Magnet schools have developed strong national and local constituencies among parents and educators, who see them as vehicles for bringing equity and academic excellence to all students. Typically, these schools offer innovative programs through a specialized focus or theme. They may emphasize subjects like science or the arts, or they may adopt distinct instructional models, like those of Montessori or International Baccalaureate programs. Magnet schools provide choices for families and students whose neighborhood school may not serve a student's interests talents, and aptitudes. By offering a specialized curriculum, they attract students from varied backgrounds, creating diversity within learning communities and providing opportunities for beneficial education outcomes. This guide focuses on developing and sustaining successful magnet schools. Six elementary and middle school magnets are highlighted. District challenges are discussed, and strategies used in the planning and implementation phases of their development are analyzed. The report identifies factors that allow them to keep the school doors open as magnet schools that are built to last. The guide concludes with a discussion of sustaining integrity of vision and mission as these schools face challenges common to many districts and schools across the country today. Featured schools include: (1) A. B. Combs Leadership Magnet Elementary School, Raleigh, NC; (2) FAIR (Fine Arts Interdisciplinary Resource School), Crystal, MN; (3) Mabel Hoggard Math and Science Magnet School, Las Vegas, NV; (4) Normal Park Museum Magnet School, Chattanooga, TN; (5) Raymond Academy for Engineering, Houston, TX; and (6) River Glen Elementary & Middle School, San Jose, CA. Two appendixes include: (1) Research Methodology; and (2) Resources. (Contains 19 notes, 9 figures and 3 tables.)