FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Magnet Schools of America Announces 2018 Nationally Certified Magnet Schools
Washington, DC, March 20, 2018— Magnet Schools of America (MSA), the national association of magnet and theme-based schools, announces the nationally certified magnet schools for 2018. These 38 schools located in 12 states (AL, CA, CT, FL, GA, LA, MN, NC, NV, SC, TN, and TX) 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, MSA member 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, five were identified as National Demonstration Schools. These schools exceeded the criteria outlined in the Standards of Excellence and are models that should be closely studied and replicated. The Demonstration Schools will serve as innovation laboratories for others to learn best practices in theme-based education.
“The certification process validates the highest caliber schools and programs we have in public education. It has been very encouraging for MSA evaluators to see the outstanding curriculum, professional educators, and learning environments that are provided for students in these magnet schools,” said Kelly Bucherie, Director for Magnet School Leadership, Magnet Schools of America.
The 2018 cohort increases the total number of nationally certified magnet schools to 93 schools. Among these certified schools 15 have been designated as National Demonstration Schools. Additional magnet schools are going through the national certification application process this school year and will be complete this summer. Applications to participate next school year will be released on April 25, 2019. All currently certified schools will be recognized during a ceremony held at Magnet Schools of America’s 36th National Conference in Chicago, Illinois on April 25-29, 2018.
For more information, about the Magnet Schools of America Standards of Excellence Certification Program, please visit: http://www.magnetschools.info/certification/national-certification
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About MSA: Magnet Schools of America (MSA) is a nonprofit education association that represents more than 4,340 magnet schools serving nearly 3.5 million students. MSA was founded in 1986 and authorized as a 501(c)3 in 1994. It supports and serves the leaders and teachers of magnet and theme-based schools, while promoting the development of new magnet programs and public schools of choice. It also provides technical assistance through the National Institute for Magnet School Leadership (NIMSL).
Media Contact:
Magnet Schools of America
Kelly Bucherie, National Director for Magnet School Leadership
702-326-5136 or kelly.bucherie@magnet.edu
Young Women’s Preparatory Academy | Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
Center for Knowledge/Center for Knowledge North | Richland School District Two, SC
Kelly Mill Middle School | Richland School District Two, SC
Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary School ACE Magnet Program | Richland School District Two, SC
Glacier Hills Elementary School of Arts & Science | Independent School District 196, MN
Montana Street Magnet School | Dothan City Schools, AL
Academy for Academics and Arts | Huntsville City Schools, AL
Cleveland Humanities Magnet | Los Angeles Unified School District, CA
Aero/Hydrospace Engineering and Physical Science at Fairchild Wheeler Interdistrict Magnet Campus | Bridgeport Public Schools, CT
Biotechnology Research and Zoological Sciences | Bridgeport Public Schools, CT
Information Technology & Software Engineering High School | Bridgeport Public Schools, CT
John C. Daniels Interdistrict Magnet Schools of International Communication | New Haven Public Schools, CT
Quinnipiac Real World Math STEM School | New Haven Public Schools, CT
Maloney Interdistrict Magnet School | Waterbury Public Schools, CT
New River Middle School | Broward County Public Schools, FL
South Broward High School | Broward County Public Schools, FL
Muller Elementary Magnet School | Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL
Tampa Bay Technical High School | Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL
BioTECH @ Richmond Heights 9-12 High School | Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
Center for International Education: A Cambridge Associate School | Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
Dr. Henry E. Perrine Academy of the Arts | Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
iPrep Academy PK-12 | Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial High School | Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
Sunset Elementary School | Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL
Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts | Clayton County Public Schools, GA
Baton Rouge Foreign Language Academic Immersion Magnet | East Baton Rouge Parish Schools, LA
Belfair Montessori Magnet School | East Baton Rouge Parish Schools, LA
Forest Heights Academy of Excellence | East Baton Rouge Parish Schools, LA
Scotlandville Pre-Engineering Magnet Academy | East Baton Rouge Parish Schools, LA
Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School | East Baton Rouge Parish Schools, LA
Westdale Heights Academic Magnet | East Baton Rouge Parish Schools, LA
Carroll Leadership in Technology Magnet Middle School | Wake County Public School System, NC
Kingswood Montessori/STEM Magnet Elementary School | Wake County Public School System, NC
Ligon GT/AIG Magnet Middle School | Wake County Public School System, NC
Washington Magnet Elementary School | Wake County Public School System, NC
Jo Mackey Academy of Leadership and Global Communication | Clark County School District, NV
Dent Middle School | Richland School District Two, SC
Oppe Elementary School | Galveston Independent School District, TX
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.