MSA District of the Year

ROUND 3 WINNER: Clayton County Public Schools

ROUND 3 MATCHUPS

• Match 1: East Baton Rouge Parish Schools vs. *Orange County Public Schools

• Match 2: Seminole County Public Schools vs. *Clayton County Public Schools

• Match 3: *Norwalk Public Schools vs. Huntsville City Schools

• Match 4: Wichita Public Schools vs. *New London Public Schools

• Match 5: Wake County Public School System vs. *Hillsborough County Public Schools

• Match 6: *Tangipahoa Parish School System vs. School District of Palm Beach County

BYE: Clark County School District

*Match Winner

Check out the description of each district’s academic excellence initiatives in the match-ups below:

East Baton Rouge Parish School System has demonstrated a strong and measurable commitment to Academic Excellence, reflected in significant student growth and statewide recognition. The East Baton Rouge Parish School System’s overall SPS increased to 72.4, marking a “C” and the highest SPS score in district history. By partnering closely with district leadership, we have expanded innovative academic programs into historically underperforming schools, directly addressing achievement gaps and increasing student outcomes. As a result of these efforts, our district ranks #10 in the state for overall growth in 2025. Additionally, 96 percent of our schools earned an A, B, or C in academic progress, highlighting consistent improvement across campuses. Students are also earning Industry Based Credentials, which strengthen college and career readiness while contributing positively to overall district performance metrics. Together, these accomplishments reflect a strategic, data driven approach to advancing academic excellence for all students.

Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) has built a strong reputation for academic excellence through sustained improvement, innovative programs, and a districtwide commitment to high-quality instruction. Although the search results do not provide direct districtwide academic metrics, they highlight OCPS’s emphasis on celebrating outstanding educators and maintaining strong student-teacher ratios, both of which contribute to academic success.

OCPS’s achievements in academic excellence are reflected in its investment in rigorous curriculum pathways, including advanced coursework, magnet programs, and STEM initiatives that expand opportunities for students across the district. The district’s focus on professional development—evident in events like the annual Stellar Awards honoring exceptional educators—supports instructional quality and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Schools within OCPS also demonstrate competitive student teacher ratios, which strengthen individualized learning and academic.

Together, these efforts showcase OCPS’s dedication to elevating student performance, empowering educators, and sustaining a high standard of academic achievement across its diverse school communities.

Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) has consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, fostering an environment where students thrive intellectually and personally. The district is renowned for its high academic standards, and continues to be designated as an academically high-performing district from the Florida Department of Education. SCPS consistently achieves exceptional scores on state and national assessments, and has earned the nickname “STEMinole County” with being named number one in the State of Florida for STEM preparation by Dr. Paul Cottle. SCPS boasts several top-ranked schools and programs, including award-winning STEM initiatives, a fleet of Physics Buses, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual-enrollment opportunities. The district also excels in preparing students for college and career success, as evidenced by a high graduation rate and robust post-secondary partnerships. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, Seminole County Public Schools continues to produce well-rounded, high-achieving students prepared for the future.

Clayton County Public Schools continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to Academic Excellence through notable accomplishments. Eight schools, including Rex Mill Middle School and Unidos Dual Language School, have earned Cognia STEM certification, highlighting innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In 2024–2025, we added four whole-school magnet programs, bringing the total to 15 and expanding high-quality options for families. Our pre-kindergarten program also grew from 40 to 48 schools, and the Riverdale Early Learning Center will open in 2026–2027 as a new magnet school for PreK3, PreK4, and Kindergarten. Academic progress in 2025 includes increases in state content mastery—1.1% in elementary, 1.6% in middle, and 2.9% in high school—and a 2.9% rise in the four-year graduation rate. Two magnet schools maintained a 100% graduation rate. AP exam performance and CTAE pathway completions also increased, reflecting continued academic growth.

Norwalk Public Schools sustains academic excellence across a cohesive K 12 magnet continuum. Academic rigor is advanced through standards aligned instruction, interdisciplinary learning, and progressive STEAM and technology pathways building from elementary foundations to early college readiness. Schools implement Multi Tiered Systems of Support, common formative assessments, and continuous improvement cycles to respond to student needs with precision and care. Professional learning communities analyze multiple data sources to refine instruction and monitor progress. Documented outcomes include measurable academic growth, successful exits from intervention, and expanded access to advanced coursework for multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and historically underserved populations. The Portrait of a Graduate reinforces high expectations by aligning academics to critical thinking, communication, and application, ensuring consistent rigor and opportunity across all three magnet schools districtwide for students at every grade level nationwide success.

Huntsville City Schools has demonstrated strong commitment to academic excellence through measurable student achievement and national recognition. In the 2024–2025 Alabama State Department of Education report card, HCS earned an 88 federal and 89 state score, reflecting continued academic growth and improvement across the district, with most schools increasing their letter grades and multiple elementary schools achieving perfect scores.

The district’s high schools earned a place on the 2024 AP School Honor Roll, highlighting expanded access to Advanced Placement courses and strong student performance on AP exams—preparing learners for college and career success.

Additionally, six HCS schools were recognized as Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, a national honor that spotlights exemplary academic environments and sustained performance.

Several schools—including Blossomwood Elementary, Monte Sano Elementary, and New Century Technology High—were also named CLAS Schools of Distinction for outstanding programs and student outcomes.

