North East ISD offers magnet programs to help students prepare for careers in fields from cybersecurity to engineering, agriscience, international studies, and the performing arts. Starting October 1, 2024, NEISD magnet schools will begin accepting applications for enrollment for the 2025–26 school year; the enrollment window continues until January 20, 2025. We have put together a guide to help you learn more about the range of magnet and career and technical education (CTE) programs at NEISD and take steps to enroll your child for the next school year.
About NEISD
North East ISD is the second largest school district in San Antonio, educating almost 60,000 students at 70 campuses. There are 30 different industry certifications offered through CTE and magnet programs at NEISD.
Families can exercise school choice within NEISD in several ways, including applying for an in-district transfer, choosing a dual language school, or applying to a school with a year-round calendar. This guide is focused on CTE and magnet programs offered by NEISD that are open to students across the city.
NEISD Magnet Schools and CTE Programs
When researching magnet schools and CTE programs in NEISD, families should look for the unique features of each program. Most are at high schools (grades 9–12), but some are at middle schools (grades 6–8). Most magnets offer full day programs, but some are partial day. Most programs are open enrollment and make offers based on a lottery, but some have selective enrollment. Several magnet programs are clustered at the Legacy of Educational Excellence (LEE) High School campus, but others are spread across the district. In addition to the programs highlighted in this post, NEISD also offers CTE programs at its comprehensive middle and high schools. Most campuses in NEISD follow a traditional school calendar, except for the year round calendar at Castle Hills Elementary. NEISD earned a B rating on its most recent (2022) district report card; the list below includes links to school report cards for each program or campus.
Agriscience Magnet Program (AMP)
AMP is a model for urban agriculture education. The mission of the program is to prepare 9th–12th grade students for agribusiness careers through a program that addresses the targeted occupations of the region and to offer courses of study that provide a direct career path for higher education. The AMP is located on the campus of James Madison High School and currently offers seven programs of study to include Agribusiness, Agriculture Mechanics, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Floriculture & Plant Science, Food Processing, and Veterinary Technology.
AMP at Madison High School: 5005 Stahl Rd., San Antonio, TX 78247 (map); 210-356-1517; grades 9–12; Madison school report card—rated B (2022)
Construction Technology Academy at CTEC
The Construction Technology Academy offers four-year programs in welding, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and pipe fitting, and HVAC. Students will earn industry OSHA safety certifications, on the job training hours, college credit hours and their state issued Apprenticeship NCCER certifications in these programs.
Students will attend their home campus and are bused by NEISD transportation to and from CTEC for two periods during the school day.
CTEC: 3736 Perrin Central, San Antonio, TX 78217 (map); 210-407-0742; grades 11–12
Medical Professions Academy at CTEC
The Medical Professions Academy features certification programs in Emergency Medical Technician, Certified Nurse Aide, Pharmacy Technician, Certified Medical Assistant, and Dental Assistant for students in grades 11–12.
Students will attend their home campus and are bused by NEISD transportation to and from CTEC for two periods during the school day.
CTEC: 3736 Perrin Central, San Antonio, TX 78217 (map); 210-407-0742; grades 11–12
Transportation Technology Academy at CTEC
The Transportation Technology Academy offers automotive, diesel, and aviation technology programs. Students will earn industry OSHA safety certifications, on the job training hours, college credit hours, and industry based certifications.
Students will attend their home campus and are bused by NEISD transportation to and from CTEC for two periods during the school day.
CTEC: 3736 Perrin Central, San Antonio, TX 78217 (map); 210-407-0742; grades 11–12
Design and Technology Academy (DATA)
Located on the Ed White Middle School and Roosevelt High School campuses, DATA is a program for grades 6–12 with a mission of “Inspiring tomorrow’s innovators, today.” Through the focused pathways of animation, video game design, architecture, computer science, design and art, and video production, students are exposed to problem based learning opportunities, technical writing, and soft skill development in simulated industry environments.
DATA at Ed White: 7800 Midcrown, San Antonio, TX 78218 (map); 210-356-5981; grades 6–8; Ed White school report card—rated B (2022)
DATA at Roosevelt: 5110 Walzem Rd., San Antonio, TX 78218 (map); 210-356-2237; grades 9–12; Roosevelt school report card—rated C (2022)
Institute of CyberSecurity & Innovation (iCSI)
The Institute of CyberSecurity and Innovation is designed specifically for the cybersecurity warrior in you. The state-of-the-art facility provides students the opportunity to learn in a real-world setting. Students can earn industry-based CompTIA and Cisco certifications.
