepted and live more than two miles from the magnet program site will have access to transportation.
More information about the Showcase and each magnet program is available at alachuaschools.net/magnets.