Montclair Public Schools has been planning and implementing magnet programs for over 30 years. Like many other districts, Montclair began its choice program in order to desegregate the district schools. Since that time, Montclair has become an all-magnet district, providing choice for all of the families within the district.

Currently, the district houses 11 magnet schools: 7 elementary, 3 middle, and one comprehensive high school. Although the comprehensive high school is not technically considered a magnet school, it does house programs that complement all of the middle school magnet themes. The high school has developed several Small Learning Communities that have specific themes and function in accordance with the magnet philosophy.