About the Program

The Highly Gifted Magnet at North Hollywood High School is a component of the voluntary integration program of the Los Angeles Unified School District, designed to provide an academically challenging college preparatory program. The Magnet was established in 1989. Students have chosen this magnet within the public school system and have studied a stringent, rigorous curriculum. They may not have enjoyed many of the material advantages that private schools often provide; however, they have gained immeasurably by interacting in a culturally diverse urban high school. The program seeks to thematically bind the four years of study into a comprehensive interdisciplinary format which will prepare students to thrive in the most demanding of university environments. The students participating in the magnet represent all residential areas of Los Angeles City. They display a variety of extracurricular interests, as well as diversity in their academic directions. To qualify for admittance to the Highly Gifted Magnet, students must demonstrate measured IQ levels of 145+.

The level of course work is commensurate with the most demanding of public or private college preparatory schools in the country, allowing students to study Advanced Placement courses in all subject areas. Average student scores have far exceeded state and national averages on advanced Placement tests and other national exams. They have gained national and international recognition for their academic achievements. The educational environment is highly competitive and students are expected to develop their talents in an interactive atmosphere with students of similar high ability levels.

The Highly Gifted Magnet student is a well-rounded individual, whose emotional, intellectual, and physical success is fostered by involvement in the regular high school and the community. Magnet students participate in a full spectrum of extracurricular activities, including sports, service and social clubs, and publication of their own literary journal, Magnitude. The magnet is housed at North Hollywood High School, an ethnically diverse and comprehensive school of 3400 students.