Kankakee School District offers many unique opportunities for students to learn. The district initiated a magnet program in 1979 which features either a subject- matter focus or a specific instructional style. Five magnet programs are offered and include computer education, exposure to the arts, mathematics education, Montessori-based education, and science and technology. The Kankakee High School offers a Business Partnership Academy developed in cooperation with the Private Industry Council focusing on workforce preparation in the field of business. In 2000, a Health Partnership Academy was started with Riverside Medical Center and Provena St. Mary’s Hospital preparing students for a career in health occupation fields. In addition, a P.O.P.S. (Performance Optimizing Program) program offers an accelerated/gifted program for gifted learners.