Wichita Public Schools’ commitment to excellence has aided in making significant strides to narrow the achievement gap amongst sub-groups. State assessment trends indicate that all subgroups have increased in proficiency on state assessments over the last three years, however, historically lower achieving subgroups have made more substantial gains: ELA proficiency increased for Af/Am, Hispanic, and White subgroups by 111%, 82%, and 51%, respectively. In Math, Af/Am, Hispanic, and White subgroups respectively increased proficiency by 71%, 52%, and 32%.

This reduction in disparity is a direct result of intentional interventions that surgically address deficiencies based on the triannual results of progress monitoring.

In addition to these interventions, WPS has embraced programs such as Capturing Kids Hearts, Second Step, and Restorative Practices to focus more on prevention, rather than reaction, when it comes to conflict, which is illustrated by a significant reduction in students being sent out of class over the last two years.

New London Public Schools has built a high-quality magnet system that advances academic excellence through rigorous, theme-based instruction and high expectations for all learners. Across STEM, Visual & Performing Arts, and International Education pathways, students engage in challenging, standards-aligned coursework that emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and creativity. Early access to world languages, advanced mathematics, and arts specialization builds strong academic foundations beginning in elementary school and expands into middle and high school pathways that include honors, Advanced Placement, and dual credit opportunities. Teachers use data-driven instruction, small-group interventions, and aligned curricular resources to ensure that every student is supported and challenged. Magnet students consistently demonstrate high levels of engagement, persistence, and academic growth as they progress through vertically articulated pathways. By combining rigorous academics with specialized magnet themes, New London Public Schools prepares students to succeed in postsecondary education, competitive careers, and an increasingly complex global society.

Wake County Public School System’s four-year graduation rate reached a record 91.3% in 2024, with notable gains or economically disadvantaged and Black students, demonstrating improved outcomes across many schools and student groups. State test results show proficiency approaching or exceeding pre-pandemic levels in many grades and subjects, and 85% of schools met or exceeded growth expectations in 2023-24, signaling strong instructional recovery and improvement. The Strategic Plan sets ambitious targets (98% graduation, 90% proficiency, 90% of schools exceeding state growth, 95% regular attendance) that apply to all schools and guide districtwide continuous improvement cycles.

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) magnet schools demonstrate Academic Excellence through student performance and access to advanced and accelerated learning. Across magnet programs, proficiency and learning gains trends outpace district averages, with rising scores in ELA, Math, Science, and Civics and are supported by targeted acceleration pathways. With strong magnet CTE and Arts programs, IB (elementary to high school), Cambridge (secondary), dual enrollment, and AP courses, magnet programs offer rigorous pathways that support the district’s mission of Preparing Students for Life and led to a 90.1% district graduation rate in 2025. Notably, IB high school students achieved an 86.7% IB Diploma Pass Rate, and our Collegiate Academy high schools continue to earn AA degrees. Theme-based enrichment, like flight simulations, DNA analysis, musical performance, and more, promotes unique learning experiences. This high-yield instruction reflects a districtwide framework that utilizes real world experiences and evidence-based instructional models to ensure consistent, high-level academic performance in magnet pathways.

Tangipahoa Parish School System promotes academic excellence by providing students with a broad range of high-quality, choice-based learning opportunities designed to meet different interests and aspirations. Through innovative magnet programming, families can select pathways that include the International Baccalaureate, Montessori education, STEAM engineering, visual and performing arts, and advanced academic and career-focused options. Students in grades 11 and 12 benefit from access to advanced credentialing and dual enrollment coursework through the district’s Advanced College and Career Magnet Center, expanding rigorous learning opportunities and supporting college and career readiness for students in the district, not only those enrolled in magnet schools. These programs emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application of knowledge. High academic standards are supported by aligned curricula, ongoing assessment, and targeted professional learning for educators. By offering rigorous instructional pathways and removing barriers to participation, our students are challenged, supported, and prepared for continued success beyond graduation.

Academic excellence in the School District of Palm Beach County is a nationally recognized standard. Consistently “A” rated with a 95.6% graduation rate, our district dominates U.S. News & World Report rankings, with flagships such as Dreyfoos School of the Arts and Suncoast High School named among America’s best. Success is driven by rigorous IB, AP, and Cambridge AICE programs, alongside robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways. Students earn thousands of industry certifications annually in high-demand fields such as Cybersecurity, Aviation, and Biomedical Sciences. Our commitment is validated by frequent MSA Merit Awards, including repeat honors for Morikami Park Elementary and Don Estridge High Tech Middle School. With graduation rates exceeding 93% and millions in scholarships secured annually, SDPBC combines data-driven instruction with high expectations. Whether in Montessori or pre-law, our students achieve mastery, graduating with both college credits and professional credentials to ensure post-secondary success.

The Clark County School District (CCSD) demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence through multi-dimensional instruction, personalized supports, and high expectations that empower students to achieve their aspirations. CCSD magnet schools consistently excel, as reflected in state and national recognitions:

• Magnet schools have demonstrated an increase in and continue to hold top ratings within the Nevada School Performance Framework star rating system, which evaluates schools on multiple measures, including academic performance and graduation rates.
• Del Sol Academy earned Magnet School of America’s Secondary Magnet School of Merit Award of Excellence in 2025.
• 18 schools are recognized as Nevada Governor Designated STEM schools.
• 47 magnet students were selected as 2026 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.
• Ten students earned full-ride scholarships through QuestBridge National College Match last year.