Magnet Program

Kester Avenue Magnet is a Gifted/High Ability Magnet. The curriculum is aligned to the LAUSD Gifted and Talented Education Program (GATE). Kester Magnet offers a challenging and enriched learning environment designed to meet the needs of gifted and high ability students. 

Kester Avenue Magnet has been consistently named an Excelling Magnet Program by LAUSD’s Office of Integration.  We celebrate the diversity in our classrooms and the perspectives that diversity brings to our educational environment. 

We believe elementary gifted and high achieving students need exposure to all avenues available so they may choose an appropriate pathway for their interests as they approach secondary school. 

We approach each subject matter with depth and complexity. 

We teach our students to become creative, inquisitive critical thinkers and problem solvers. 

We provide enriched and balanced curriculum in math, science, technology, language arts, social science, visual and performing arts, as well as physical education. 

We prepare students to be passionate and thoughtful leaders of the 21st Century.

Where is Kester Magnet? Kester Magnet is located in Sherman Oaks approximately 2 blocks east of Sepulveda Blvd. and 2 blocks south of Burbank Blvd. The 405 (San Diego) and 101 (Ventura) Freeways are in close proximity to the school.

What is the educational focus of the Kester Magnet staff? Our staff is dedicated to seeing that our children develop to their fullest potential as students and as citizens.  We welcome the partnership of involved parents to achieve this goal. The Gifted and High Ability Magnet teachers keep abreast of new research, instructional strategies and curriculum developed by attending training sessions regarding gifted/high ability learners.  Our teachers receive extensive training, and are required to take sixteen hours of continuing education each year. 

What about transportation? Every effort will be made to provide transportation for students selected for the magnet. The District will attempt to provide convenient pick-up and drop-off points with reasonable travel time. No transportation will be provided if students live within a three-mile radius of Kester Magnet.

How many classes does Kester Magnet have? Kester Magnet has 244 students in 9 classrooms in grades 1-5. There is one first grade class, and two each of second, third, fourth, and fifth grade classrooms.

How can I get more information about the school? To learn more about the program at Kester Magnet, please call (818) 787-6751 and we will be happy to answer your questions.

From Students:

“I feel I am fortunate to be at this school. We do a lot of fun things and challenging things.”

“I learn things more rapidly than before.”

“The magnet school makes me feel special.”

“I like my school because we have great teachers who really care about the students.”

“I like the way my teacher makes learning fun!”

From Parents:

“I am very pleased with the level of achievement my child has attained in the magnet program.I feel very fortunate to have him in this school.”

“Kester Magnet offers my son a more advanced education and provides many activities for the students.”

“I am very happy with the magnet program. My daughter is in first grade and she is learning a lot thanks to her wonderful and caring teacher."

• Since the Kester Avenue Magnet is a Gifted/High Ability Magnet, there are a few additional required steps to the application process.
• Kester Avenue Magnet, students must be either identified gifted by LAUSD -OR- verified eligible for a gifted magnet program (occurs Fall). Please talk to your child’s current teacher and school to prepare for application.
• Apply during the magnet open enrollment period through LAUSD e-choices. (http://echoices.lausd.net or by calling  1-213-241-4177 or 1-213-241-6572)
• Slides from Parent Workshop:  Understanding Our Gifted/High-Ability Magnet and Navigating Your Choices