Let’s be honest: discovering the world of Harry Potter was a core reading experience for so many of us. That longing to get your own acceptance letter, be whisked away to a secret, incredible school, and find your true place in the world? It’s the best.
But if you or the young reader in your life has finished the series—or if you just want to find the next great magical escape—you need some new options!
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are five truly amazing magic school (and magic camp!) series that capture that same sense of wonder, adventure, and camaraderie you loved so much about Hogwarts. Time to pack your trunk!
1. If You Want the Closest Feeling: The Children of the Red King Series by Jenny Nimmo
Seriously, if you are looking for the series that feels most like a spiritual cousin to Harry Potter, start here.
You’ll meet Charlie Bone, a kid living a miserable life with his family, until he discovers something incredible: he has magic powers! That discovery sends him off to Bloor’s Academy, a very secret school for the magically gifted descendants of the legendary Red King.
It checks all the boxes for that classic magical school obsession:
A deserving protagonist escaping a dreary home life.
An eccentric, secret boarding school environment.
New best friends, shocking family secrets, and dazzling adventures.
Trust me, you’ll love diving into the mysteries and thrills of Bloor’s Academy.
2. If You Love Ensemble Casts: The Circle of Magic Quartet by Tamora Pierce
If your favorite part of a magical school story is the close-knit group of friends who grow up together, then you need to meet Tamora Pierce. She is one of the best fantasy writers for young audiences, period.
The Circle of Magic series brings together four young mages at the Winding Circle Temple, each learning to master a different, very personal kind of magic. You’ve got weather magic, smithing magic, and so many unique skills!
What I love is how different these four main characters are; they come from wildly different backgrounds and have distinct personalities. It’s perfect for the reader who loves rich, character-driven stories and watching a diverse group of friends become a powerful team.
3. If You’re Ready for a Fairy Tale Twist: The School for Good and Evil Series by Soman Chainani
Ready for some fun? This series takes the school idea and completely flips the script—it’s a school that trains the next generation of fairy-tale heroes and villains!
Best friends Sophie and Agatha are chosen to attend, but there’s a huge (and hilarious) mix-up. Princess-like Sophie is sent to the School for Evil, while the witchier Agatha is sent to the School for Good. They know there must be a mistake, right?
This is a quirky, clever coming-of-age story that asks you to look beyond appearances. It’s all about friendship, defying expectations, and figuring out who you truly are, regardless of what label the world tries to stick on you.
4. If You Crave Deep World-Building: The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin
For the reader who loves intricate, meaningful world-building, I highly recommend starting with the first book, A Wizard of Earthsea.
This classic introduces you to the young mage Ged, who trains at a wizard school on the incredible Island of Roke. While the series soon takes you far beyond the school walls, the initial setting and the profound, beautiful magic system Le Guin creates are captivating.
Le Guin is a true master of fantasy, and reading this series is the perfect way to discover an author you will probably obsess over for the rest of your life. It’s essential reading for fantasy lovers.
5. If You Love Mythology and Adventure: The Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan
Okay, I know—technically, it’s a magic camp (Camp Half-Blood), not a magic school. But trust me, you have to check out Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
These books are near-magical reading experiences, bringing the wild world of Greek mythology right into our modern lives as protagonist Percy discovers he’s a demigod. The high-stakes quests and constant humor make these tales irresistible.
Plus, I want to highlight the author’s commitment to representation: Riordan makes conditions like ADHD and dyslexia—often seen as challenges—into hallmarks of a hero in this world. It’s an epic adventure with an author who genuinely works to make every reader feel seen and powerful.
