Alachua County Public Schools Host Magnet Showcase Oct. 25

GAINESVILLE – Alachua County Public Schools will spotlight its full range of academic and career-technical magnet programs later this month, inviting families to explore the specialized educational opportunities available to students across the district.

The annual Magnet Showcase will be held Saturday, Oct. 25,2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alachua County Sports and Event Center, 4870 Celebration Pointe Avenue in Gainesville. The free event is open to all families of school-aged children.

Representatives from the district’s elementary, middle, and high school magnet programs will be on hand to share information about curriculum options, program benefits, and application deadlines. Students and staff from each program will also be available to answer questions and describe what makes their learning experiences unique.

“This district offers students of all ages so many pathways to achieving their educational and career goals,” said Shannon Ritter, director of Alachua County Public Schools’ career tech programs. “Families attending the Showcase are always amazed at the wide variety of options available through Alachua County Public Schools.”

The district’s magnet programs include both academic and career-focused tracks, providing opportunities in fields such as engineering, health sciences, technology, performing arts, and more. Open houses for individual programs will begin Tuesday, Oct. 14, and continue through Nov. 13, allowing families to visit campuses, meet teachers, and experience the programs firsthand. Many schools will also offer shadowing opportunities for prospective students.

Families can find details about open house dates, program descriptions, and application procedures at www.alachuaschools.net/magnets.

The application window for the 2026–27 school year runs from Dec. 2 through Jan. 12. All students — including those not currently enrolled in Alachua County Public Schools —  are eligible to apply, regardless of where they live or which school they are zoned to attend. Transportation is available for students who live more than two miles from their assigned magnet site.

The Magnet Showcase continues to be one of the district’s most popular annual events, giving families an inside look at how Alachua County schools are preparing students for future success through innovative and specialized learning opportunities.

 

 

 

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