Students will attend their home campus and are bused by NEISD transportation to and from iCSI for two periods during the school day.
iCSI: 3175 Nacogdoches Rd., San Antonio, TX 78217 (map); 210-356-1201; grades 9–12;
International School of the Americas (ISA)
ISA is located on the LEE High School Campus. In partnership with Trinity University, ISA creates a small, intimate school that provides a caring, trusting environment for students. ISA capitalizes on this small environment to help students focus on what it means to be a global citizen. Through project-based, interdisciplinary curriculum students struggle with real-world problems leveraging 21st century competencies allowing students to think globally and act locally.
ISA: 1400 Jackson-Keller Rd., San Antonio, TX 78213 (map); 210-356-0900; grades 9–12; school report card—rated A (2022)
MacArthur University Prep (MAC UP)
Located at MacArthur High School, MAC UP is a university track program for students interested in studying education. Students in grades 9–10 are enrolled in introductory and preparatory courses, while students in grades 11–12 begin earning college credit hours in core classes and the Education discipline at UTSA. Students will earn 24 college hours towards their Bachelor’s degree.
MAC UP: 2923 MacArthur View, San Antonio, TX 78217 (map); grades 9–12; MacArthur school report card—rated B (2022)
North East School of the Arts (NESA)
NESA is a gifted and talented program in the arts, structured as a magnet program on the campus of LEE High School. NESA provides a rigorous academic environment, with a sequential, customized curriculum designed to encourage artistic excellence, integration with multiple arts disciplines, and authentic assessment. Arts majors offered include cinema, creative writing, dance, instrumental music, musical theater, technical theater, and visual arts.
NESA has additional application requirements and a unique enrollment timeline. Here are the NESA application deadlines and audition dates for students applying for the 2025–26 school year:
- Fall Auditions: Application deadline October 25, 2024; auditions held on October 9, 2024
- Winter Auditions: Application deadline January 10, 2025; auditions held on January 25, 2025
- Spring Auditions: Application deadline March 28, 2025; auditions held on April 12, 2025
NESA: 1400 Jackson-Keller Rd., San Antonio, TX 78213 (map); grades 9–12; LEE school report card—rated B (2022)
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Academy (STEM)
STEM is a 6th–12th grade magnet program at Nimitz Middle School and LEE High School. Their motto, “Ahead of the Curve,” conveys their mission to provide an enriched, advanced curricular experience. The STEM Academy serves as a model of problem-based, technology-rich curriculum that empowers students and faculty to engage in professional learning environments where science and math serve as vehicles for discovery, innovation, and independent problem solving.
STEM at Nimitz: 5426 Blanco Rd., San Antonio, TX 78216 (map); grades 6–8; 210-356-5501; Nimitz school report card—rated C (2022)
STEM at LEE: 1400 Jackson-Keller Rd., San Antonio, TX 78213 (map); 210-356-1001; grades 9–12; LEE school report card—rated B (2022)
Space and Engineering Technologies Academy (SETA)
Located at Krueger Middle School and Roosevelt High School, SETA is a curiosity-driven, cohesive 6th–12th grade program that will use a curriculum developed in conjunction with industry partners. Courses will be centered around the aerospace industry in the fields of aerospace engineering, aviation technology, computer science, and manufacturing. After SETA, students will leave NEISD ready to lead as the next generation of experts in high-demand, lucrative industries. Read more in a guest blog post by SETA students.
SETA is a merger of ETA at Roosevelt and KSAT at Krueger, and will serve students in grades 6–10 in the 2024–25 school year, expanding to serve grades 6–12.
SETA at Krueger: 438 Lanark Dr., San Antonio, TX 78218 (map); grades 6–8; Krueger school report card—rated B (2022)
SETA at Roosevelt: 5110 Walzem Rd., San Antonio, TX 78218 (map); 210-356-2317; grades 9–12; Roosevelt school report card—rated C (2022)
You can find campus information about magnet and choice schools in NEISD (and other districts) on our page Guide to Charter Schools in San Antonio.
NEISD Enrollment and Registration at Magnet Schools
To register their students at NEISD magnet schools, families can apply online. NEISD will begin accepting applications for enrollment at magnet programs for the 2025–26 school year on October 1, 2024. The enrollment window will continue until January 20, 2025. Families and students will begin receiving notifications about their enrollment status on February 3, 2025, with a deadline to accept by February 14, 2025. Find more information about the enrollment timeline online.
