This guidebook for parents was written by staff members of the City-Wide Educational Coalition, many of whom are parents of children attending magnet schools. When the city-wide district of magnet schools was created in Boston, parents found that they had the option of requesting student assignment at any of the magnet schools. One problem parents faced in making the choice was a shortage of information about the programs at these magnet schools. The purpose of this parent guide is to fill that gap. In order to acquire knowledge about the magnet schools a questionnaire was used. Magnet schools were also visited and interviews were conducted with building administrators and with teachers. While gathering material during the site visits, about 75 parents from the schools hosted the tours and shared their experiences and ideas about Boston's magnet schools. This guidebook describes the magnet school programs, explains the options available within each school and shares the comments and concerns of the parents interviewed. (Author/AM)