Fall Issue, 2025

Welcome to Issue 2, 2025 of Distinct by Design, the quarterly digital magazine of Magnet Schools of America.

As its name suggests, Distinct by Design focuses primarily on a feature of American public education—the magnet school—that is unique and unlike most public schools but intentionally different, purposefully designed to provide opportunities that set these schools apart.

Apex Arts Dance Educator Tony Jackson-Hood Earns National Honor

The Apex Arts Magnet program proudly celebrates Tony Jackson-Hood, a dance educator at Brooklyn Park Middle School, who was recognized by the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) as the 2026 Outstanding Dance Educator in the PK–12 Established Educator category.

Growing Green: North Springs Outdoor Garden & Green Steps Journey

At North Springs Elementary in Richland School District Two, located in Columbia, SC, students are learning that STEM can grow right outside their classroom!

Partner Reading Builds Language and Confidence at Carson

Rachel Carson School, one of Chicago’s 49 Dual Language schools, is a thriving community centered on student motivation and instructional innovation. Spanish and English are at the heart of every classroom, supporting a predominantly Multilingual Learner population.

Eco-Makers Camp Connects Creativity, Sustainability, and Future Careers

The Office of Innovation launched its inaugural Eco-Makers Camp, a dynamic two-week experience connecting technology, creativity, and environmental stewardship.

Choice Is Not the Goal. Opportunity Is.

Artificial intelligence is already changing education. The question is whether we are designing that change or simply reacting to it.

Across the country, school systems are wrestling with difficult decisions about AI.

P-TECH Norwalk Student Brings a Message of Belonging to the National Stage

In July, P-TECH Norwalk High School student Isabella “Isa” Morales was one of only three students nationwide selected to speak at the MSAP national “Making Connections” Project Director Conference.

Building What’s Next: South CTA Connects Learning, Careers, and Community

South Career and Technical Academy is building on the strengths of the Career and Technical Academy model while creating a school experience centered on project-based learning, career exploration, and student engagement.

Don’t Let AI Redesign School by Accident

Artificial intelligence is already changing education. The question is whether we are designing that change or simply reacting to it.

Across the country, school systems are wrestling with difficult decisions about AI.

Launching Dreams into Orbit with MDCPS’ SpaceHUB

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) is reaching for the stars with SpaceHUB—a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind aerospace mega-magnet program designed to build the ultimate STEM pipeline!

Belonging by Design: Every Student Needs a Place, Not Just a Seat

Every student in our schools has a seat.

That does not mean every student has a place.

There is an important difference.

Translate »