Academic Magnet High School

Posted: May 1, 2023

I will be graduating from AMHS this year, and I've grown fond of the school over my four years there. I wanted to leave a good review and some advice for both parents and students.
Students: it's unarguably an academically elite school. Many will find it rigorous and challenging, and plenty of students will not be capable of maintaining the workload. Especially after years of COVID-19 quarantining, I see more and more students each year who are unable to keep up with the school's standards. I highly recommend students put their best efforts into a good start towards high school — freshman year was, in fact, my greatest GPA booster — as well as begin their summer work early so that they have a stress-free start. I also advise you to talk to your teachers; stand out among the other students and you will have a much deeper learning experience (though the letters of recommendation also are an incentive!). I had missed opportunities in my freshman year I wish I had taken. Plus, high school does fly by faster than you think. You'll be a senior in what feels like only a year or two. Anyways, if you are a prospective student I wish you all the best! I found kind, open-minded friends as will you. Focus on your studies and don't indulge in other students' distractions; they can truly degrade your mental state and academic progress. However, I'm sure you all are smart lol.
Lastly, parents: I know want the best for your young adults, and I trust that you'll do the right things to support them. However, students who attend AMHS are typically put under a lot of unnecessary pressure from their parents though most actually prefer to rely on themselves. Every student requires independence, and the students who are more self-reliant are typically the ones who end up doing the best throughout college. Though I understand if your child needs or appreciates the occasional support, I suggest a transition towards becoming more independent. Of course, keep an eye on their progress and mental state. Every child has different needs, and there are still many things to learn. But it is ultimately up to the student to reach out to their teachers and take opportunities when given, otherwise, it isn't an accomplishment they can completely claim (and AMHS students are especially proud of claiming their own victories!). The Academic Magnet High School is realistic preparation for college, and I encourage you to treat it as such! Congratulations and good luck to all prospective students!

Posted: May 1, 2023

Posted: May 1, 2023

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Posted: October 25, 2017

My son will graduate this year. He loves this school. He loves everything about it. He is a soccer player and loves his teammates. He loves the diverse student population and feels everyone is accepted for who they are or who they want to be.

Posted: October 25, 2017

Posted: October 25, 2017

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Posted: October 25, 2017

Posted: August 25, 2014

Academic Magnet is a unique environment that more replicates the college/graduate school experience than a typical high school situation. Students' excellent behavior nets them more latitude with personal privileges.

Posted: August 10, 2014

Our son graduated from AMHS this past June. He absolutely loved the community and family feel of the school. People are not expected to fit into any one mold, and being a little weird (or sometimes really weird) is OK. That being said, if your child does not love academics and school work, you might have a struggle on your hands. As the name implies, academics are the main focus. The teachers and administration were wonderful and do support the kids, but they maintain very high expectations, and I think that will only be helpful to our son as he heads into his freshman year in college.

Posted: February 25, 2014

I (like the other 8th grader who posted below) was accepted to Academic Magnet and I'm looking forward to it dearly. AMHS looks at your grades from 8th grade (the higher the better) a LONG test (about 3 hours if I recall correctly) teacher recommendations and of course the writing sample. Due to the highly selective process, I believe that AMHS will have a great community and many students with similar interests to my own. I was not very sure on the ACT grading when I received my acceptance letter, but none the less I was very happy I had been accepted. The only sad thing about it was the fact my sister had applied but had been wait listed, and she probably won't get in. Anyways, glad to be going there this fall.

Posted: January 31, 2014

I am in 8th grade, and have just been accepted by Academic Magnet. I go to Buist Academy for Advanced Studies, and have credits for both Spanish and Algebra 1. I have not attended Magnet, of course, so I cannot discuss the community, teachers, or academics. However, I can discuss the requirements of getting in. Magnet looks at your grades in Humanities(Social studies), Math, ELA, and science for the 7th grade; They also look at your first quarter grades for 8th grade. In order to be accepted, you must have an 85 or above in these classes. Academic Magnet also looks at a written essay- You have about 1 hour to complete it, and is taken at either Magnet or your school. They also look at your ACT and teacher recommendations. I have A/Bs in all my classes, my lowest score being an 87, and having most of my scores above a 90. I did not get the results of the essay. My teachers love me(I... think...), so I was pretty confident in that area.). And for my ACT scores, I got a 100 percentile. Also, for my PSAT(Magnet does not look at this) I got 80% in the nation compared to 10th graders. :D When I finally received the letter, I was ecstatic. I wasn't even on the wait list!

Posted: March 20, 2011

Right now, I'm only a freshman at AMHS, but I feel like I've been here forever. It is an absolutely amazing school! Even though there is an enormous load of work, teachers really help you through the year. The school has a great support system. I have had the best experience of my life here. If you are the kind of student who likes to be challenged and likes to learn something new every single day, then this is definitely the school for you. I definitely do not regret my choice to come here. I love it greatly.