Books with Magical Schools for Kids
The Harry Potter books may be the series that started the trend of books with magical schools for kids, but it is not the only one. In fact, Jackie and I have read many more great books and series, and I wanted to share my favorites with you.
I love that the books on this list have many different types of magic. There are elves, creatures, demigods, and more. However, this is different than Books like Harry Potter for Kids. All of these books are set in a magical school.
Adults and kids can read and enjoy these books, which all have a school setting. Although I cannot guarantee that your kids will not be disappointed when they go to school and find there is no magic, I can guarantee that you will be compulsively turning the pages.
The Best Books with Magical Schools for Kids
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Popular Book with a Magical School
Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger – Jump to Section
Best Middle Grade Book with a Magical School
Scandor and the Unicorn Thief by A. F. Steadman – Jump to section
Best Early Reader with a Magical School
Magic School Bus Sink or Swim by Judy Katschke – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Popular Books with Magical Schools for Kids
Keeper of the Lost Cities
Author: Shannon Messenger
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: New York Times Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, KOTLC #1
Plot
Move over Harry Potter, there is a new middle grade fantasy series poised to take your throne! Meet Sophie Foster, a newly found elf living in the human world. In book one of this ever-growing series, she’s taken back to the Lost Cities and sent to Foxfire Academy to learn to harness her powers as a Telepath. In the process, she is welcomed into a new adopted family (The Ruewens), makes loads of friends (Fitz, Keefe, Biana, and Dex to name a few), and uncovers a secret organization trying to destroy the human world.
Why Kirsten loves it
Both of my boys adore Sophie, Keefe, Fitz, and the gang of Foxfire Academy. As the series progressed, I got invested in the Black Swan’s fight against the Neverseen. Each book is better than the last one!
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to this with my 3 kids on our summer road trip to Toronto. By the end of the car ride, even my husband was hooked on this series!
Find this book in: Secret Society Books / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books for 11-year-olds / Books Like Harry Potter / Kids Audiobooks / Books with Magical Creatures / Books with Magic Schools for Kids
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Author: J. K Rowling
Year: 1998
Genre: Middle-Grade fantasy
More info: Harry Potter #1 of 7
Age Range: 8+ (note that some of the later books in the series may not be appropriate until a bit older)
Plot
I was in university when this book was published and the first four were sitting on my younger brother’s bookshelf before I picked it up to see what the fuss was about. I read all four books in as many days and was married with a child before the final book was published.
This story introduces us to Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger; our fearless trio. We also meet the other favorite beloved and detested characters that make the Harry Potter book series so special. After all, what would Hogwarts be without Hagrid, Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, and Draco Malfoy?
Trigger Warnings
Parental death
Why Jackie loves it
I firmly believe that JK Rowling changed children’s literature more profoundly than any other author. I realize that this is a very strong statement. But, until her, there have never been books that have had such an impact on the world of reading. The books are so brilliantly laid out with easter eggs in book one that are essential for the entire plot. I believe this is one of the best fantasy series ever written.
Why Kirsten loves it
In my opinion, this is the best children’s fantasy series ever written. It features strong lessons on morality, inventive plotlines, and hidden threads woven throughout the entire series. Jim Dale’s audiobook narration of this book is award-winning. He voices over 200 characters, each with distinct accents and my kids have listened to the entire series multiple times.
Adaptations
While this beloved series has already been made into an 8 movie series starring Daniel Ratcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, Warner Brothers is currently turning into a TV series as well.
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Audiobooks for Kids / Harry Potter Books in Order / Books like Percy Jackson / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Magic School Books / Jackie’s Favorite Books / Kirsten’s Favorite Books / Books to Read Aloud / Books with Magic Schools for Kids
The School for Good and Evil
Author: Soman Chainani
Illustrator: Iacopo Bruno
Year: 2013
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 13
More info: School for Good and Evil #1
Plot
Sophie thinks her history makes her a good fit for the School of Good like Cinderella and Snow White before her. Agatha thinks the School of Evil is a better fit for her. But when the opposite schools are assigned to each girl, they need to figure out who they are and where they belong.
Why Jackie loves it
Utterly addicting, this series has 6 stories and was recently made into a movie starring Kerry Washington.
Find this book in: Books Similar to Percy Jackson / Netflix Adaptations / Middle Grade Fantasy / Kids Audiobooks / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Best Books for a 9-year-old / Books like KOTLC / Family Halloween Movies Based on Books / Magic School Books
A Wizard of Earthsea
Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
Year: 2012
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Earthsea Cycle Book 1 of 6
Age Range:10+
Plot
This book is about a young mage named Ged who displays magic at a young age. He eventually goes to a school for wizardry. Although his path does not resemble Harry Potter’s, both boys must come to terms with their power and death in their journeys.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved reading about Ged and his path to wizardry. This is a fun series for anyone looking for another series to read that is like Harry Potter.
Find this book in: Books for 11-year-olds / Books with Magic Schools for Kids
Middle Grade Books with Magical Schools
Skandor and the Unicorn Thief
Author: A. F. Steadman
Year: 2022
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
More info: Skandar #1
Age Range: 8 – 12
Plot
Skandor has always dreamed of being a unicorn rider ever since he was little despite the fact that unicorns are so dangerous. If they do not find their fated rider, the unicorns turn wild and become dangerous killers. Skandor watched unicorn races with his dad from the time he was young. On the day of his evaluation to see if he could become a rider, Skandor is told he cannot take the test.
He is woken in the middle of the night by a unicorn rider who tells him he has to go to the Unicorn Academy.
