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the Engineering MAGNET PROGRAM
This four-year program prepares students for an engineering curriculum in college and potential future careers in engineering using hands-on, real-world problem-solving.
Founded in the fall of 2013 by former NASA engineer Dr. Jan Kilduff, the Engineering Magnet Program emphasizes hands-on laboratory experiments and project-based learning. Engineering Magnet students enjoy and are fascinated with the process of building intricate things and taking them apart.
Dr. Kilduff's extensive background in the sciences and engineering (including employment at Lockheed Martin, NASA, Westinghouse, the Department of Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency) and dedication to teaching ensures that all Engineering Magnet students are exposed to a variety of engineering specializations (e.g., aerospace, chemical, industrial, civil, chemical, electrical). This exposure helps program graduates able to make informed decisions about pursuing their engineering studies in college.
The field of engineering is so broad that there is plenty of room for inquisitive minds to do great things and achieve success.
Dr. Jan Kilduff
Engineering Magnet students learn and apply the design process using a 3D CAD software called "AutoDesk Professional" in their freshman year, acquire strong teamwork and communication proficiency, and develop organizational, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills
4-Year Plan
The Engineering Magnet Program curriculum gives students the opportunity to hone in on their interest in an engineering field. Learn more by downloading the sample 4-year plan below.
VIEW Engineering Magnet Course Catalog
Program costs and requirements
- 9th grade: Intro to Computer Integrated Manufacturing H (year), $1,000
- 10th grade: Principals of Engineering H (year), Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors, $1,000
- 11th grade: Choose one year-long course: Aerospace Engineering Honors, Civil Engineering and Architecture Honors, Computer Integrated Manufacturing Honors, Digital Electronics Honors, $1,000
- 12th grade: Choose one year-long course not taken the previous year: Aerospace Engineering Honors, Civil Engineering and Architecture Honors, Computer Integrated Manufacturing Honors, Digital Electronics Honors, $1,000
It is recommended that incoming 9th grade Engineering Magnet students take Health during the summer.
JSerra students are required to complete classes in the Fine Arts.
Engineering Magnet fees will be billed to your FACTS account.
"I feel confident as a young woman that the Engineering Magnet Program will prepare me for incredible opportunities in STEM fields. This program has not only broadened my awareness but also created valuable experiences for future careers."
~ Isabella '19
Additional Requirements & Applying
Additional Requirements
MATH REQUIREMENTS
Entering 9th grade students must at a minimum place into Algebra I Honors based on their HSPT Mathematics & Composite scores with the requirement that they be enrolled in Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors by the start of their sophomore year.
Students only testing into Algebra I Honors must choose from one of the options listed below*
- Complete Geometry either concurrently in their freshman year.
- Complete Geometry the summer following their freshman year.
*Students not completing one of the above will not be permitted to enroll in the 2nd year Principals of Engineering course.
Admitted Engineering Magnet students wishing to test beyond Algebra I Honors as a freshman may take the JSerra Math Challenge Exam, offered in May, to determine if they qualify for placement directly into Geometry Honors, Algebra II/Trig, or Algebra II/Trig Honors.
laptop REQUIREMENTS
JSerra now requires students to have laptops that have touch screens with a digitizer pen. Please see Laptop Requirements for additional information.
For students particularly interested in the Engineering Magnet Program, a computer with at least 8 GB of memory is strongly recommended rather than the 4GB as recommended on the website.
Applying
We are now taking Engineering Magnet Program applications for the 2026-27 school year. The application is below on this page.
Once your application to the school and the program have been reviewed, you will be notified via email.
Class of 2030 Magnet Application Deadlines
Deadlines
Magnet Priority Application Deadline: November 1, 2025
Decision Date: November 21, 2025
Acceptance into a JSerra magnet program is dependent upon your enrollment in JSerra. Students accepted into a magnet program but not enrolled will be deferred for students who are enrolled and accepted into the program. (Apply to JSerra here.)
QUESTIONS?
If you have questions about our program or the application process, please contact Engineering Magnet Program Director Dr. Samuel Lardy at slardy@jserra.org.
PLTW Distinguished School
JSerra Catholic High School is recognized as a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW.
2023 College Decisions
Air Force Academy
Alabama
Cal Baptist
California State University Fullerton
Colorado School of Mines
Franciscan University
High Point University
Hofstra University
Oregon State
Penn State
Purdue
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rose-Hulman Technology
Saddleback College
Texas Christian University
UC Davis
UCLA
UCI
UCSD
University of Denver
University of Illinois Urbana Champagne
University of Vermont
USC
Wesleyan
CONTACT
Dr. Samuel Lardy
Program Director
slardy@jserra.org
949.493.9307
"I think when [colleges] saw what I had done in the Engineering Magnet, they knew I was serious about going into that field and that I wouldn't be wasting my time."
~ Ian '18