This study uses a representative sample of eighteen school districts to determine the effectiveness of magnet school programs as a strategy in school desegregation. An overview of issues concerning magnet school programs is provided. The magnet schools in the eighteen districts and their community contexts are described. The relationship of magnet schools to effectiveness in school district desegregation is analyzed. Factors which are associated with the effectiveness of magnet schools are also analyzed. Differences between Emergency School Aid Act (ESAA) funded and non-ESAA funded magnet schools are noted. Recommendations for the conduct of the ESAA Magnet Program are suggested. Appendices include descriptions of the study's methodology, a discussion of data correlation, and tables showing data collected. (EB)