Thank you for your interest in the Lively Magnet Program for Law, Humanities and Global Studies.
The Lively Magnet Program is an advanced academic program with limited enrollment. Our program, consisting of over five hundred magnet students from all around the Austin area, is part of almost a 136 year old tradition. Authorized by the Austin Independent School District's school board in 2001, Lively's Law, Humanities, and Global Studies Magnet program is one of the most unique programs in Austin. Enrollment includes over 50% identified Gifted and Talented students. Lively's Magnet Program offers personalization for students and a variety of elective choices that correspond with the specialties of the program.
Situated in the heart of Austin, Lively's excellent curriculum and programming is supported by the rich and vibrant environment that South Congress offers. Lively's programming will prepare students for secondary success in their areas of interest and will support them in attending any high school of their choice.
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Magnet Strand Electives
The three distinctive strands in Law, Humanities, and Global Studies form the basis for our electives in areas for which Lively is well-known. Magnet students enroll in law courses such as:
- Introduction to Law
- Criminal and Constitutional Law
- Forensic Science & Law
- Mock Trial
- Model UN
Our humanities offerings are wide and include:
- Introduction to Humanities
- Anthropology
- Heroes & Monsters
- Journalism
- Photojournalism
- Digital Newspaper
- Blank Page Creative Writing
- ...and so much more!
An important part of our humanities strand is our excellent Fine Arts programs. Lively offers a variety of choir, band, orchestra, guitar, visual arts, theater, and dance programs. We are proud of our Fine Arts offerings and facilities which include an art studio, theater, choir room, band hall, orchestra and guitar facilities as well as practice rooms. Our Global Studies offerings include Spanish and Japanese courses for high school credit as well as rich electives such as:
- Latin American Studies
- World Mythology & Beliefs
- Podcast Project
- in addition to more.
Magnet electives are engaging, literacy-rich, and move at an accelerated pace. Concepts in English Language Arts and Social Studies are intertwined to support students in making deep connections about the world around them. Our focus on social justice and civics education is part of what makes our program meaningful and unique. Magnet electives, while populated primarily by magnet students, are open to all Falcons. Lively students also enjoy challenging math and science classes including Medical Detectives, Forensic Science, Environmental Science, The World Outside, and Native Plants and Animals. Lively also offers many High School level courses such as Health, Spanish, and Japanese. We also offer as a variety of Project Lead the Way and CATE courses such as Green Architecture, Medical Detectives, Automation and Robotics, Web Design, Graphic Design, and Digital Media. Finally we offer the High School Level Math courses of Algebra I, Geometry, and even Algebra II.
Magnet Projects
Magnet students are asked to participate in at least 10 hours of service to their communities per year. Our 8th-grade students participate in our unique Capstone Project, which is a problem-based learning project where students choose their topic. These activities build a sense of civic responsibility, engage students in the Lively community, and support students in building strong resumes. Lively Magnet students also participate in summer reading projects that intertwine the history and reading themes they will study the following year.
After School Clubs
Lively offers a variety of after-school clubs where students have the opportunity to make friends from all over Austin. Free late buses depart from Lively at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday so that Magnet students can participate in all after-school activities. AISD provides bus transportation for any student accepted to Lively Magnet who lives within AISD boundaries.
What makes Lively special?
Parents say that Lively provides a comfortable, diverse environment where students are free to explore their strengths and discover more about who they are and what they believe.
Please contact the Magnet Director: Shayna Tipton by email at shayna.tipton@austinisd.org or call the Magnet office at (512) 414-3207 ext. 73458.