Examined in this study are the characteristics of three elementary magnet schools which have successfully attracted non-minority students to locations in minority neighborhoods. Although some of the characteristics discussed are different for each of the schools described, the characteristics cited as being common to all three are: (1) outstanding leadership, particularly on the part of the building principal; (2) an outstanding instructional program which in one way or another provides an unusual amount of individual attention to help students master basic learning skills in a high interest environment; (3) an attractive building; (4) active recruiting involving a variety of ingenious approaches to contacting and impressing potential clients; and (5) a low ratio of students to adults. It is also pointed out that, in addition to these common characteristics, each of the three schools had distinctive approaches or programs that contributed to their success in enrolling non-minority students. The respective approaches and/or programs of each school are summarized. In addition, references are made to the influences the size of the school or student body had on each school's success in attracting non-minority students. (Author/EB)