FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Magnet Schools of America Announces New Cohort of Nationally Certified Magnet Schools
Washington, DC, August 17, 2018— Magnet Schools of America (MSA), the national association of magnet and theme-based schools, announces a new cohort of nationally certified magnet schools for 2018. These 22 schools located in 12 states successfully completed a nine-month evaluation process and demonstrated through evidence, reflection, and strategic action that they have established the Magnet School Standards of Excellence in their schools.
The national certification process is based on the Magnet School Standards of Excellence and the five pillars of magnet schools (diversity; innovative curriculum and professional development; academic excellence; high quality instructional systems; and, family and community partnerships). These pillars and standards define the essential elements and characteristics of high-quality magnet programs.
To become nationally certified, schools submitted a detailed application and participated in a rigorous evaluation conducted by MSA. The application process required schools to submit evidence demonstrating how they met each of the multiple indicators included in the Standards of Excellence. This included providing specific examples of how the school was promoting school diversity, closing the achievement gap, integrating a theme-based curriculum throughout the school, and encouraging parent and community involvement.
Among the cohort of nationally certified schools, three were identified as National Demonstration Schools. These schools exceeded the criteria outlined in the Standards of Excellence and are models that should be closely observed and replicated. The Demonstration Schools will serve as innovation laboratories for others to learn best practices in theme-based education.
“The certification process recognizes the highest quality schools in public education. Nationally certified magnet schools illustrate and emulate rigorous theme-based curriculum, ensure diverse settings in which students thrive and are prepared for college and career,” said Kelly Bucherie, Director for Magnet School Leadership, Magnet Schools of America.
The newest cohort increases the total number of nationally certified magnet schools to 115 schools. Among these certified schools, 18 have been designated as National Demonstration Schools. Additional magnet schools are going through the national certification application process this school year. All newly certified magnet schools will be recognized during a ceremony held at Magnet Schools of America’s 37th National Conference in Baltimore, Maryland on April 10-13, 2019.
For more information, about the Magnet Schools of America Standards of Excellence Certification Program, please visit: http://www.magnetschools.info/certification/national-certification
Raise the level of performance consistent throughout school districts nationwide and creates a platform from which all magnet schools can flourish. Magnet Schools of America’s national certification process is designed to recognize the hard work of the best magnet schools in the nation and to help them as they grow.