NEISD is offering in-person and virtual events for students and families to learn more about magnet and CTE programs. Magnet Night Information Sessions will be offered at multiple locations across NEISD elementary and middle schools from September 24, 2024 through December 2, 2024.
We also recommend following these NEISD social media accounts:
- North East ISD on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn
- Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) on Facebook and X (Twitter)
- Agriscience Magnet Program (AMP) on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
- Design and Technology Academy (DATA) at Ed White Middle School on Facebook, X (Twitter), and YouTube
- Design and Technology Academy (DATA) at Roosevelt High School on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
- Engineering & Technologies Academy (ETA) on Facebook, X (Twitter), and YouTube
- Institute of CyberSecurity & Innovation (iCSI) on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
- International School of the Americas (ISA) on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter)
- North East School of the Arts (NESA) on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Academy (STEM) at Nimitz Middle School on Instagram and X (Twitter)
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Academy (STEM) at LEE High School on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube
- Space and Engineering Technologies Academy (SETA) at Krueger Middle School on Facebook and Instagram
- Space and Engineering Technologies Academy (SETA) at Roosevelt High School on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter)
In addition, please join the San Antonio Charter Moms discussion group on Facebook to post questions and search for previous discussions about NEISD enrollment at magnet schools.
Student Experience at NEISD Magnet Schools
Students enrolled in magnet schools are often able to participate in athletics and extracurricular activities at the campus where their magnet program is located.
NEISD provides transportation for students who live in the district and are attending magnet schools.
Organizations that Lift Up North East ISD
Here is a list of organizations that support success at NEISD.
North East ISD is responding to demographic trends in its territory, from rural to suburban and urban, and to the growing need for skilled workers in response to changes in San Antonio’s business community. CTE and magnet programs are a good way to serve the needs of students and families who want relevant pathways that will prepare graduates for in-demand careers. NEISD continues to innovate and expand its offerings of CTE programs and magnet schools.
Charter Moms Chats
Watch Justin Missildine, Senior Director of Career and Technical Education at North East ISD, speak with Inga Cotton (an alumna of NEISD) on Charter Moms Chats on October 5, 2021 at 4:00 PM Central live on Facebook and YouTube.
Justin Missildine is the Senior Director of Career and Technical Education at North East ISD.
Read More About NEISD Magnet Schools and CTE
- “Sol and Emmanuel Are Students at SETA at Roosevelt in NEISD,” San Antonio Charter Moms, May 14, 2024
- “North East ISD students’ experiments bound for space,” Edmond Ortiz, Community Impact, January 24, 2024
- “A San Antonio school district partners with NASA in new space program open to all area students,” Scott Huddleston, San Antonio Express-News, June 7, 2023
- “North East ISD partnering with NASA to help students study space,” Andrea Carden, KENS, June 7, 2023
- “NEISD signs historic agreement with NASA to open space academy in San Antonio,” Mary Claire Patton, KSAT, June 6, 2023
- “New magnet program at NEISD will prepare students with skills for high-demand careers in aerospace industry,” KSAT, November 25, 2022
- “Some Madison High School students are raising animals during summer break,” Tiffany Huertas, KSAT, June 27, 2022
- “Cybersecurity Program Helps Students Get High-Paying Jobs,” Leslie Trahan, Texas Association of School Boards, May 31, 2022
- “North East ISD plans to redevelop tech magnet programs,” Edmond Ortiz, Community Impact, April 14, 2022
- “NEISD opens new multi-million cyber security school,” Jordan Foster, KENS, August 25, 2021
- “North East ISD launches new Institute of Cybersecurity and Innovation program,” News 4 San Antonio, August 16, 2021
- “Charter Moms Chats — North East ISD Magnets And CTE, With Ben Peterson and Domingo Martinez,” YouTube, March 17, 2021
- “Uncertainty over, San Antonio students will display their animals at a stock show like no other,” Danya Perez, San Antonio Express-News, February 10, 2021
- “Arena for fighting robots planned for high school cybersecurity magnet program in San Antonio,” Alia Malik, San Antonio Express-News, September 18, 2020
- “North East ISD to convert former Walmart into new cybersecurity magnet center,” Emily Donaldson, San Antonio Report, September 15, 2020
- “New cybersecurity magnet program coming to NEISD,” Ben Spicer, KSAT, September 15, 2020
- “NEISD accepting applications for year-round magnet school,” News 4 San Antonio, January 30, 2018
- “Why city kids are flocking to a high school ag program,” Lynn Brezosky, San Antonio Express-News, October 10, 2014