Magnet and CTE Programs

General Information:   

At James Madison High School, we are committed to preparing every student for success in college, career, and life. As part of Houston ISD, Madison offers a dynamic blend of hands-on learning, Advanced Placement (AP), and Dual Enrollment opportunities. Our goal is to help students graduate ready to lead, innovate, and make an impact in the world. Madison High School offers a variety of Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways that connect classroom learning with real-world experience. Programs in Health Science, Engineering, Animal Science, Automotive Technology, Business Technology, Cosmetology, and Welding provide hands-on training, industry certifications, and college credit opportunities—preparing students for success in high-demand careers and postsecondary education.

Enroll Now: HISD Enroll Now Homepage

School Choice (SchoolFinder): Madison High School

Interested in learning more about Madison High School: Schedule a tour or reach out to us via email or by phone. 

Magnet Coordinator: Dr. O'Shane Elliott - oshane.elliott@houstonsd.org

Application Information:   

Interested in Applying to Madison High School? Apply Here

Email: schoolchoice@houstonisd.org

Phone: 713-556-6734

Madison High School accepts all incoming  students zoned to Madison HS and out of zone students who apply to attend our Magnet and CTE programs. Students who are interested in attending Madison must follow the Houston ISD Magnet application process and should be aware of the deadlines. Applications can be submitted online here, where you can apply to a total of 10 Magnet programs. Please note that ranking schools is important and does play a role in selection for Phase 1 with the lottery.

Applications for the 2026-2027 academic school year will open during the Fall 2025. In order to qualify for Madison High School programs, Phase One students must have a matrix score of at least a 60.  

Application Phases

Phase 1 (12/9/25 - 2/11/2026)​

Any eligible student who meets the qualifications for the program to which they are applying will be entered in a lottery if there are more applicants than available seats. For Phase 1 only - the date that the application is submitted does not influence their chances as long as it is within the Phase 1 window.

Note: All qualified applications submitted during Phase 1 will be entered in the lottery; please note that ranking schools by choice is important. 

Phase 2 (3/19/2026-August 2026) 

After all applications in Phase 1 have been processed, eligible students who meet the qualifications for the program to which they are applying will be considered in the order in which their application was submitted.

Note: All qualified applications submitted during Phase 2 will only be offered seats based upon availability in order of application submission. After Phase 2 ends, selection moves to Phase 3 which no longer allows for current HISD students to apply for remaining seats - there is a hard deadline for HISD students.

Important Dates

• Phase 1 Ends (2/11/2026)
• Phase 1 Lottery Results Released (3/19/2026)
• Phase 1 Lottery Acceptance Deadline (4/1/2025)
• Phase 2 Acceptance Deadline (5 calendar days from offer date)
• Phase 2 Application Closes (1 week before school opens)​

Engineering

This program focuses on the study and design of infrastructure such as buildings, bridges, roads, and water systems. Students learn about materials, structural analysis, surveying, environmental impact, and project management. It combines hands-on projects with theory to prepare students for careers or further study in civil engineering and construction fields.

Health Science

This program centers on medical and clinical diagnostics. Students gain knowledge in anatomy, physiology, lab techniques, and medical technology. They learn how to perform diagnostic tests, interpret results, and understand healthcare protocols, preparing them for careers in healthcare, medical labs, or further studies in health sciences.

Animal Science 

Automotives

Business Technology

Cosmetology

This program of study focuses on opportunities associated

Welding

Saturday School Choice Fairs

Tours will be held on the following dates at 1:00 pm at James Madison High School (13719 White Heather Dr, Houston, TX 77045).  

Dates are still tentative (7/31/25).

Use these links to book your tour today!

Family Tours: Link to come soon 
Group Tours: Link to come soon

Saturday School Choice Fairs

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

The Saturday Fairs showcase all magnet programs in one place for parents to learn and make selections. Two additional fairs are held in the Spring for programs with space available. In addition to the coordinators and their respective programs, a general presentation detailing the magnet application process as well as an open lab to assist parents will be available. During these events, you will be able to meet with the Magnet Coordinator, to discuss school choice options, the magnet application process and admissions, the dates and deadlines, information about Madison High School's magnet program, and to discuss if our campus is a "best-fit" school for your family as your child prepares to enter high school.

Tentative School Choice Fair Dates:

• November 15,2025- Northside High School (1101 Quitman St, Houston, TX 77009)

• December 13, 2025- Mickey Leland College Prep for Young Men(1700 Gregg St, Houston, TX 77020)

• January 10, 2026- Sharpstown High School (7504 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77074)

• February 7, 2026- Manderin Immersion School (5445 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77056)

• April 11, 2026- Madison High School (13719 White Heather Dr, Houston, TX 77045)