This paper provides a case study of eight magnet schools in Austin, Texas, to illustrate the role of evaluation research in assessing the impact of the magnet school experience on students and parents. After an introduction, the paper describes the history of Austin's magnet schools at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels. Next, findings of the Austin Office of Research and Evaluation on parent and student outcomes are provided. They focus on the following questions: (1) Who was served in the elementary magnet school programs? (2) Who transferred to the elementary magnet programs? (3) Who was served in the Science Academy Magnet School? (4) How did entering science academy students compare to other students districtwide in terms of achievement? and (5) What gains were made by students by the end of the year? The paper then describes the impact of magnet programs on the district, focusing on enrollment by ethnicity, impact on transfers, and impact on enrollment in high school honors courses. In conclusion, it is said that these findings indicate how evaluations of magnet school programs can go beyond the simple documentation of student characteristics and description of achievement outcomes at the schools where magnets are located. (KH)