I’d spent a week preparing for a biology quiz, with hours rearranging formulas and re-reading lines out of a textbook. When I opened the packet the next day, I was shocked by one of the questions. Among its many questions about eukaryotic cells and chemical equations, a single word appeared after a multiple-choice question: Why?
By Jonathan Voss Founder of Voss Research and Strategy Most of us could be forgiven for thinking Americans are eternally divided about public schools. The arguments are familiar: public schools versus private vouchers, more funding versus less, and of course the heated debates over curriculum. But when you ask people what they want for children, […]
By Lea M. Crusey Co-founder and President of WOOF They don’t talk nicely to each other,” groaned Ms. Briggs, a middle school teacher, frustrated that interactions between students were too often laced with antagonism, shaping both classroom culture and the instructional climate. Magnet schools are built around choice, identity, and shared mission. They bring together […]
By MSA Past Presidents Magnet Schools of America was born out of a defining chapter in American history. Emerging from the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, magnet schools were designed as a voluntary pathway to desegregation. The belief was that schools built around innovative themes would attract diverse families and create high-quality, integrated learning […]
The Spring 2026 issue of Distinct by Design arrives at a milestone moment—celebrating 40 years of Magnet Schools of America and the enduring impact of magnet education on students, communities, and the future of public education. Across these pages, a common thread emerges: magnet schools are not only a model of innovation and choice, but […]
A dedicated educator and instructional leader, Brian Hurley has played a transformative role in shaping a magnet program where leadership, engineering, and technology are not just themes—but lived experiences for every student.
A visionary and equity-driven leader, Latoya Lyons has transformed her school into a thriving STEM-centered learning community where students are empowered to explore, innovate, and succeed.
With a dual background in elementary and special education, Sharon Cuba brings a uniquely comprehensive and compassionate approach to teaching—one that ensures every student is seen, supported, and challenged to succeed.
A transformational leader with decades of impact, Nanette McCann has shaped one of the nation’s most recognized magnet high schools through visionary leadership, a commitment to excellence, and a deep belief in the potential of every student.
With more than 25 years in education—including 16 years in magnet schools—Brandy Garrett has built a career defined by innovation, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to equity.
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