Why Jackie loves it
This book was so well-written it grabbed me from the first page. I was routing for Skandor the entire time. There were so many twists and turns in the plot that it kept my attention to the last page.
Find this book in: Books with Magical Creatures / Books Like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Books with Magic Schools for Kids
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
Author: Jessica Townsend
Year: 2017
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Nevermoor #1, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Morrigan Crow is born on the Eventide making her unlucky in life and promising her an early death, until a strange man whisks her away to Nevermoor. She discovers that it’s a magical city and is chosen to compete for a spot in the most prestigious organization in the city. She must complete 4 difficult and deadly tasks to make it into the Wundrous Society.
Why Kirsten loves it
Morrigan Crow is perfect for Harry Potter fans, particularly those who like Goblet of Fire. Her magical competition reminded me of the Triwizard Cup!
Find this book in: Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Books Like Harry Potter for Kids / Books with Magic Schools for Kids
Amari and the Night Brothers
Author: B. B. Alston
Year: 2021
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Supernatural Investigations #1
Plot
Amari is searching for her brother and will not be deterred. She believes the key to finding him is an invitation to try out at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs she finds a briefcase in his closet. Now she needs to reconsider the fact that magical creatures are all real! Amari needs to compete against her classmates to try to gain a coveted spot to solve her brother’s disappearance.
Trigger Warnings
Bullying, Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
This fantasy book for tweens is a book that is perfect for all ages. The magical world, the story, and the characters are all captivating in this book.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books Like Percy Jackson / Books for 12-year-olds / Books with Magic Schools for Kids
The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy
Author: Anne Ursu
Year: 2021
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 12
Plot
Marya’s brother is going to be a sorcerer. When an accident happens, Marya is sent to Dragomir Academy. It is a place for troubled girls. When she is there, the Dread attacks. The Dread is a cloud-like creature that can spawn itself and destroy villages.
Why Jackie loves it
My daughter read this one. This is what she had to say. “I really liked this book because I love magic and the girls at the school work together as a team. This book was exciting and I want to read anything this author writes.”
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books like Percy Jackson / Best Books for 8-year-old / Books with Magic Schools for Kids
Flunked
Author: Jen Calonita
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Fairy Tale Reform School #1
Plot
Gilly gets caught stealing a bracelet and it is her final strike. She is sent to Fairy Tale Reform School. There, she meets her roommate, Kayla, who is a fairy.
The teachers at the school are reformed villains like the Evil Queen and Cinderella’s stepmother. When things go awry in the school, Gilly is the only one who can help. Will she be able to save everyone? If given a chance to go home early, should she go or stay to fight the evil in the school?
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a cute middle-grade fantasy series that adds a little humorous twist to classic fairy tales. My daughter gobbled this series up!
The Incorruptibles
Author: Lauren Magaziner
Year: 2025
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10 – 14
More info: The Incorruptibles #1
Plot
In this unique story, the human kids who go to Incorruptibles Academy are learning to fight against those who have magic powers, in a learning environment that is inclusive to everyone.
The Inc. academy kids lean on each other’s unique talents to fight against corruption as they learn how to take down the sorcerers who rule their world with force and terror. The story reminded me of KOTLC in many ways!
Why Kirsten loves it
I don’t think I’ve ever read a more inclusive fantasy story for tweens. From deafness to body inclusivity to LQBTQIA representation, it is hard to think of a child who couldn’t find themselves represented in the pages of this story. It’s an impressive feat of fiction, on top of a story set in a fun world with lots of layers. I can’t wait to see where the kids go in future books in the series!
Find this book in: Books Like Harry Potter for Kids / Books with Magic Schools for Kids
Early Reader Kids Books With Magic Schools
Sink or Swim: Exploring Schools of Fish
Author: Judy Katschke
Year: 2017
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 6 – 8
More info: Magic School Bus Rides Again #1
Plot
The Magic Schoolbus is back with Miss Frizzle and the kids. This early reader looks at an underwater ecosystem and endangered fish in Hawaii.
Why Jackie loves it
There is sure to be an adventure with Miss Frizzle around. This is the first book in the series that reminds me of one of my favorite childhood shows!
Find this book in: Back to School Books / Best Books for 6-year-olds / Books with Magic Schools for Kids
The Worst Witch
Author: Jill Murphy
Year: 2014
Genre: Early Reader Chapter Book
Age: 5-10
More info: Worst Witch #1
Plot
Mildred Hubble begins her magical adventures at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches in the first book of the series. She is quite a mess as she mixes up spells, crashes her broomstick, and generally causes havoc around the school.
Why Kirsten loves it
Kids will love this series if they are fans of Harry Potter but are on the younger side. When you are done reading this one, try watching the Netflix adaptation. It’s a big hit in my house!
Find this book in: Halloween Movies Based on Books / Halloween Chapter Books / Witch Books for Kids / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Books with Magic Schools for Kids
Expert Tip
If you are looking for advice on which of these books with a magical school for kids, I have some suggestions.
- Keeper of the Lost Cities is an incomplete series, but my kids and I love these books. As much as I hate waiting, the anticipation of a new book is so exciting.
- Skandor and the Unicorn Thief is a favorite of Jackie’s daughter. She loves the series and is eagerly waiting for the 8th book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good books with magical schools for kids?
If you are looking for a great series, you should check out The Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger. The School for Good and Evil series by Soman Chainani is a great completed series that is also a show on Netflix. It is always fun to read a book and then watch it to see the differences.
Epilogue
What are your favorite books with magical schools for kids?
