Arts are often not a core part of curriculum the way that subjects like math and science are, so some students opt for magnet schools to allow them to more fully dedicate themselves to the training needed for their craft. Magnet schools for the arts are known for having a strong academic program paired with specialized classes in a variety of arts disciplines such as vocals, dance, visual art, theater and film. If you’re considering an arts-based magnet school in Maryland for your child’s education, here are some key things to know.
What is a magnet school?
Named for their natural ability to attract students from all different areas, socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures, the first magnet schools in the 1970s were described as being a “magnet” for these students. Today, there are 4,000+ magnet schools that educate more than 3.5 million students across the U.S., according to Magnet Schools of America.
Notably, though they are public schools, many are accessible to any student, regardless of zip code. Because of their accessibility — both with cost and location — they are also known for having a diverse student body that gives students a more accurate representation of the real world.
How do you apply? Does everyone get accepted?
Because they are free and accessible to many students, magnet schools often fill up fast. To accommodate, schools tend to use a lottery system for applications to ensure fair entry. Some may also require an audition process depending on the discipline.
Magnet Schools in Maryland
Public School Review names 150 magnet public schools serving 166,417 students in Maryland in 2026. Here are just a handful of the magnet arts schools and programs available:
A. Mario Loiderman Magnet Middle School for Creative and Performing Arts | Silver Spring: Offers a range of advanced courses in arts, with electives available in choral music, dance, digital arts, film, instrumental music, theater and visual arts. Middle School Magnet Consortium students have a choice lottery process (in which parents rank their top middle school choices); open lottery for others in county, with all lotteries occurring in fifth grade
Apex Arts Magnet Program | Anne Arundel County Three Apex arts schools (Annapolis and Broadneck high schools and Wiley H. Bates Middle School) earned a 2026 Magnet School of Distinction honor from Magnet Schools of America; requires auditions; middle school magnets available based on home address and high school magnets based on discipline; Broadneck High primarily covers music.
Baltimore School for the Arts: Audition-based application with interview for eighth and ninth graders who live in any county; no academic criteria is used to field applications. The school offers instruction in dance; music; acting; stage design and production; visual arts; and film and visual storytelling.
Barbara Ingram School for the Arts | Hagerstown Prospective students must apply and audition and are recommended to apply for two disciplines to increase their chances; they will choose one if accepted. There are eight disciplines to choose from, including photography and cinematography; computer game design and animation; creative writing and more.
Benjamin Foulois Creative and Performing Arts Academy | Suitland: K-8 school focused on artistic scholarship, with Creative and Performing Arts programs for pre-K through fifth grade students and by audition only for the middle school creative program. Also within the Prince George’s County Public Schools system, students entering ninth or tenth grades can apply for the Visual and Performing Arts High School Program.
George Washington Carver Center for Arts & Technology | Towson: Lottery system through Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) and an audition process; disciplines include acting; culinary arts; dance; design and production; digital instrumental music; vocal music and visual arts.
Patapsco High and Center for Arts | Dundalk: Another BCPS magnet school under a lottery system through the BCPS website; arts courses include dance, music, theater, literary arts and visual arts; shadow days available
Thomas G. Pullen K-8 Creative and Performing Arts School | Landover: Another Prince George’s County public school under the Creative and Performing Arts program, providing specialized arts for middle schoolers, with opportunities to showcase work, visiting artists, guest speakers and more; lottery system through fifth grade and auditions for middle school
Find a list of the best Maryland magnet schools at publicschoolreview.com/maryland/magnet-public-schools.
