Magnet Schools of America

The National Association of Magnet and Theme-Based Schools

2014 National Merit Award Winners

We are pleased to announce the recipients of our 2014 National Merit Awards. These schools were chosen for their demonstrated excellence, innovative programs, and commitment to educational equity. They will be recognized during our national conference in Hartford, CT this May.
See this year's awardees

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Music Scholarship for Magnet Students

The McNally Smith College of Music has established a new scholarship that will provide two students with a 50% tuition discount for any of its degree programs. This scholarship was created specifically for the Magnet Schools of America. The deadline to apply is March 14, 2014. Learn More

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What People Are Saying About Magnet Schools

"For decades magnet schools have provided parents with an alternative to traditional public schools, raising the bar on student achievement and preparing young Americans for in-demand jobs." The Honorable John Kline, Chairman, House Education and the Workforce Committee

National Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Grassroots Action Center

It is important for our nation's elected officials to understand the value and success of magnet schools. Visit our Grassroots Action Center to learn how you can get involved and build support for magnet programs in your community.

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Upcoming Events

MSA'S 32nd National Conference on Magnet Schools

Hosted by Hartford Public Schools

Connecticut Convention Center Downtown Hartford

May 15-18, 2014

Where the Future is Magnetic!

The MSA National Conference is an integral component of our mission of providing leadership for high-quality, innovative, instructional programs that promote choice, diversity, equity, and academic excellence for all students. Participants experience a wide spectrum of professional development opportunities that promote equity and diversity through outstanding keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and general and breakout sessions on topics including best practices, innovative instruction, technology, and theme integration in magnet education. For the first time, parents will be invited to the conference to learn more about magnet schools and how to support their children’s educational futures. Participants also will visit magnet schools at all grade levels focused on various themes within the host and sponsoring districts. We hope to see you in Hartford!

More Info

UPCOMING WEBINAR: Scream Your Theme: Giving Students a World-Class Education

Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at 1 pm Eastern

Presenters: Kathleen Decker, (2013 Principal of the Year) Walter Bracken S.T.E.A.M. Academy, Las Vegas, Nevada and Tere Pujol-Burns, (2013 Teacher of the Year) Sunset Elementary School, Miami-Dade, Florida

Reserve your seat today!

Success Stories

School for Creative Studies

Durham Public Schools, North Carolina

The School for Creative Studies is a secondary magnet school located in eastern rural Durham, NC just north of I-85 on a campus that housed the former Chewning Middle School. Chewning was plagued with a history of low performance, high poverty, and white flight. Three years ago the district school board voted to close the school at the end of the 2012-13 school year. But on the heels of that decision came a new magnet proposal that was approved by the board and included opening a new magnet school in 2013-14 on the former campus. The magnet school would become a year-round, small 6-12 school with a program of Creative Studies.
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